Best Architecture Firms in San Francisco

Gensler, a worldwide architecture, planning, and design firm, has 53 offices and over 7,000 employees across Asia Pacific, Europe, Greater China and Asia Pacific. Gensler was founded in 1965 and has more than 4000 clients worldwide. It operates across 29 areas of practice that cover the lifestyle, community, health, work, and healthcare sectors. Our mission is to make the world better through… more...

Gensler, a worldwide architecture, planning, and design firm, has 53 offices and over 7,000 employees across Asia Pacific, Europe, Greater China and Asia Pacific. Gensler was founded in 1965 and has more than 4000 clients worldwide. It operates across 29 areas of practice that cover the lifestyle, community, health, work, and healthcare sectors. Our mission is to make the world better through design. We believe that our greatest strength comes from our employees. We are moving together to a new age of design by leveraging our diverse ideas, research and innovation, shared values and One-Firm firm culture. As we tackle global challenges, our ability to empower our employees and work seamlessly together as an interconnected company allows us to have the most impact on our communities.

Licensed in BIM and California Building Code, MzzK Architects specializes in architectural design and permit services for commercial, industrial, and residential projects across the Bay Area and beyond. Clients appreciate the team’s clear communication and steady guidance through permitting and construction, even when unexpected challenges arise.

WRNS Studio focuses on sustainable, human-scale modernist design that balances beauty with usability. They work on commercial, educational, and cultural projects, helping clients align design with their core values without driving up costs. The team is known for thoughtful, responsible service and a collaborative office environment.

AT6 Architecture + Design Build offers a combined design and construction approach that helps projects flow smoothly from concept to completion. Their team handles everything from architectural plans to building, focusing on personalized, thoughtful spaces that align with clients’ needs and budgets. Customers appreciate their clear communication and quality results, though some projects have… more...

AT6 Architecture + Design Build offers a combined design and construction approach that helps projects flow smoothly from concept to completion. Their team handles everything from architectural plans to building, focusing on personalized, thoughtful spaces that align with clients’ needs and budgets. Customers appreciate their clear communication and quality results, though some projects have faced supply-related delays.

With over 170 years of experience, SmithGroup focuses on innovative architectural design that supports healing, research, and learning environments. Their team blends creativity and technical skill to tackle complex projects, and clients appreciate the firm’s collaborative approach and mission-driven staff. Some find the firm’s size can make communication a bit complex.

HB+A Architects specializes in sustainable, hands-on design with deep experience navigating complex permitting and construction processes across Northern California. Their services span multifamily housing, commercial spaces, and environmental design, with clients appreciating the team’s clear communication and thorough guidance—though projects can involve detailed regulatory steps.

Focused on designing innovative science and technology environments, Perkins&Will blends sustainability with community-driven spaces. Their team offers architectural services that foster interaction and creativity in research settings. Some clients note occasional challenges with meeting deadlines, but the firm’s commitment to thoughtful design stands out.

David Baker Architects specializes in sustainable mixed-use communities that emphasize social equity and environmental responsibility. The team offers architectural and urban design services focused on affordable housing and community-centered projects. Clients appreciate their thoughtful approach, though some note the color palettes can feel generic.

With over twenty years of experience working with historic San Francisco buildings, Costa Brown Architecture specializes in uncovering and enhancing the unique character of older structures. The team offers custom design services focused on quality materials and thoughtful details, collaborating closely with contractors to bring projects to life. Clients appreciate their responsiveness and… more...

With over twenty years of experience working with historic San Francisco buildings, Costa Brown Architecture specializes in uncovering and enhancing the unique character of older structures. The team offers custom design services focused on quality materials and thoughtful details, collaborating closely with contractors to bring projects to life. Clients appreciate their responsiveness and creative approach, though some note the complexity of working within historic regulations.

Kerman Morris Architects was established in 1994. It is a woman-owned small business that has been recognized as a Green Business by San Francisco. The firm is committed to excellence in design, creating well-crafted spaces for living and work. We specialize in residential development, which includes affordable and infill housing as well as mixed-use developments. Toby Morris’ work was influenced… more...

Kerman Morris Architects was established in 1994. It is a woman-owned small business that has been recognized as a Green Business by San Francisco. The firm is committed to excellence in design, creating well-crafted spaces for living and work. We specialize in residential development, which includes affordable and infill housing as well as mixed-use developments. Toby Morris’ work was influenced by both his work as a carpenter in his youth and his research on housing development, affordability and policy. Toby Morris worked in San Francisco and Boston before co-founding Kerman Morris Architects. He also designed homes, multi-family housing and mixed-use projects. Toby has also taught at UC Berkeley graduate housing design and planning courses. He was published by the Institute of Urban and Regional Development on non-profit housing production and working strategies of Bay Area Nonprofits. Toby brings over two decades' experience in successfully navigating projects through San Francisco’s complicated environmental and neighborhood planning processes. In California, he is licensed as an architect.

Larson Shores Architects specializes in multi-disciplinary design, blending architecture and interiors with a modernist vision that connects buildings thoughtfully to their surroundings. Their services include residential and commercial projects, renovations, and interior design, with clients appreciating their creativity, attentive listening, and collaborative approach throughout the process.

ALTUS Draft & Design specializes in residential and commercial architectural drafting and design, with recent projects focused on ADUs, remodels, and tenant improvements. Their services include construction documents, permit sets, and Title 24 analysis, along with help navigating local planning departments. While some clients note delays and revisions, many appreciate the team’s responsiveness… more...

ALTUS Draft & Design specializes in residential and commercial architectural drafting and design, with recent projects focused on ADUs, remodels, and tenant improvements. Their services include construction documents, permit sets, and Title 24 analysis, along with help navigating local planning departments. While some clients note delays and revisions, many appreciate the team’s responsiveness and ability to manage complex permitting processes.

DRAMS Architects specializes in using advanced 3D scanning and BIM modeling to manage residential and commercial projects across the San Francisco Bay Area. Their team handles everything from detailed design plans to permit approvals, with clients appreciating their responsiveness and the precision that helps reduce costly rework. Some find the high-tech approach different at first but ultimately… more...

DRAMS Architects specializes in using advanced 3D scanning and BIM modeling to manage residential and commercial projects across the San Francisco Bay Area. Their team handles everything from detailed design plans to permit approvals, with clients appreciating their responsiveness and the precision that helps reduce costly rework. Some find the high-tech approach different at first but ultimately effective.

Buttrick Projects Architecture+Design specializes in thoughtful residential renovations that blend modern functionality with historic charm. Their work often includes careful updates to classic Bay Area homes, adding light-filled spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Clients appreciate the team’s attention to detail and collaborative approach, though they focus exclusively on residential… more...

Buttrick Projects Architecture+Design specializes in thoughtful residential renovations that blend modern functionality with historic charm. Their work often includes careful updates to classic Bay Area homes, adding light-filled spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Clients appreciate the team’s attention to detail and collaborative approach, though they focus exclusively on residential projects.

Specializing in commercial and healthcare renovations with a focus on ADA compliance, Hilliard Architects offers services like feasibility studies, construction documents, and building inspections that many others avoid. Clients appreciate their knowledgeable, responsive team and clear guidance on code requirements, though some projects may require detailed coordination.

Gensler, a worldwide architecture, planning, and design firm, has 53 offices and over 7,000 employees across Asia Pacific, Europe, Greater China and Asia Pacific. Gensler was founded in 1965 and has more than 4000 clients worldwide. Its 29 practice areas include work, life, community, health, and lifestyle. Our mission is to make the world better through design. We believe that our greatest… more...

Gensler, a worldwide architecture, planning, and design firm, has 53 offices and over 7,000 employees across Asia Pacific, Europe, Greater China and Asia Pacific. Gensler was founded in 1965 and has more than 4000 clients worldwide. Its 29 practice areas include work, life, community, health, and lifestyle. Our mission is to make the world better through design. We believe that our greatest strength comes from our employees. We are moving together to a new age of design by leveraging our diverse ideas, research and innovation, shared values and One-Firm firm culture. As we tackle global challenges, our ability to empower our employees and work seamlessly together as an interconnected company allows us to have the most impact on our communities. Our incredible global reach and diversity are what fuels us as a group of stars. The shared goal of our team, which includes more than 7,008 talented designers, strategists and innovators, is to make the world a better place.

Ecobuild Architects specializes in modern, sustainable residential and commercial designs that balance form and function. The licensed team offers architectural planning and technical assistance, with clients noting their attention to detail and responsiveness throughout projects. Some find the process thorough, reflecting the firm’s careful approach to design and code compliance.

PYATOK promotes the creation of inclusive, vibrant communities by promoting sustainable urban design and education. Our original purpose is to offer the best design and technical support in an ever-changing world to all people, regardless of their income, social-cultural background, or age. PYATOK was founded to help low-income communities find sustainable housing solutions that are unique to… more...

PYATOK promotes the creation of inclusive, vibrant communities by promoting sustainable urban design and education. Our original purpose is to offer the best design and technical support in an ever-changing world to all people, regardless of their income, social-cultural background, or age. PYATOK was founded to help low-income communities find sustainable housing solutions that are unique to their social and cultural origins. Today, PYATOK extends its commitment to all who have the means to purchase housing in the open market and students in higher education with affordable and decent housing. We have a long-standing passion for engaging people who are not normally able to plan and design their communities. This has allowed us to make contact with many different populations from a variety of social, cultural and racial backgrounds. Programming and Design are a way to engage the diversity of our communities. We ask thoughtful, respectful questions and listen well. We don't believe in using stylistic design principles. After conducting thorough research, we identify the needs of each community and create a customized process to engage our clients. Our 2D and 3-D tools allow people to create a variety of physical options for themselves that will meet their needs. They also provide insight into their goals and values. These tools have been extended to market rate developers and universities, who have enlisted our help because we have a reputation for serving low-income communities. Over 38 years of experience, we know that there is an inherent pride in every neighborhood and campus. This pride must be used and respected by all. We also learned that everyone is capable of contributing to planning and urban design. That it is impossible to combine economic, technological, socio-cultural, environmental, and ecological factors to create a poetry-inspiring environment. While our technical and creative skills are important, as well as our poetry sense, the success of any new location is dependent upon our 'people skills.

KTGY specializes in residential, mixed-use development, and neighborhood revitalization with a focus on sustainable design and integrated residential-hotel concepts. Their team offers architectural, branding, and interior design services aimed at creating lasting, memorable spaces. Clients appreciate the firm’s creative vision, though detailed feedback is limited.

Design Everest specializes in technology-enabled architecture and engineering services, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial projects across California. Their team offers design plans and permit sets through a remote delivery system, often praised for clear communication and quick turnaround. Some clients note initial customer service can feel impersonal before connecting with… more...

Design Everest specializes in technology-enabled architecture and engineering services, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial projects across California. Their team offers design plans and permit sets through a remote delivery system, often praised for clear communication and quick turnaround. Some clients note initial customer service can feel impersonal before connecting with engineers.