San Jose Architects
Simplify Design Create
You want to make your home somewhere you can live for many years. We partner with discerning individuals like you to unlock the true potential of their construction projects. With open minds, creative mastery, and a deep respect for your aspirations, we provide design services that empower you to transcend the ordinary and create useful spaces that feel just right. Whether you’re making a change to a house you’ve lived in for a long time or just moved and need it to work better for you, we can help design a space that you will love to wake up in each day.
Call us for a free consultation at 415-867-5357 or email mk@masonkirby.com.
San Jose Architects
Our Projects
We have multiple projects in progress and completed in San Jose, California
San Jose Architects
San Jose Architects
How we work
Our methodology untangles the complexities of designing and building a home. We’ll guide and empower you all along the way, ensuring that your every decision brings you confidence and pride.
Timeless Design
We appreciate the rich tapestry of San Francisco’s vernacular architecture but are not beholden to it. Drawing inspiration from the City’s vibrant heritage and steep topography, we weave it into our contemporary approach, liberating homes from conventional boundaries. We diligently consider the environment and the community, then craft bespoke residences that go beyond the expected, becoming enduring symbols of individuality and beauty.
Collaboration
Great home design comes when you work with an architect to translate your ideas and aspirations into creative solutions. Every project is unique, so we spend a lot of time listening carefully to understand your needs, preferences, and budget. Then, collaborating with you, we apply our wide-ranging experience and meticulous process to bring their vision to life.
Evangelizing the Vision
Giving life to your home design means communicating that vision to contractors so they can build it and building authorities so that they can approve and permit the construction. In San Francisco, with its public policies to preserve neighborhood character, giving life to your project means persuading the neighborhood and municipal design review boards of the quality and appropriateness of your design.
Appropriate Technology
San Jose Architects
The plans submitted to the building department and the construction documents used by the builder are tailored for that purpose and easily intelligible by those building professionals. For everyone else, visualizing home design is a real challenge. To address this, we draft elevations, isometric views, and scale models for many projects during the conception and design development phases.
Through drawings and models, we can share rough concepts and massing among the team and with clients so they have opportunities to weigh in on significant design decisions. Then later in the final stages of development, these visualizations bring clarity to the discussions with all the stakeholders about the design.
San Jose Architects
We render these typically at a 1:50 or 1:100 scale, which means that a 1” on the model represents eight and a half feet in the real world. This massive change in scale is why we also use The Wild, a VR collaboration tool designed specifically for the building industry, to explore and design spaces in a virtual environment.
In the Wild, you see your home’s actual size. You can walk through and explore the space in real time, along with the architect and builder, so that you can understand and appreciate your design choices.
San Jose Architects
What our clients say
I can't really explain how great my experience working with Mason has been. He was completely involved through the whole process of designing an entire apartment out of a huge empty office room in our building. It's been almost a full year since we started, and I couldn't be happier. He has a great attention to detail and an imaginative mind. Being an opinionated person he did a great job of appealing to things that I knew I wanted, but also lending ideas when I was stuck. The space is well maximized, and the materials chosen are beautiful... Not to mention he hand welded a chandelier for the living room area. Mason (and also Karen) are great people, and great to work with. Absolutely recommended.
Mason has done 3 remodel projects with us. He's so great... He's helped us work out a vision for our crazy old house, and has been there with us every step of the way towards that vision. He's good with a budget, he'll tell you honestly when there's a way to bring the price down. He also has a great aesthetic sense. He even hand made a cool industrial chandelier for us.
San Jose Architects
San Jose Architects
Navigating Renovation Regulations and Challenges in San Jose
When it comes to renovating properties, in San Jose, homeowners and real estate investors face regulations and challenges. The citys thriving real estate market and continuous growth make it an attractive option for those seeking to upgrade their properties. However navigating the web of rules and regulations can be quite overwhelming. This article aims to provide insight into the factors one must consider when embarking on a renovation project in San Jose.
One crucial aspect is understanding the San Jose Building Code, which serves as a rulebook for construction projects within the city. It incorporates standards from the California Building Code. Also includes adjustments that are relevant to San Joses unique environment and urban landscape.
The building code covers a range of regulations related to integrity, safety measures, fire protection, accessibility, energy efficiency and even aesthetic considerations. Non compliance with these regulations can result in fines. Even require the removal or correction of non compliant work. Therefore adhering to these rules is of importance.
Another important consideration is navigating the permit process for renovations in San Jose. In cases obtaining a permit is necessary, before commencing any renovation work.
Different types of permits are required for kinds of construction work. This can include tasks, like plumbing work well as structural alterations. For changes such as painting or installing cabinetry permits may not be necessary. However it’s always an idea to verify with the San Jose Permit Center if you’re unsure.
Once you have your plans ready they must be submitted to the city for review. The duration of this review process will depend on the complexity of your renovation project. May take weeks. Once your plans are approved by the city you can obtain your permit and commence work. It’s important to remember that inspections will occur at stages during the renovation to ensure compliance with building codes.
San Jose is a city with a history and many heritage properties. If you’re considering renovating a property that is deemed historic or located in a designated district additional regulations and restrictions will apply. Changes made to these properties generally require approval from the Historic Landmarks Commission. Must preserve the character of the structure.
Sustainable building practices have been prioritized in California, including San Jose. The city has embraced building standards in line with its commitment, to sustainability.
The city follows the CalGreen Code, which establishes standards, for energy efficiency, water usage and other environmental considerations. It’s crucial to align your renovations with these standards as they are incorporated into the building permit process. Some homeowners also aim for LEED certification, a recognized benchmark for eco buildings.
Possible Obstacles
While there are advantages to renovating in San Jose it’s important to acknowledge the challenges involved. The costs of labor and materials can be high making renovations expensive. Obtaining permits can be time consuming and complex especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Additionally navigating restrictions in districts can be particularly tricky.
To overcome these challenges it is often beneficial to collaborate with professionals who have experience in this field. An experienced architect or contractor can provide guidance throughout the process ensuring compliance with all regulations and facilitating a renovation project.
Renovating in San Jose may seem like an undertaking; however by understanding and adhering to the regulations you increase your chances of achieving success, with your project.
By strategizing conducting research and exercising patience you have the ability to transform your vision into reality. Not will this enhance your propertys worth. It will also contribute to the dynamic cityscape of San Jose.
Advice
San Jose Architects
San Jose Architects
The Architectural Landscape of San Jose: A Blend of History, Innovation, and Culture
San Jose, the city, in California and the vibrant heart of Silicon Valley is renowned for its sunny skies and pioneering role in the technology industry. However what often goes unnoticed is the captivating landscape that combines history, culture and innovation. In this article we delve into San Joses tapestry uncovering both known landmarks and hidden treasures that collectively tell the citys unique story.
Architecture Reflecting a Storied Past
Despite its reputation as a technology hub San Jose proudly showcases a historical legacy through its diverse architectural styles. From Colonial Revivals that pay homage to its origins to houses embodying late 19th century prosperity, the architectural history of San Jose is an intriguing blend.
One iconic example of architecture is none than the mysterious Winchester Mystery House. This sprawling mansion was once home to Sarah Winchester. Has become famous for its design featuring winding corridors staircases leading to unexpected places and an array of seemingly endless rooms—an architectural marvel that attracts countless visitors year, after year.
In San Jose you can explore neighborhoods, like Hanchett Park and Naglee Park which boast a blend of styles. From Craftsman bungalows to Spanish Colonial Revivals these neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the citys rich history and showcase its architectural diversity.
Being at the forefront of the tech industry it’s no surprise that San Jose has a spirit of innovation that extends to its buildings. The city is committed to design and construction often driven by building policies and incentives. This has led to an increasing number of eco structures shaping San Joses skyline.
San Jose takes pride in its fusion of cultures, which is beautifully reflected in its architecture. For instance Japantown stands as one of the remaining Japantowns in the United States. Here you’ll find a mix of Japanese style buildings blending harmoniously with modern architecture.
Additionally San Jose embraces its heritage with examples, like Our Lady of Guadalupe Church located at the heart of Mexican Heritage Plaza. Its stunning design pays homage to the citys cultural roots.
This magnificent structure showcases a design influenced by the heritage of architecture featuring a vibrant mural adorning its facade.
Tech Marvels
When we talk about the scene, in San Jose we cannot overlook the tech landmarks that define the city. The Tech Interactive, a museum of technology and science stands out in the downtown area with its eye catching mango and colored building, symbolizing creativity and innovation.
The influence of Silicon Valley is evident in the office complexes scattered throughout the city. Notable among these is Samsung Semiconductors North American Headquarters, known for its iconic glass exterior and friendly design representing San Joses role as a hub of technological breakthroughs.
San Jose’s landscape beautifully reflects its history, cultural diversity and continuous pursuit of technological advancement. From residences to cutting edge designs every structure tells a story of progress and ingenuity that resonates with the dynamic spirit of its inhabitants. As San Jose evolves and flourishes into the future its architectural blend effortlessly intertwines elements, from the past present and future.
