Architecture Firms in California
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.
Architecture Firms in California
Our Projects
We have multiple projects in progress and completed in California
Architecture Firms in California
Architecture Firms in California
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
Architecture Firms in California
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.
Architecture Firms in California
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.
Architecture Firms in California
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.
Architecture Firms in California
Architecture Firms in California
California Dreamin’; The Changing House Styles of the Golden State
Oh, California! With its sun drenched shores, celebrity sightings and delicious avocado toasts it’s no wonder people, from over the world are drawn to this paradise.. Hold on tight because theres more to discover! Lets delve into a gem of this state; the evolving house styles. Get ready homeowners because we’re about to embark on a journey!
1. The Timeless Spanish Revival;
Ah, the allure of the world blended with that signature Cali charm! Picture terracotta roofs stucco walls adorned with ironwork. It’s a style for those longing, for memories of their European getaway while savoring a delightful Napa Valley Pinot.
2. The Cutting Edge Contemporary Mansion;
Think glass walls, infinity pools and sleek minimalist designs. We’re talking about house styles that make you wonder if it’s a residence or a work of art. If you have some cash and want to make a statement this is definitely your top choice.
3. The Conscious Dwelling;
California is renowned for its ecofriendly mindset which extends to architectural choices as well.
Consider the use of panels, green roofs and eco friendly materials. These are perfect, for homeowners who’re passionate about preserving the planet one recycled tile at a time.
4. The Craftsman Bungalow;
With its accents, spacious porches and handcrafted beauty this home exudes coziness and intimacy. It warmly invites you in with a cookie! It’s a choice for those seeking a space with a personal touch.
5. The Beachfront Retreat;
Can you hear the soothing sound of crashing waves? These homes focus on maximizing ocean views with balconies and open living spaces. Whether its a mansion in Malibu or a cozy shack in Santa Cruz there’s a Californian charm to living by the majestic blue waters.
In conclusion whether you’re a nester embarking on adventures or a first time homeowner wanting to infuse some California vibes into your living space the Golden State offers various architectural styles that will surely captivate your imagination. So here’s, to embracing reinvention, renovation projects and celebrating the wonders found throughout California!
Advice
Architecture Firms in California
Architecture Firms in California
Exploring the Allure of California Modern Architecture
Ah, California – where the sun forever shines and architectural grace feels as natural, as breathing. It’s a place of Hollywood glitz, Silicon Valley innovation. May I say, some remarkable housing styles? Lets turn our attention to California Modern Architecture, a movement that holds status than Hollywoods Walk of Fame!
1. So What is California Modern Architecture?
Imagine this; lines, open spaces and an unwavering connection between indoors and outdoors. It embodies the belief that design should harmonize with nature than overpower it. It’s like minimalism merging with the beauty of Mother Earth – a combination!
2. The Visionaries Behind the Movement;
Names like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler may sound like rockstars. In the world of architecture they truly are! These trailblazing masters blended design principles with the energy of the West Coast to create homes that exude the breeziness of a day at Malibu beach.
3. Key Characteristics;
Abundant Glass; Floor to ceiling windows? Absolutely! Glass walls? Most definitely! California Modernist homes embrace integration, between living spaces and the breathtaking Californian landscapes.
Flat roofs; Who needs roofs when you can have a flat one? It’s perfect, for enjoying some sunbathing sessions!
Open floor plans; Forget about walls! Open spaces are the way to go. They offer flexibility, light and of course they’re great for hosting amazing dinner parties.
4. The impact on designs;
California Modernism is not a thing of the past. Its principles influence many of todays designs from tech campuses in Silicon Valley to apartments in LA. It’s the choice for those who appreciate simplicity, functionality and a touch of nature in their lives.
In conclusion California Modernism goes beyond being a design movement; it represents a lifestyle. It’s about embracing the beauty of the world while celebrating simplicity and adding that distinctive Californian flair, to everything we do!
