Bay Area Architect
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.
Bay Area Architect
Our Projects
We have multiple projects in progress and completed in San Francisco Bay Area
Bay Area Architect
Bay Area Architect
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
Bay Area Architect
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.
Bay Area Architect
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.
Bay Area Architect
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.
Bay Area Architect
Bay Area Architect
Exploring the Rules and Challenges of Renovation, in the Bay Area
The Bay Area, home to vibrant cities like San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose is renowned for its culture diverse architectural styles and historical allure. With the continuous tech boom attracting people to this region renovation projects have become increasingly popular. However it is crucial to be well informed about the regulations and challenges associated with renovating in the Bay Area. This article aims to provide guidance for navigating these complexities.
Understanding Local Building Codes
Each city within the Bay Area has its set of building codes that are tailored to address concerns while being based on the California Building Code. These codes encompass aspects of construction such as safety measures, structural integrity requirements, energy efficiency standards and more. Familiarizing yourself with these codes to your city and project is essential because non compliance can lead to significant fines and project delays.
The Permit Process; An Essential Requirement
Obtaining a permit is typically a step for any renovation project in the Bay Area. This applies not to changes but also extends to electrical work, plumbing modifications as well, as certain landscaping endeavors. Each city has its process when it comes to applying for and reviewing permits. Generally this involves submitting plans or documents outlining your renovation proposal to your citys designated building department for their review.
The length of the review process can vary, lasting from a weeks, to months depending on how complex your project is.
Once the city approves your plans you will receive the permit to start construction. It’s important to keep in mind that during the construction phase inspections will be conducted at stages to ensure compliance with both approved plans and building codes. These inspections may cause some delays so it’s crucial to factor them into your project timeline.
When dealing with locations in the Bay Area that hold significance or are located within districts there are rules and regulations that you need to consider. If you’re planning on renovating a property any modifications must be done while preserving its character. This might impose some limitations on what renovations can be carried out.
For instance in San Francisco any changes made to properties classified as “resources” must go through a review and approval process by the Historic Preservation Commission. Additionally compliance with Californias Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is also required. This act mandates an evaluation of impacts on resources before proceeding with any renovations. It’s essential to have an understanding of these constraints before purchasing a property, with renovation intentions.
Green Building Standards
California has always been, at the forefront of care. This commitment is evident in its building codes. The CalGreen Code outlines measures to promote energy efficiency, water conservation and material recycling. While these additional regulations may add some complexity to the process of renovating they also present an opportunity to create buildings that’re more sustainable and efficient.
Dealing with Challenges in the Bay Area
Renovating in the Bay Area comes with its set of challenges despite the potential for property value appreciation. Construction costs here rank among the highest in the country due to labor expenses, expensive materials and a high demand for contractors.
The permitting process can be time consuming and intricate. Additionally Californias seismic safety requirements further complicate construction projects as buildings need to be reinforced to withstand earthquakes.
Overcoming Obstacles; Seeking Professional Assistance
Given the complexities involved in renovating in the Bay Area seeking assistance can be extremely valuable. Local architects and contractors who possess expertise can offer guidance on navigating through permits adhering to building codes and effectively managing construction.
In summary undertaking a renovation project, in the Bay Area can be both intricate and demanding. However with preparation, an understanding of regulations and a willingness to exercise patience you can achieve a fruitful and satisfying outcome.
The diverse and lively culture, thriving economy and beautiful landscapes of the Bay Area create the backdrop, for your renovation journey.
Advice
Bay Area Architect
Bay Area Architect
Celebrating the Architectural Marvels of the Bay Area
The Bay Area encompassing cities, like Oakland and San Jose holds a place in the United States. It boasts an array of wonders that perfectly reflect the regions population. This article aims to showcase some milestones that have greatly contributed to the identity of the Bay Area.
The Golden Gate Bridge; A Symbol of Strength and Elegance
When discussing architecture in the Bay Area it would be incomplete not to mention the Golden Gate Bridge. Built in 1937 this bridge spans across the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Stands as an engineering achievement showcasing brilliance from its era. Its distinct International Orange color, art deco design elements and majestic towers have made it a symbol synonymous with both locals and visitors
Transamerica Pyramid; An Architectural Marvel
The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco has been hailed as an exemplar of excellence since its completion in 1972. Designed by architect William Pereira this pyramid shaped building broke away from skyscraper norms at that time. Standing tall at 853 feet it held the distinction of being San Franciscos building until 2018. Today it continues to be one of the prominent structures, within the city.
The beautiful row of houses, at 710 720 Steiner Street in San Francisco affectionately known as the Painted Ladies showcases the citys history. These houses were built between 1892 and 1896. Perfectly blend with the skyline creating a charming juxtaposition of old and new.
San Francisco City Hall is an awe inspiring example of American Beaux Arts architecture. Completed in 1915 its grand rotunda is even taller than that of the U.S. Capitol Building. The intricate details and clever use of light have made it an enduring landmark cherished by all.
The California Academy of Sciences located within Golden Gate Park is a marvel in terms of design. Architect Renzo Piano has created a friendly masterpiece with a vast living roof spanning over 2.5 acres, solar panels for energy generation and abundant use of natural light sources.
One notable achievement in the world of architecture is a building in Silicon Valley that has been awarded the Platinum rating under the LEED program making it one of public structures to receive such recognition.
Silicon Valley serves as home to high tech companies headquarters within the Bay Area. It stands as a testament, to marvels and innovation.These companies have campuses that truly embody their philosophy of thinking. The Apple Park, often referred to as “the spaceship” because of its design stands out as an example. Designed by the architect Norman Foster this campus serves as a testament to Apples dedication to both innovation and sustainability.
The architectural landmarks, in the Bay Area reflect the character of this region. They combine charm with cutting edge design with an emphasis on sustainability. From bridges and historic homes to buildings and futuristic tech campuses these landmarks tell a captivating story of architectural evolution. As the Bay Area continues to thrive and progress not does it honor its past through its built environment. Also provides an inspiring blueprint, for future endeavors.
