Bernal Heights 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.
Bernal Heights Architects
Our Projects
We have multiple projects in progress and completed in Bernal Heights, San Francisco
Bernal Heights Architects
Bernal Heights 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
Bernal Heights 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.
Bernal Heights 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.
Bernal Heights 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.
Bernal Heights Architects
Bernal Heights Architects
Bernal Heights; A Hidden Treasure of Architecture and a Haven, for Families in San Francisco
Tucked away in the heart of San Francisco lies Bernal Heights, a neighborhood that houses the architects known as Mason Kirby. This delightful community offers a captivating fusion of styles a sense of community, exceptional schools and an abundance of family friendly activities. As residents ourselves we take pride in calling Bernal Heights our cherished home. In this article we’ll provide you with an insiders viewpoint on why Bernal Heightss the place to reside in San Francisco particularly for families.
Captivating Architectural Delights
Bernal Heights showcases a captivating medley of styles that beautifully capture the neighborhoods history. Victorian, Edwardian and mid century modern homes effortlessly coexist with designs painting a stunning picture that is distinctly representative of San Franciscos charm. As architects ourselves we constantly draw inspiration from the rows of houses and the cottages nestled amidst lush gardens.
The seamless integration, between old world charm and modern aesthetics combined with the areas undulating landscape and breathtaking vistas make Bernal Heights an alluring destination sought after by both architects and homeowners.To demonstrate our affection, for the neighborhood Mason Kirby takes pride in designing and constructing numerous homes and additions that beautifully complement and enhance the existing character of Bernal Heights.
Outstanding Educational Institutions
Bernal Heights boasts several highly regarded schools making it an ideal community for families with children. From elementary to school our local educational establishments are dedicated to creating a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment for students.
Notable schools in the area include Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School, Paul Revere Preparatory School and James Lick Middle School. These institutions provide a range of programs and extracurricular activities that encourage a love for learning and community participation.
Community Unity and Engagements
The remarkable sense of unity within Bernal Heights stands out as one of its assets. Local events like the Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema, Fiesta, on the Hill and the Bernal Heights Art Walk bring neighbors together while showcasing the scene in our area. Residents also come together to support businesses by patronizing shops and eateries that contribute to Bernal Heights unique charm.
For families there is an abundance of activities to partake in within Bernal Heights.
At the top of Bernal Heights neighborhood you’ll find Bernal Heights Park, which offers views of the city. It’s a destination, for people who want to enjoy picnics fly kites. Walk their dogs. The park also has a playground and a community garden where residents can take care of their plots.
Another beloved place for families is the Bernal Heights Branch Library. They organize programs for children such as storytelling sessions crafting activities and family movie nights. The library is also a gathering spot for the community providing resources and support for people of all ages.
Being located in San Francisco puts Bernal Heights in proximity to attractions. Just a drive or bus ride away you can explore Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Zoo, the California Academy of Sciences and the De Young Museum among others.
Golden Gate Park is a area that features a playground picnic spots and even an off leash dog park. If you’re up for it you can hike up Bernal Hill within the park to enjoy views of the city. This makes it an ideal adventure for families with kids.
For those who appreciate art and culture taking a stroll, along the Mural Arts Walk is highly recommended.
This incredible outdoor art exhibition presents a collection of thought provoking murals all created by local artists. It’s an opportunity for young minds to appreciate and explore the beauty of art.
Bernal Heights is renowned, for its farmers market, which takes place every Saturday at the Alemany Farmers Market. Here you’ll find a selection of produce sourced from local farms, delightful baked goods and unique artisanal products. It’s a chance to teach your children about the significance of supporting our farmers and making healthy food choices.
For an experience consider signing up for a family friendly workshop at the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center. This community hub provides an array of classes like pottery and painting that’re ideal for families looking to bond and unleash their artistic talents.
Lastly make sure not to miss out on exploring the boutiques and family owned restaurants along Cortland Avenue. With its range of cuisines and one of a kind shops there’s something for everyone as you create lifelong memories in Bernal Heights.
Photo credit; “Approaching Bernal Heights, San Francisco, California” by Ken Lund, from Reno, Nevada, USA
Advice
Bernal Heights Architects
Bernal Heights Architects
Understanding Bernal Heights Planning Code 242: A Guide for Clients
When working as an architect, in Bernal Heights we often get inquiries about how the local planning code affects home renovations and constructions. This comprehensive guide dives into the Bernal Heights Special Use District (SUD) Planning Code Section 242. Explores its impact on your renovation and construction projects.
The Bernal Heights SUD Planning Code Section 242 was established in 1986. Later revised in 1991 to preserve the charm of the neighborhood. Its main goals include maintaining the existing scale and character of buildings protecting sunlight and air access for neighboring properties and promoting designs that blend harmoniously with the neighborhoods overall style.
For homeowners in Bernal Heights considering a renovation it is essential to understand how the Planning Code can influence their project. Here are some examples;
Design Guidelines; The Planning Code incorporates design guidelines for constructions and renovations in Bernal Heights. These guidelines ensure that any new development aligns, with the neighborhoods existing character. If a homeowners renovation plans do not comply with these guidelines they may need to make adjustments to meet the requirements.
The regulations dictate the height of buildings, in areas and mandate that buildings must be set back a specific distance from the street and neighboring properties depending on the areas zoning. Homeowners who wish to add another floor or expand their homes may need to adhere to these height restrictions and setback requirements.
Regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) the regulations permit their creation in Bernal Heights. There are limitations on their size and location. Homeowners interested in adding an ADU to their property must comply with these guidelines.
In terms of landscaping and open space the regulations require developments to incorporate seating areas or gardens based on the zoning district. Homeowners planning to make additions or expand their homes may also need to include landscaping or open spaces as part of their plans.
Parking is another aspect covered by the code, which sets parking requirements for developments depending on the zoning district and usage type (e.g., residential or commercial). Homeowners looking to build a garage or create parking spaces will need to adhere to these parking requirements.
Image credit ‘Swing in the trees in Bernal Heights Park, San Francisco, California by Rhododendrites’
