Mill Valley 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.
Mill Valley Architect
Our Projects
We have multiple projects in progress and completed in Mill Valley, California
Mill Valley Architect
Mill Valley 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
Mill Valley 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.
Mill Valley 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.
Mill Valley 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.
Mill Valley Architect
Mill Valley Architect
From Mills, to Views; Unveiling the Origins of Mill Valley, California
Nestled at the base of the awe inspiring Mount Tamalpais in Marin County Mill Valley is a destination renowned for its vibrant culture and fascinating history.. Have you ever pondered how this enchanting place acquired its captivating name? Join us on a time traveling adventure as we uncover its past!
1. The Era of Sawmills;
In the mid 1800s before Mill Valley transformed into the town it is today it was primarily covered by dense redwood forests. The early settlers recognized the value of these trees and established sawmills. Among them John Thomas Reeds mill stood out as a hub for the budding community after its establishment in 1834.
2. The Lumber Industry Flourishes;
Thanks to Reeds pioneering efforts more sawmills swiftly emerged in proximity. The valley reverberated with the sound of saws as vast expanses of redwoods were transformed into lumber to be transported across the Bay Area.
3. A Thriving Community Takes Root;
Around these mills a vibrant community gradually blossomed. Quaint worker cottages, schools and stores sprang up within this area that came to be known as “the valley, with mills “. Simply “Mill Valley.”
4. Official Recognition;
The growth of the settlement and the impact of the mills, on its identity reached a peak in 1890 when it received its name “Mill Valley” upon the establishment of its post office.
Moreover even though the mills are no longer in operation and the redwood forests have been largely restored Mill Valley continues to thrive as a center. It is renowned for its thriving arts community, music festivals and breathtaking natural surroundings.
In summary the name Mill Valley stands as a testament to its origins serving as a reminder, to both residents and visitors of the sawmills that once defined its landscape and character.
Advice
Mill Valley Architect
Mill Valley Architect
Mill Valley, California; More Than a Name
Nestled beneath the greenery of Mount Tamalpais Mill Valley stands out, as more than just another town on Californias map. It exudes a blend of history, culture and nature that truly sets it apart. Lets embark on a journey to explore the essence of this valley.
1. Natural Marvels;
Mount Tamalpais; Majestically towering over the landscape ‘Mount Tam’ isn’t merely a summit; it also serves as a haven for hiking, cycling and idyllic picnics.
Muir Woods National Monument; A tranquil sanctuary dedicated to coast redwoods this forest reserve offers an escape into serenity.
2. Vibrant Cultural Hubs;
Throckmorton Theatre; From side splitting comedy shows to captivating concerts this theater pulsates with the beating heart of Mill Valleys thriving arts scene.
Mill Valley Film Festival; A cherished tradition since 1977 this festival draws filmmakers from all corners of the globe. Adds to the towns cultural tapestry.
3. Rich Historical Heritage;
With its roots firmly planted in lumber mills Mill Valley proudly showcases its history through preserved buildings, like the Old Mill while honoring tales from Coast Miwok Native Americans.
4. Culinary Delights;
Mill Valley flourishes with an array of dining options that cater to every palate—cozy cafes and upscale restaurants alike offer dishes brimming with flavors.
5. The artistic spirit;
Mill Valley, California is home, to an art scene with art fairs, galleries and even the renowned Dipsea Stairs embellished with captivating mosaics. These artistic expressions beautifully reflect the towns inclinations.
6. Embracing nature;
Mill Valley not boasts forests and majestic mountains but also offers an abundance of stunning parks, cycling trails and the picturesque Bayfront. These natural wonders provide a playground for those, in search of outdoor adventures.
In essence Mill Valley transcends its captivating name; it is a tapestry of experiences just waiting to be discovered and explored.
