Modern Architecture, San Francisco
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.
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
Our Projects
We have multiple projects in progress and completed in San Francisco
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
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
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
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.
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
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.
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
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.
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
Top 5 Contemporary Architectural Marvels, in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts an heritage blending its historical charm with a penchant for the cutting edge. In addition to the homes and iconic landmarks the city also showcases a collection of striking modern structures. These buildings, each with their design and purpose contribute to the citys skyline by adding a touch of contemporary elegance. This article delves into the top five must see wonders that grace San Francisco.
The Transamerica Pyramid
Although constructed in the 1970s the Transamerica Pyramid stands as a symbol of modernity on San Franciscos skyline. Architect William Pereiras pyramid shaped design initially sparked controversy. Has since become an integral part of the citys identity. Not does it offer daylight and breathtaking views for its occupants but it also minimizes shadows cast upon the vibrant streets below.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Crafted by firm Snøhetta SFMOMA underwent an expansion that concluded in 2016 and stands as a work of art, in itself. The facade captivates with its undulating panels made from fiber reinforced polymer mirroring the waters of the bay. The museums design prioritizes transparency and inclusivity by inviting both locals and visitors through its spacious public areas.
San Francisco boasts an diverse scene offering a playground, for innovative designs. One notable landmark is the Salesforce Tower towering at a height of 1,070 feet. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, this tapering building with glass curtain walls has become a symbol of the citys modern and globally recognized skyline.
Another architectural gem in San Francisco is the Contemporary Jewish Museum, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The museum beautifully merges new elements featuring a geometric extension called the “blue cube.” Made of stainless steel panels this addition creates a contrast with the red brick Jessie Street Power Substation. The architecture captures a conversation between tradition and innovation truly reflecting the museums mission.
One remarkable structure is the San Francisco Federal Building by Morphosis Architects. This building stands as a testament to design principles. With its 18 story height and unique perforated metal skin it efficiently regulates temperature while reducing energy consumption. Its slender profile and vertical gardens further accentuate its eco features.
The architectural landscape of San Francisco offers a blend of creativity and variety for those passionate, about designs.
San Franciscos skyline showcases its architecture, with buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid, SFMOMA, Salesforce Tower The Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Federal Building. Each of these structures represents the citys thinking nature. Reflects the progression of architectural design, in this vibrant urban environment.
Advice
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
Modern Architecture, San Francisco
The Modernist’s Paradise: San Francisco’s Appeal for Architecture Enthusiasts
San Francisco, a city renowned for its Golden Gate Bridge and charming cable cars holds an allure, for those fascinated by contemporary architecture. In years the city has become a playground for architectural visionaries seamlessly blending its rich historical legacy with a forward thinking mindset. Lets explore why San Francisco stands out as one of the destinations for enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of architecture.
A Tapestry of Architectural Styles
The landscape of San Francisco mirrors the diversity found within its population. The city effortlessly weaves together Edwardian residences with cutting edge skyscrapers resulting in a captivating fusion of styles. This harmonious coexistence pays homage to the citys past while embracing the spirit of innovation and progress. Such juxtapositions create a dialogue between bygone eras and contemporary design, captivating architecture enthusiasts.
Iconic Modern Masterpieces
San Francisco proudly boasts modern structures that have become synonymous with its skyline. The world renowned Transamerica Pyramid stands tall as a symbol of ambition and grandeur while the sleek Salesforce Tower adds a touch of elegance to the cityscape. Additionally the Federal Building showcases design concepts that push boundaries. Museums like SFMOMA featuring an expansion crafted by Snøhetta and the Contemporary Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind further exemplify San Franciscos commitment, to architectural excellence.
The topography of San Francisco, with its hills and diverse coastal landscape presents architects with both challenges and opportunities when designing buildings. However it has also inspired solutions that blend harmoniously with the surroundings. This ability to adapt to the landscape is a defining characteristic of architecture in San Francisco.
One key aspect of design in the city is its focus on sustainability. Many modern structures in San Francisco incorporate energy materials, green roofs and designs that maximize light. Take, for instance the San Francisco Federal Building designed by Morphosis Architects—an example of how eco conscious design can be integrated into architecture. By prioritizing sustainability these innovative designs not benefit the environment. Also push the boundaries of architectural innovation.
San Francisco boasts a community of architects and designers who continuously challenge norms in modern architecture. This energetic and creative environment fosters experimentation and drives innovation making it an exciting hub for those passionate about design.
With its ability to embrace both tradition and progress and its inventive approaches to addressing obstacles along with a commitment to practices San Francisco offers a unique appeal, to enthusiasts of modern architecture.Whether you’re gazing at the cityscape adorned with buildings or exploring the contemporary addition of a museum San Francisco provides countless chances to connect with and admire modern architectural design. No doubt, about it if you have a fondness, for architecture San Francisco is a city that never disappoints.
