The small town of Fairfax is a nice suburban community ideal for people who enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. The town’s real estate market is expensive and among the highest in the U.S. Its cost of living is high because Fairfax is one of the safest communities to live in. It’s a vibrant community with low crime rates, and its outdoor living attract people from all across the state.
With a high rate of home ownership, you’ll find plenty of contractors located in town and its nearby communities. Finding the right architect to suit your budget, lifestyle, and needs can be a daunting task. To help, our team has gathered the top architects in the area that specialize in residential architecture. Many of these firms deliver exceptional design services at a reasonable price. From small renovations to large-scale projects, these architectural firms are fully equipped to provide you with the most cost-efficient solutions.
Elida Doldan Schujman Architecture Studio
316 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941
Elida Doldan Schujman Architecture Studio offers a unique perspective in designing homes and commercial properties tailored for every client’s specific needs. The firm’s projects range from contemporary custom homes, historical preservations, and interior design. Additionally, the studio integrates product and furniture designs to create a cohesive and balanced environment clients can enjoy. Since 1983, founder Elida Doldan Schujman has been creating detailed designs inspired by sustainable architecture.
Her passion for combining beauty and energy-efficient systems has earned the design studio numerous awards and recognitions. In 2007, Elida Doldan Schujman Architecture Studio received the Design Award of Excellence from the City of San Rafael. Its design for the Burtt Residence in San Rafael showcases the firm’s expertise in restoring historical properties and the preservation of existing resources, while bringing old buildings closer to contemporary energy requirements.
The design studio has also been highlighted in the press including Marin Magazine and California Home & Design and several books. In 2020 Architecture Studio was selected as one of the 75 “Nation’s Leading Modern Architects” and published in “The Modern Home Residence” book. The firm is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and has earned a California Certification for Interior Design (CCIDC).
Engelhardt Architecture
126 Laurel Ave., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Established in 2003, San Anselmo-based Engelhardt Architecture is known for its exceptional designs and efficient planning process. The firm’s design process involves collaborating with clients, builders, and its team members. Green architecture also plays a huge factor in design. The design studio curates detailed designs that incorporate energy-efficient methods to improve the client’s quality of life.
Founder Bill Engelhardt has 28 years of industry experience with projects ranging from residential and commercial to retail and educational segments. Bill has a hands-on approach and oversees projects from start to completion. With a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Arizona State University, Bill has honed his skills in designing and managing projects of all scopes and sizes. As a licensed architect in California and New York, Bill offers comprehensive architectural services focusing on custom homes, additions, remodels, and interior design. For this featured San Anselmo project, the firm was tasked to design a modern farmhouse-style home with updated features.
Henry G. Taylor Architects
66 Crest Rd., Fairfax, CA 94930
Founded in 1975, Henry G. Taylor Architects is a tenured architectural firm specializing in custom home projects. The firm caters to all building types and architectural styles with a strong focus on traditional and Mediterranean designs. As a service-oriented firm, the studio has established an efficient design process to create a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for clients. The process involves project analysis, design development, planning, coordination, design review, and construction specifications.
Principal Henry Taylor formed Henry Taylor Architects focusing on residential projects. Before establishing the firm, he gained extensive experience working for a notable firm in San Francisco where he honed his design skills. Under his leadership is a creative team of architects who share the same passion for quality and excellence.
The design firm has been recognized for its impressive projects and was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle. One of its project highlights is this San Francisco Residence where the firm transformed the property into a contemporary home. Henry Taylor G. Architects worked on the interior spaces and new additions.
Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes
1010 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Suite 204, Kentfield, CA 94904
Renowned architectural firm Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes specializes in designing modern, contemporary, and bungalow-style homes. Since its inception, the design studio has completed projects throughout Napa and Marin County. The firm offers innovative design solutions using sketches, models, and diagrams to help homeowners visualize their property’s potential. The design team also fosters open communication with the clients to ensure that all aspects of the project are properly laid out. With a clear design process, the firm collaborates with clients and contractors to ensure that the schedule and budget are implemented accordingly.
The firm was formed through the partnerships of UC Berkeley alumni Kenneth Holder and Chris Parlette. Kenneth earned a master’s degree in Architecture and studied Ecological Architecture. His work experience is focused on the local architecture industry in the California Bay Area. Meanwhile, Chris Parlette brings over two decades of experience ranging from small to large scale projects with a strong direction in landscape and green architecture. Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes has been showcased in several publications including Architectural Digest and Spaces.
Hubbell Daily Architecture + Design
469C Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, CA 94939
For over a decade, Hubbell Daily Architecture + Design has been providing quality architectural design services across Marin County and San Francisco Bay Area. Focusing on residential architecture, its projects range from whole-house transformations to new homes. The firm caters to various building types and styles with a diverse portfolio of projects of all sizes. Anchored on the principles of communication and collaboration, the design studio has developed a structured system to generate a smooth and hassle-free process for clients.
The firm was founded in 2003 by husband and wife Brad Hubbell and Suzanne Daily. Brad has accumulated over 25 years of experience in design and project management. His projects range from contemporary homes to Victorian-inspired residences. Suzanne Daily specializes in focusing on finding creative solutions for projects that pose special challenges. With Brad and Suzanne’s combined knowledge and skills, the firm provides a unique approach to residential architecture.
One of the design studio’s highlighted projects is the Contemporary Farmhouse Estate in San Rafael. For this property, Hubbell Daily Architecture + Design designed a home that connects to the outdoor living area throughout the main level while providing ample, natural light and views throughout.
Morgan Hall Architect
8 School St., Fairfax, CA 94930
Marin County-based Morgan Hall Architect is a well-respected and reliable residential architecture firm. Its design services include remodels, additions, and new home construction customized for homeowners throughout the Bay Area. The firm was founded in 1991 by Morgan Hall and since then has been providing superior design services and customer service. For almost three decades, the studio has completed projects spanning across a variety of styles with a strong focus on craftsman and Asian designs. These designs are inspired by Morgan’s own travels throughout Asia and Europe.
For each project, Morgan and his dedicated team of architects curate designs that are striking, practical, and affordable. As a Bay Area native, Morgan has deep roots and an understanding of the area’s architectural landscape. With a Master’s in Architecture from Berkeley, he developed his skills further as a designer after establishing his own general contracting firm. Morgan Hall Architect is a member of the AIA and Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.
Star 7 Architects
248 Bolinas Rd., Fairfax, CA 94930
As a full-service architectural firm, Star 7 Architects offers a wide range of architecture and design solutions for Marin County residents and nearby areas. Offering a holistic design approach, the firm integrates art and technology to create unique and functional designs beneficial to the environment. The design studio is composed of highly-skilled architects with comprehensive industry experience.
Leading the firm is founder Charles Theobald who has two decades of experience working for prominent firms. Charles opened Star 7 in 2010 and since then has completed diverse projects focusing on traditional and contemporary homes. The firm handles each project with a personalized approach. From initial design consultation to project completion, Charles and his team will walk clients through the entire process. Additionally, the studio offers feasibility studies, master planning, schematic design, and permitting. Over the years, Star 7 has established itself as a reputable architecture firm in Fairfax.
Polsky Perlstein Architects
469 B Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, CA 94939
Since 1982, Polsky Perlstein Architects has been designing hundreds of homes throughout Northern California. With a diverse portfolio, the firm caters to all building types and project scopes. Its specialty is in designing craftsman, transitional, and contemporary homes. The design studio personalizes each project to fit the client’s personality and lifestyle. Its process involves extensive use of drawings to help clients visualize the design and how they can benefit from it.
Jared Polsky initially established the firm as Jared Polsky and Associates. After Richard Perlstein joined the company in 1989, they renamed it Polsky and Perlstein Associate. Since then, the principals have been spearheading the firm’s design direction with a team of veteran architects. Jared has nearly three decades of industry experience with a strong background in product specification, design review, planning, construction, and estimating. Richard also has 30 years of experience and has completed projects including multi-family homes, commercial buildings, and light industrial parks.
With Jared and Richard’s combined skills and expertise, the firm is recognized as one of the leading architectural firms in Larkspur. Polsky and Perlstein Architects has been featured in several publications including Delfi and Marin Independent Journal.
Verner Architects
737 2nd Street #407 Oakland, CA 94607
As a boutique architecture firm, Verner Architects specializes in modern and contemporary architecture. With offices located in Oakland and Palo Alto, the design studio caters to a broad market and has completed projects from East Coast to West Coast. Its projects mostly consist of custom residential properties including California’s unique hillside properties. Operating since 2006, Verner Architects has honed its skills in handling complex landscape structural issues often encountered by California homeowners and developers.
Using the latest technologies and practices in the industry, Verner Architects delivers quality designs and exceptional customer service. Before launching his career as an architect, firm founder Stephen Verner studied engineering and graduated with a Master’s degree in Architecture minoring in Historic Preservation. His skills and deep knowledge of residential architecture have led him to create remarkable designs. Verner Architects has been featured in various publications including Elle Décor, Forbes, and Oakland Magazine.
The design firm was tasked to create a contemporary design for this Fairfax home in Marin County. With an open plan, Verner Architects extended the indoor living area to create a relaxing outdoor environment for the homeowners.
Wade Design Architects
29 Magnolia Ave., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Founded in 2007, Wade Design Architects offers a full scope of architectural services for residents throughout Northern California. Its projects range from residential properties and retail to hospitality and wineries. For 14 years, the renowned firm has been providing quality design and superior service to clients. Its work encompasses all styles, including classic/traditional and modern/contemporary designs. The firm actively listens to the vision of the client and partners with them throughout design process.
Husband and wife Luke and Ani Wade formed the company after gaining experience working for prominent firms. Luke specializes in conceptual design, master planning and project management and has handled projects from various industries including residential, retail, restaurants, and resorts. His projects have also reached international waters including Dubai, Australia, and Panama. Ani brings strength in residential design, project management and construction management, and adds a sense of clarity and organization to every project. Wade Design Architects has been recognized in the media for its outstanding projects. Its designs can be seen in Marin Magazine, Dwell, California Home + Design and Luxe Magazine.
