Thinking of relocating to Larkspur? The city’s quaint and cozy neighborhoods offer a warm and inviting environment for young families. Larkspur’s real estate community is a mix of single-family residences, apartments, condominiums, and mobile homes. With low crime rates and high employment, many are looking to move to the city despite its high cost of living.
Finding an architect who can fulfill your needs and requirements at a reasonable cost may be a challenge for some, especially if you are working under a budget. In this list, you’ll find plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right architect for your home. Some of the architecture firms on this list provide cost-efficient design solutions without compromising quality and aesthetics. Other firms offer expertise in designing high-end custom homes.
AplosGroup
1035 Las Gallinas Ave., San Rafael, CA 94903
Offering a full scope of architectural services, AplosGroup is regarded as one of the leading firms in San Rafael. The design studio provides a wide range of design services from residential and commercial to green design and tenant improvements. With the firm’s commitment to environmental responsibility, AplosGroup curates designs using eco-friendly materials, sustainable practices, and energy-efficient solutions.
In 2013, Sharon Kovalsky established AplosGroup in Marin County. With a Master’s in Architecture and Urban Planning, Sharon immersed herself in different types of projects including home renovations, restaurant, and commercial design. Her specialty is mid-century modern architecture and green design. Over the years, the firm received accreditations from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Marin Builders Association, and is a designated Autocad Certified Professional.
One of the firm’s noteworthy projects is the renovation of a residence located in an Eichler-Alliance zoning area in San Rafael. With strict regulations imposed on the property, AplosGroup was able to successfully rise to the challenge creating a striking design that adheres to the guidelines.
Castor Architecture
1925 Francisco Blvd. E. Ste. #7, San Rafael, CA 94901
Since 2007, Castor Architecture has been improving homes across Marin County, San Francisco, and the Peninsula. The small architectural firm is composed of tenured architects that share a passion for exceeding client expectations. The firm specializes in architectural services for single-family residences ranging from renovations to new construction.
Firm principal and founder Daniel Castor earned a Master’s in Architecture from Harvard University and gained extensive experience abroad working across various European countries. His designs are published in several books including OMA:SMXL. He has received other accreditations such as a Citation for Excellence award from the AIA for his work on the Drawing Berlage’s Exchange and the Rome Prize in Architecture for research.
Throughout his career, he worked on numerous large-scale projects in San Francisco, New York, and Boston. With a strong commitment to the community, he created designs for schools and non-profit organizations. His projects include the Richard Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Tiburon.
DomA Architects, Inc.
1007 A. St., San Rafael, CA 94901
Known for its personalized design approach, DomA Architects, Inc. continues to provide quality architectural services across California. In 2001, John Dorr and Ryann Marlowe established the company. Since then DomA Architects has worked on more than 75 residential projects spanning various designs and building types.
Before establishing the firm, John has worked for renowned firms specializing in custom residential homes. As the president, he is in charge of the firm’s design and creative direction. Ryann worked for well-known architect Aaron Green prior to the advent of DomA and serves as the company’s CEO overseeing the finances amongst other principal duties. She is highly experienced in designing and fabricating metalwork installations.
One of DomA Architecture’s notable projects is the Pacific Avenue Residence located in San Francisco. The firm remodeled the 1911 home to reflect its original design while incorporating characteristics that blend with the property’s historic neighborhood.
Fischer Architecture
2984 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702
The award-winning Fisher Architecture provides design, master planning, and construction services for Northern California residents. Since its inception in 2006, the design studio has worked on numerous custom residential and commercial projects focusing on modern and contemporary designs. Principals Andrew and Kerstin Fisher lead the firm to complete its many successful projects.
During his travels abroad, Andrew immersed himself in Grade 1 Listed projects focusing on special and historic architecture. Since then, he has been passionate about integrating these principles into modern designs. In 2008, Kerstin joined the firm focusing on curating modern and minimalist architectural designs. Andrew and Kerstin’s combined talent and experience bring fresh perspectives to the firm’s design process.
Fisher Architecture has won several awards including the 2018 Merit Award at the AIA East Bay Exceptional Residential Design Awards. Its projects have been featured in The New York Times, Curbed, and Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine. One of the firm’s noteworthy projects is the Ross Hillside. For this project, Fisher Architecture created a modern design that complements the property’s natural environment.
Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes
1010 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Suite 204, Kentfield, CA 94904
Specializing in contemporary and modern designs, Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes is regarded as one of the top architectural firms in Kentfield. The firm approaches each project with open communication and an interactive design process. With a diverse range of projects, Holder Parlette is dedicated to providing the most efficient design solutions across various project scopes and sizes.
The design studio was formed through the partnership between Kenneth Holder and Chris Parlette. Graduating with honors and a master’s in Architecture from UC Berkeley, Kenneth focused on learning the architectural history of Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area. Chris, who is also a UC Berkeley alumni in Architecture, has gained 20 years of industry experience. His specialty is in sustainable and landscape design.
The firm is known for its work on this St. Helena Residence in Napa which blends the property’s features with the surrounding vineyards. Other projects of Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes can be seen in the pages of Dwell, Spaces, and Architectural Digest.
Hubbell Daily Architecture. + Design
469C Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, CA 94939
Established in 2003, Hubbell Daily Architecture + Design has worked on a wide range of residential projects from custom whole-house transformations to new homes. The architectural firm caters to clients in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties as well as the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded by husband and wife, Brad Hubbel and Suzanne Daily, the firm specializes in contemporary and modern designs.
Brad graduated with a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Washington. He accumulated 25 years of industry experience working for diverse clients. Suzanne also has gained extensive experience in several top architectural firms where she honed her skills in design. The firm’s collaborative approach creates an efficient system for clients and contractors resulting in an organized and streamlined process. Since its inception, Hubbell Daily Architecture + Design has become a Certified Green Building Professional.
One of the firm’s prominent projects is the Contemporary Farmhouse Estate in San Rafael featured in this article. The design focused on creating a warm environment for the family while maximizing the natural lighting and views of the neighborhood.
Joseph Farrell Architecture
1 Commercial Blvd. Suite #106, Novato, CA 94949
Founded in 1995, Joseph Farrell Architecture (JFA) focuses on developing environmentally responsive designs for high-end custom homes. As a Certified Green Building Professional, founder and principal, Joseph Farrell, specializes in creating sustainable architecture using energy-efficient methods. In addition to its architectural services, the firm also offers green building consultation to clients across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Joseph was exposed to construction at an early age resulting in a deeply-rooted understanding of how the process works. His passion and interest motivated him to pursue the craft earning him a degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University. Since forming JFA, he has established strong relationships with customers, builders, and consultants. For 25 years, JFA has worked on numerous residential projects with various building styles and project scales including the St. Helena Home 2. For this project, JFA designed the main residence and a second dwelling unit.
Kirley+Architecture
444 Magnolia Ave. Suite #102, Larkspur, CA 94939
Luxury residential Architect and Designer, Kirley + Architecture provides a full scope of architectural design services for residential and commercial projects. The firm offers a diverse range of architectural styles across all types of projects from new construction to renovations. Over the years, the design studio has worked on various high-end homes located in suburban and urban areas.
Founder Keith Kirley founded the company in 2015. He is a third-generation architect with a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. His expertise is focused on designing luxury homes for projects costing between $5 to $25 million. With deep industry knowledge, Keith and his licensed team of architects are fully equipped to handle complex projects.
One of Kirley + Architecture’s projects involved this transformation of a farmhouse compound in the valley. Faced with a challenging landscape and climate, the firm successfully addressed the problem by delivering unique design solutions tailored to the regional architectural precedent. Additionally, the studio came up with a design that integrates the property’s characteristics into the historic community. Kirley + Architecture has been featured in the press including Wall Street Journal Mansions Section, Architectural Digest, and 7×7 Magazine.
ODS Architecture
5895 Doyle St., Emeryville, CA 94608
ODS Architecture has been improving homes across Northern California since 1985. Known for its modern and contemporary-style homes, the architectural firm specializes in designing custom homes and whole-house transformations. With a full scope of design services, ODS integrates architecture and interior design to create a unique and efficient space tailored for the client’s lifestyle. For 35 years, the company has partnered with reputable builders and suppliers with a list of successful projects.
Principal and CEO, Alan Ohashi spearheads a team of creative and talented designers. With a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, Alan has deep knowledge when it comes to color and material choices. The company’s design director, Philip Liang, oversees the design process and is an expert in handling complex projects. With his eastern influence, Philip applies Feng Shui principles in selected projects.
In 2016, ODS Architecture received the Contractor of the Year Award in Landscape Design/Outdoor Living for its stunning work on a Marina Boulevard residence. The firm created this dramatic transformation of the 1920’s home with a spacious upper deck with kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Several of the firm’s projects can be seen in the pages of Marin Home Magazine, Residential Design Magazine, and Modern Luxury Silicon Valley.
PatriARCH Architecture
300 Riviera Circle, Larkspur, CA, 94939
With the firm’s strong commitment to excellence in architecture, PatriARCH Architecture provides a wide range of styles for residential projects. Its designs are anchored on creating unique, inspiring, and comfortable environments. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified firm, PatriARCH is passionate about developing sustainable architecture for all types of properties.
Since its inception in 1992, the firm has been offering quality architectural services in Marina County and the Northern Bay Area. Eric Layton spearheads a team of creative and skilled architects. He is highly experienced in designing contemporary homes while integrating green building methods. With his expertise, the firm has earned a reputation for delivering fast and cost-efficient projects while maintaining high-quality and standards in architecture. For one of the firm’s projects, the design team crafted a stunning traditional and contemporary home in Larkspur.
Polsky Perlstein Architects
469 B. Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, CA 94939
Larkspur- based Polsky Perlstein Architects has designed hundreds of homes throughout Northern California over the past forty years. With a diverse portfolio of completed projects, the firm works comfortably across a range of design idioms, whether stylistically contemporary, transitional, or more traditional, while personalizing each project to fit each client’s particular lifestyle. Their design process makes extensive use of virtual modeling (three-dimensional virtual imagery) to help clients visualize and understand the design of their future home.
Initially established as Jared Polsky and Associates, the firm was re-named Polsky Perlstein Architects early in the millennium. Since then, the principals have been furthering the firm’s design accomplishments with a team of veteran architects and designers. With the office’s combined skills and expertise, PPA is recognized as one of the premier residential architectural firms in Marin County and the North Bay. The firm has been featured in many publications over the years including Northern California Home and Garden, Sunset, Food and Wine, Remodeling, American Bungalow, Custom Home, Traditional Home, Better Homes and Gardens, the Marin Independent Journal, S.F. Chronicle and several books including “Dream Homes, The Art of Lighting: An International Profile”, “The Art of Outdoor Lighting” and “Adding to a House: Planning, Design and Construction”.
Richardson Pribuss Architects
447 Miller Ave. Suite D, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Richardson Pribuss Architects has been providing a variety of architectural services since 1984. Catering to residents in Mill Valley and nearby cities, the firm has established itself as one of the top residential architecture firms in the area. The firm’s distinctive designs showcase its expertise in developing modern, ranch, and shingle style homes. Richardson Pribuss Architects creates sophisticated designs integrated with sustainable practices and creative solutions.
The company was founded by Heidi Richardson and was renamed Richardson Pribuss Architects following her partnership with Andrew Pribuss. Heidi has won numerous awards for historic preservation, seismic renovations, and interior architecture. Andrew, on the other hand, is driven by creating unique and efficient design solutions while incorporating sustainable techniques.
The firm is recognized for its expertise in managing complex zoning and permitting processes regardless of project scope and size. Richardson Pribuss Architects has been published in several magazines including Modern Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Better Home and Gardens. One example of its many completed successful projects is this beautiful modern home, transformed from a small 1940’s Sycamore cottage.
Sutton Suzuki Architects
39 Forrest St., Mill Valley, CA 94941
With a wide range of architectural design services, Sutton Suzuki Architects has worked on numerous projects across Marin, Napa, Atherton, Kauai, and Hawaii. Established in 1990 by Ron Sutton and Elizabeth Suzuki, the firm’s design principle is anchored on environmentally sound design integrating sustainable practices in every project.
Ron is an award-winning architect specializing in custom homes and commercial buildings. With comprehensive experience in construction, he produces energy-efficient and cost-effective designs. Elizabeth Suzuki, on the other hand, has over three decades of industry experience. Her specialty is in designing residential, government, and institutional properties. Together, they bring a fresh and collaborative approach to the firm’s design process. Both are members of the AIA.
One of the firm’s notable projects is this featured 4,000-square-foot residence in Napa Valley. Sutton Suzuki Architects created a warm and inviting indoor and outdoor space that complements the natural landscape surrounding the property. The company has been featured in several publications including Dream Home Magazine, 21st Century Homes Magazine, and California Home And Design Magazine.
361 Architecture
1505 Bridgeway Suite #127, Sausalito, CA 94965
361 Architecture has been providing architectural services for homeowners in Sausalito, Larkspur, and other parts of California. Specializing in modern and contemporary residential designs, the company is known for its sustainable design approach. In addition to its design services, the company also has a strong background in construction. Thus, allowing the firm to efficiently work with reputable and tenured builders.
Before establishing the company, founder Daniel Weaver ran a design-build firm offering architectural and construction services. His experience influenced his passion for developing safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes. The firm is committed to providing carefully curated sustainable designs tailored to the client’s needs and lifestyle.
The company is recognized for its work on the Net Zero Energy House located in Mill Valley. For this project, 361 Architecture utilized sustainable design solutions using prefabricated bamboo and solar panels. The result is an inspiring design with an efficient lighting and water system. Its green building techniques earned the company a LEED certification and an Advanced Building Professional certification.
Wagstaff + Rogers Architects
275 Miller Ave. No. 202, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Mill Valley-based Wagstaff + Rogers Architects is an architectural, planning, and design studio serving communities across Marin County and the Bay Area. The firm caters to high-end residential, mixed-use units, historic structures, commercial, and institutional projects. For four decades, the company has incorporated green building practices into its design. The firm’s design process integrates traditional architecture with new technologies.
Eric Rogers founded Wagstaff + Rogers Architects in 1980. After graduating with a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Idaho, Eric developed his skills as a carpenter and tradesman. He built a team of dedicated and talented architects who share the same passion for sustainable design. Over the years, the firm has earned accreditations from the AIA, Marin Builders Association, and Build It Green.
Wagstaff + Rogers Architects incorporated green building techniques into its design for this Chanticleer Avenue residence in Larkspur. The contemporary-style home features eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.
