San Francisco, California, is a captivating fusion of vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and technological innovation. Its diverse neighborhoods, rich culinary scene, and iconic landmarks create a dynamic lifestyle. It’s also home to many innovative industries. Discover the magic of this city through its modern architecture. Below are eight of the top modern home builders working in San Francisco—our editorial team selected them after reviewing their awards, experience, and impressive portfolios.
Peninsula Custom Homes
1401 Old County Road, San Carlos, CA 94070
Peninsula Custom Homes, with a strong legacy of 45 years, stands tall as a prominent builder of exceptional quality and unparalleled integrity. Driven by an unyielding commitment to customer satisfaction, it undertakes each project with meticulous attention to detail and focuses on maintaining and enhancing its sterling reputation.
The firm is headed by CEO Bryan Murphy, who has a rich educational background in Architectural Technology, a flair for project management, and data-driven collaboration. His leadership has propelled the firm to achieve numerous accolades, including a notable place on Luxe Interiors + Design’s 2019 Gold List.
Recognitions from esteemed organizations such as USGBC and the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art underline its credentials. It continues to garner media attention from publications such as Luxe Magazine and Architectural Digest. Whether crafting luxury homes or contributing to community building, Peninsula Custom Homes strives for nothing less than excellence.
Kasten Builders
3419 Regatta Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804
Kasten Builders—based in Point Richmond since 1972—commands attention as a premier residential and commercial contractor. With its expansive operations spanning Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Alameda counties, it specializes in creating custom homes and remodeling projects. Known for its adherence to smart building practices, the firm minimizes construction’s environmental impact. Under the helm of President Denny Kasten, a Lawrence Institute of Technology graduate with over 50 years of industry experience, it consistently meets and surpasses client expectations.
Its numerous accolades reflect its success, including a 2018 AIA Award of Merit and inclusion in the 2012 AIA San Francisco Living Home Tours. Backed by NARI certification and celebrated in prestigious publications like Marin Home Magazine and Luxe Interiors + Design, Kasten Builders embodies an amalgamation of long-standing experience, environmental consciousness, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction
1672 15th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction—an internationally acclaimed, award-winning firm—excels in creating architectural wonders underpinned by simplicity, rationality, and craft. Since 1997, the firm has taken pride in providing full-service architecture, interior design, and design-build services, demonstrating mastery in complicated planning and building permit procedures. From custom residences to commercial ventures, the firm’s portfolio is an eclectic blend of innovation and timeless elegance.
Principal and Managing Partner Jim Zack, both an architect and contractor, fuels the firm’s practice with his insatiable interest in building design and detailing. With work featured in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection, his contributions epitomize the firm’s love for simplicity and detailed craftsmanship. Esteemed recognitions include a 2010 Merit Award from AIA East Bay and numerous awards for the Laidley Street Residence in 2009. Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction continues to be celebrated in esteemed publications and organizations, such as AIA San Francisco and Marin Magazine. The firm continues to play an influential role in modern architecture.
AT6 Architecture + Design Build
477 Pacific Avenue, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94133
AT6 Architecture + Design Build, established in 2005, is a dedicated collective of architects, builders, and support staff, united in delivering a superior client experience and creating homes that elevate everyday living. With all of its design-build expertise under one roof, it aligns aesthetic and practical goals, fostering continuous refinement and delivering high-value projects. This synergy allows it to concentrate on client needs throughout the process. It stands on pillars of support, communication, and transparency, aiming to serve as a trusted guide, assisting in lifestyle-aligned choices, and sculpting homes that revolutionize familial life.
Jason Langkammerer, founder and AIA member, spearheads the firm with his unique perspective of combining modern design with the region’s rich historic character. His knack for seeing old architecture through a modernist lens sets the company apart. Winning awards such as the 2003 AIA/LA Citation Award and inclusion in Remodeling Magazine‘s Big50, AT6 Architecture + Design Build continues to shape the architectural narrative it started 18 years ago.
Moroso Construction
1086 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Moroso Construction, with 31 years in business, employs deeply experienced construction professionals known for managing, executing, and resolving the complexities of preconstruction, estimating, project management, and building. The firm’s focus on successful client outcomes is maintained under the skilled leadership of CEO Ron Bond and Owner Justine Bellows Sears. Bond’s LinkedIn profile points to his extensive expertise in the industry, while Sears, a 2022 San Francisco Business Times Influential Woman, has her credentials from Wheaton College in Massachusetts.
Moroso Construction continues to build upon its reputation. The firm maintains a professional affiliation with the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, and Sears won the 2022 Influential Woman award. The firm’s work and impact in the field have attracted the attention of press outlets such as Architizer, Biz Journals, Luxe Interiors + Design, and Traditional Building Magazine, further validating its contributions to the construction landscape.
Nova Designs + Build
297 C Kansas Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Founded in 1990, Nova Designs + Builds promotes an ethos of forging partnerships with clients and employees—is fervent about joint venture development. Its innovative approach to investing capital into every venture is substantiated by its confidence in project quality, timeliness, and cost control.
By incessantly striving to pioneer within the industry, the firm readily adopts a range of projects while integrating novel techniques, materials, and pricing structures. This agile strategy has equipped the team with a unique capability to apply an extensive assortment of design, cost-effectiveness, and quality assurance methodologies to every project it undertakes.
John Schrader, the principal, brings his education from West Valley College and San Jose State University to the firm, along with his certification as a Green Builder. Over the firm’s 33-year tenure, it has caught the attention of notable press outlets, including Luxe, SF Gate, Compass, One Kindesign, and Elle Decor.
NOA Design and Construction
2744 East 11th, Suite H11, Oakland, CA 94601
NOA Design and Construction—a fully integrated design and project management firm established in 2017—brings a distinctive touch and a high level of execution to an impressive repertoire of over 50 projects. The firm specializes in conceiving and realizing unique and innovative projects throughout the Bay Area, ranging from ground-up construction to interior renovation of prestigious residences. Its comprehensive service model enables the firm to manage diverse project types and profiles, often serving as the single point of contact throughout the entire acquisition, design, entitlement, and construction process. It is a nexus in an extensive network of specialty contractors, fabricators, and makers, fostering collaboration with local and national outside design firms.
Under Principal Michael Shankman’s leadership, the firm guides clients through the project process, consistently delivering thoughtfully designed, beautifully executed projects.
Momentum Builders SF Inc
2269 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Momentum Builders SF Inc, established in 2004, specializes in embracing the unique building challenges presented by the Bay Area and San Francisco market. It delivers impressive custom home construction, residential track home development, and commercial projects. With a dedicated team led by Founder and President Jamie Pantuso, it provides a commitment to detail, ensuring that every aspect of its work is executed meticulously. The firm is known for its professionalism, competency, and a sense of responsibility and care toward every project the firm takes on. This dedicated approach makes the construction process efficient and clear, and that is evident in every completed project.
Proudly LEED Platinum-certified and a member of the USGBC, it upholds sustainable building practices while delivering exceptional quality. Its commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence has earned it recognition from Houzz, further solidifying its reputation in the industry.
