A well-designed home boils down to a structure that does not bear down on the homeowners with low ceilings, heavy walls, or lifeless façades and interiors. A well-designed home is also one that is complex in its design while still being functional. A number of successfully designed homes—homes that combine beauty and functionality– can be found in the suburb of Millbrae, California.
On this list are some of the best residential architects in the area, architects known for designing complex homes. The homes they create not only vary in style, many link the indoors and outdoors in ways that liberate homeowners. Alongside their architectural abilities, these firms are also members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the U.S. Green Building Council, and they are LEED accredited professionals.
John Mufarreh Architecture
354 Ludeman Lane, Millbrae, CA 94030
John Muffarh Architecture’s unique home designs come in the form of architectural projects that highlight natural materials, lighting, and functional space. With this design approach, the firm has designed various homes and has become well-versed in crafting different styles that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also cater to functionality, all while being on time and within budget.
Currently, the firm’s projects are led and guided by company principal John Muffareh. Prior to establishing John Mufarreh Architecture, Muffareh worked with a number of distinguished firms such as Albert Kahn Associates, TMA Architecture, and Yamasaki Associates.
Kwan Design Architects
490 Post St., Suite #1543 San Francisco, CA 94102
Kwan Design Architects is a firm that centers design services for commercial and residential projects. Over time, the firm has gained experience in the design of new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing buildings. The firm is also known for providing design services for various building types and styles. A great example of its work is the Rotunda house in Millbrae. The project involved an addition: the structure has an angle between the existing house and the property line which highlights the elegant separation of the private and public spaces in the home. The addition intersects the existing house, taking the form of a rotunda that rises above the house and bearing a high ceiling and windows that take advantage of the outside view.
Projects like these are successfully completed with the guidance of principal architect Simon Kwan. The firm practices a design process that first includes design development with the client, followed by contractor selection, then the preparation of construction documents, and finally, administration and project management. With a process that sticks with the clients until the end of the project, the firm is able to implement creative solutions to create aesthetically pleasing structures.
LNAI Architecture
10 Rollins Road, Suite #207, Millbrae, CA 94030
When it comes to crafting beautiful architecture, LNAI Architecture focuses on pulling out the unique and hidden qualities of a project. This design approach has earned the firm honors such as the Build Architecture Awards’ 2020 award for Best Residential Architecture & Design Firm in California, the German Design Council’s 2019 German Design Award, and the 2017 Interior Design Best of Year honoree award.
With the project potential and qualities used as a catalyst and highlight of the design process, this award-winning firm is able to create projects that vary in scale and style. Just one of these is the I/O residence. Designed by Leonard Ng, the residence highlights the indoor and outdoor relationship theme this project focuses on by using its open floor design to let the homeowner glide through the house without any obvious obstacles. A modern home, it’s designed to use authentic materials, feature natural daylighting, and frame new and existing greenery. With these types of projects in its portfolio, LNAI Architecture has been featured in publications like Architecture Art Designs, Palo Alto Weekly, and Gentry Magazine.
Steven Randel
1795 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
From condominium remodels to new homes, Steven Randel has experience in, and a continuing fascination for, residential architecture. Over the years, this dedication to architecture has made itself known in the large number of projects his firm has completed. Since the firm’s establishment, it has completed over 100 design projects in 11 counties and 26 cities within California.
From condominium remodels to fantastic new homes, the firm has designed these structures on challenging sites including hillsides and other difficult locations. These homes also carry varying styles—everything from traditional to the mid-eclectic and Mediterranean styles. Aside from crafting these homes, Steven Randle is also known for his ready-to-build home plans which have been used in 37 states and in Canada.
