Dublin’s economy has grown rapidly in recent years. Strategically located near the San Francisco Bay area, the sunny city has attracted both residents and businesses. Fostering economic development, the city gives a minimal license fee and has eliminated payroll and utility user taxes for companies. For these reasons, many large industries in the health, scientific, technical, and manufacturing sectors have chosen Dublin as its base.

Helping the economic sector in creating structures that will further facilitate its growth are excellent architects around the area. The list below includes seven outstanding, award-winning architects. All of them are members of the American Institute of Architects, with experience ranging from one decade to a century. Most have LEED AP team members and have received recognition in several publications. 

Swatt | Miers Architects

5845 Doyle St, Suite 104, Emeryville, CA 94608

Founded in 2009, Swatt | Miers Architects’ success is a result of the collaboration of two powerful firms: Swatt Architects and George Miers and Associates. Led by Robert Swatt, FAIA, and George Miers, AIA, the firm manages various kinds of projects. Its massive portfolio includes recreation, mixed-use, restaurant, and office developments. The firm’s goal is to create quality buildings by giving the highest level of services. From design to management services, the firm is dedicated to achieving excellence. Prestigious publications like Forbes and The Wall Street Journal have taken notice of the firm. Just recently, the firm has added The International Architecture Award® for 2021 to its collection of accolades. 

One of the firm’s outstanding designs is the One Ygnacio Plaza. Located in Walnut Creek, California, the firm has designed an 80,000-square-foot site. The four-story building features an intricate design, with terraces prominent in its facade. At the center is a four-story glass atrium that connects the entire building into a harmonious space. The design serves more than form; it has created functional spaces that offer a place for work and recreation. The building houses corner offices and private balconies by the terraces. 

AC Martin

4750 Willow Rd, Suite 250, Pleasanton, CA 94588

AC Martin has been in the industry for over a century. Established in 1906, the firm has stayed on top by pushing design boundaries. Its design approach integrates sustainable practices and technological advancements to create enduring environments. Founded by Albert Martin, Sr, the firm is currently headed by Christorpher Martin, FAIA. Martin is a third-generation leader who has received the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award from the USC Architectural Guild. 

One of the firm’s massive projects is its work Cool Port. Located in The Port of Oakland, the project features 250,000 square feet of state-of-the-art transloading and distribution facility. Promoting sustainability and energy efficiency, the firm has included alternative power sources in the design. Solar energy, as well as natural gas, are some alternative energy sources that power the facility. For the firm’s smart designs, AC Martin has received immense recognition, including the 2020 Golden Nugget Award. Publications that have featured the firm are Modern Steel Magazine and Interior Design Magazine. 

William Hezmalhalch Architects

5000 Executive Pkwy, Suite 375, San Ramon, CA 94583

William Hezmalhalch Architects invests in both its clients and staff. Its team is a valuable asset that brings forth new design solutions. The firm has members with affiliations with the AIA, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Starting with founder Bill Hezmalhalch, each member of the firm believes in combining passion and collaborative work to produce quality designs. Hezmalhalch, in particular, has dedicated over forty years of his life to developing communities and neighborhoods. Since 1981, Hezmalhalch and his people have explored new technologies and practices to help communities and industries.

Serving Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, this well-established firm has copped several awards including the 2020 AIA Orange County Design Awards – Merit Award. This year, it has been featured twice by The Business Journals and Affordable Housing Finance and Los Angeles Business Journal. A major part of its reputation is built by its impressive services including architecture, planning, and urban design. 

In Dublin, the firm has provided design development, presentation graphics, and construction documents services for Aloft Hotel. With a contemporary style, this stunning four-story hotel features state-of-the-art amenities in its 127 guest rooms. In partnership with Design Within Reach, the rooms are completed with furniture that uniquely represents the hotel brand. For the hotel’s facade, the firm included a “Swoof” roof based on Aloft signature style. The facade is completed with high-end finishes, glass and wood panels, and integrated LED lighting. At the end of the project, the firm designed a hotel to perfectly suit Dublin’s urban environment. 

dsk architects

6700 Koll Center Pkwy, Suite 110, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Serving California and Alameda County, dsk architects is a full design-service firm established in 2006. With over a decade in the industry, it is composed of principals that have been in the field for over thirty-five years. Headed by Amir Kakavand, these principals and team members are experts in architecture, planning design, and interior design. They are excellent in master planning and site analysis as well. Providing services for the commercial, health care, and educational sectors, the firm’s goal is to nurture communities and the environment. 

With focus on creative, sustainable solutions, dsk architects create healthy living environments. For its contribution to the private and public sectors, it has received the 2017 ULI Awards for Excellence. Its reputation is further solidified with affiliations to the AIA, San Francisco Green Business, and LA Green Business. Because of its solid track record, Architect Magazine and Hospitality Design magazine have featured the firm. 

dsk architects’ spot in the industry is made possible through the direction of Kakavand. He supervises the overall quality of the projects the firm handles. Using his twenty-eight years of experience in the industry, he directs the planning and design services of the firm. 

FCGA architecture

301 Hartz Ave, Suite #213, Danville, CA 94526

FCGA architecture wants to create a legacy by reimagining spaces. Utilizing new and sustainable techniques, the firm builds environments that enrich people’s lives.  Through unique designs, the firm creates a connection between the community and the people. These designs are generated through playful imagination and collaboration of the firm’s skilled professionals. With expertise in different areas of architecture, the firm manages a variety of projects, including tenant improvements and commercial developments.

Part of building a legacy is having a portfolio that impresses. FCGA architecture has a list of award-winning projects to boast. One of these projects is the IBEW Local 595 Training Center. Earning the ENR: Green Project Award of Merit, this 46,000-square-foot training center has a LEED Gold certification. The firm has carefully selected materials that improve energy efficiency in the building. For instance, the firm has chosen light paint color to lessen heat absorption. Efficient heating and cooling systems have been installed in the facility as well. Overall, the firm has built an excellent learning environment that serves as a true example of zero net energy. 

Since 1985, Cedric Craig, AIA, has led the firm as its founding principal. He utilizes his thirty-five years of industry experience to help the firm build its legacy. 

The KPA Group

6700 Koll Center Pkwy, Suite 125, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Established in 1987, The KPA Group’s expertise is in aviation. Paul Powers, the firm’s CEO and president is a nationally recognized expert in aviation planning. Affiliated with NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards), Powers has over thirty years of industry experience. His expertise includes master and space planning, project and interior design, as well as construction administration. Under Power’s leadership, the firm has turned itself from a structural consultancy firm to one of the best architecture firms in California. 

One of the firm’s biggest projects in aviation is the SFO Terminal 3 Boarding Area E. For this project, the firm served as the structural engineer and architect of record. Due to the firm’s previous success in Terminal 2, the firm has been assigned to renovate Terminal 3. With the intention to create a facility that offers convenience and smooth traffic, the firm used interactive technology and sustainable design. Because of effective use of sustainable methods, the firm has received the LEED Gold certification. 

As an outstanding commercial architect, The KPA Group has received the 2014 Ruby Level Award from the International Partnering Institute. The firm has been featured in the California Magazine as well.