Los Altos is a city with a diverse downtown area featuring an array of businesses, buildings, and corporations. These commercial establishments have their own unique branding and image displayed in their exterior that allows them to stand out. When thinking about establishing a business, there are various aspects that need careful consideration such as location to landscape to designs.
The best commercial architects are able to offer innovative ideas fit for your business. The same applies to remodeling and renovation needs, with these companies providing upgrades that will result in proper coordination and flow within the establishment. With many commercial architects in the area, it can be a challenge to find the best ones that are able to meet your needs. To help, we have curated this list of the top seven best architects, taking into account the company’s experience, approach, and portfolio.
Studio W Architects
111 North Market St. Suite 710, San Jose, CA 95113
Formerly known as BCA Architects, Studio W Architects began in 1989, working on numerous educational and public projects. The firm later came to focus on commercial projects. The firm rebranded at the beginning of 2021, reflecting the company’s current core values, style, and leadership. As an ever-evolving firm, Studio W Architects is always refining its approach, aiming to consistently produce the best quality output possible. The firm is passionate about incorporating modern techniques, contemporary design solutions, intricate research, and a commitment to sustainability.
The Douglas Corporate Center is one example of this dedication. Completed in 2019 with a size of 108,000 square feet, this three-story office consists of various work spaces with upgraded amenities. It includes a cafe, an outdoor patio, and a revamped lobby area. The firm also incorporated green walls, video walls, and included a mixture of contemporary and classic furnishing.
GKW Architects, Inc.
710 E. McGlincy Lane Suite 109, Campbell, CA 95008
GKW Architects is a full-service commercial architectural firm established in 2010. With a decade of experience, the team has developed honest business practices along with various problem-solving solutions. They offer their clients a flexible construction plan geared towards consistency throughout each phase of the project. From the beginning stages of initial analysis to the actual building, the GKW team puts in the effort to keep its clients involved, minimizing unnecessary miscommunication errors. They also use high-level design software and 3-D modeling to offer visual aids for the firm and client to ensure the firm and client are on the same page.
GKW Architects’ uses this refined process in one of their current projects, the Cinelux Theaters. Located in Campbell, the establishment will receive numerous updates with a modernized design and efficient floor plan. Amenities include lounges, a bar, new screens, and VIP seating. Aside from the interior, the establishment’s facade is up for an overhauled design with neon lights and vintage signs.
CAW ARCHITECTS, INC.
455 Lambert Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306
Pictured below is the Medico Dental Building project, featuring an abundance of traditional furniture and materials. The pairing of stone masonry, beige walls, and classic balcony areas enhances its vintage appearance. Inside, wooden beams, wooden furniture, and maroon tiled flooring comprise the majority of the floor plan. Throughout CAW Architects’ 27 years of experience, the firm has provided unique design solutions in order to meet each client’s needs. Today, in keeping with top industry standards, the firm applies sustainable practices that involve energy-efficient features and green-building materials in the service of delivering future-looking designs.
Studio S Squared Architecture
1000 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose, CA 95128
The Studio S Squared Architecture team aims to provide quality work. It applies a five-step construction plan from schematic design and planning to construction administration to account for each detail. CEO Eugene Sakai has helped the firm to create a large portfolio of successful structures. One of these commercial projects is the North De Anza retail building, designed as a multi-tenant facility with E-Trade Financial taking over the entire property. The goal was to create a sophisticated appeal with bright lighting throughout the 2,800-square-foot floor plan. Aside from the primary office space, the firm provided an additional area with a size of 2,050 square feet. The result is a refined one-story building with contemporary furnishing and professional space.
DKIM Architect
1580 Oakland Rd. Ste. C212, San Jose, CA 95131
Pictured below is the Poke Fix restaurant the firm completed in 2017. The restaurant received renovations based on the need for increasing spatial efficiency. Two areas that DKIM Architect tackled included a disorganized service area and the public bathroom. The company resolved these issues with new programmatic layouts that relocated the restroom to give it more accessibility, and added new equipment in the service area to provide better flow for both employees and customers.
Despite its recent establishment in 2014, DKIM Architect has blossomed into a reliable architectural firm with numerous projects such as these in Northern California. The company has had local and international clients approach them with a variety of projects including remodeling, renovations, restorations, and tenant improvements. The Bay Area East Group featured its work in 2019.
Young and Borlik Architects
4962 El Camino Real Suite 218, Los Altos, CA 94022
Young and Borlik Architects offer a bevy of architectural services specific to commercial establishments. Intricate designing, remodeling, and improvements are just some of the services it provides. Below is one of the firm’s completed commercial projects. The Vineyard Bank is a classic exterior that encapsulates a vintage look with the traditional white walls, lamps, tiled roofing, black doors, and fences. Its recent awards include the 2021 C+A Design Award: Best Modern Update and the 2015 Canopy Award.
