Designing for commercial brands, whether established or emerging, can be a challenge if you don’t have the right team working with you to achieve your project goals. But finding the right architect doesn’t have to be complicated, especially in a city like San Rafael, which boasts a diverse number of architects based in the region who serve the booming commercial landscape of San Rafael. These architects offer their services to the entertainment industry, retail, manufacturing, and other related markets in the area.

If you are a business owner looking for a team to design your project, look no further than this list of the best commercial architects in San Rafael, California, who can help you accomplish the design and in the case of some firms on this list, the branding for your business. Our editorial team chose these builders for their background and extensive experience serving local businesses.  

Wagstaff + Rogers Architects

275 Miller Ave, No. 202, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Wagstaff + Rogers Architects is a design firm whose philosophy revolves around the infusion of traditional craftsmanship with new technologies. The firm is a believer that art plays a key role in architecture, and takes on projects for clients throughout Marin County and the Bay area. The firm’s projects range from high-end new residential builds and remodels to mixed-use, institutional, historic rehabilitation, and commercial architecture. 

One great example of the firm’s work is the mixed-use development 484 Magnolia in downtown Larkspur. The project scope involved upgrading the lower floor to accommodate retail in the front and offices behind the building.  A new second floor was also created, with office space overlooking the main street. In order to fill the space between this new floor and the alley behind, two apartments were added. Lastly, the front façade facing Magnolia had its own particular character while at the same time retaining some of the characteristics of adjacent buildings so as to retain and enhance the historic character of the downtown set of buildings.

Crome Architecture

905 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901

When Max Crome, owner of Crome Architecture, merged his extensive experiences in architecture and branding, he would soon grow his practice into one of the largest architecture and branding firms in Marin County. Today, Max continues to help his clients express their style, differentiate their message, and market their products all through their physical environments. As a result of his comprehensive service offerings, Max and his firm have earned nominations and awards for architecture from the Marin Design Awards and Pacific Sun’s Best Of.

Some of the firm’s notable clients include Asics and Project Juice. Another client of note is Pottery Barn, for which the firm completed a new retail store design in an existing retail center. Crome’s involvement started from initial design and development of the store concept to construction drawings and administration. The project scope included the design and layout of the store and storefront, while Corte Madera created a new image for the brand inside and out.

VMI Architects

637 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

VMI Architects is a firm built on a commitment to both its clients and the values of integrity, excellence, and trustworthiness. Under the leadership of Hugh Murphy, the firm is attuned to its clients’ needs and is quick to respond to all aspects of a project. VMI’s client-centric practice has ultimately set its legacy to be the positive impact it makes on its clients and their communities. 

In the past, the firm has completed projects for retail, restaurant, commercial/office, and residential clients. Its portfolio includes many corporate restaurant clients as well as new shopping centers and shopping center remodels. The Bel Air Shopping Center was one of the firm’s past projects, and it still stands today as an excellent example of the firm’s work in the commercial sector.  

Wade Design Architects

29 Magnolia Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960

Wade Design Architects is a Northern California-based architectural firm with a focus on private residences, specialty retail concepts, wineries, and hospitality projects. The backbone of the firm’s award-winning practice is the partnership between principals and co-founders Ani and Luke Wade, who previously worked as lead designers and project managers at Backen Gillam Architects, as well as other notable firms in San Francisco. Under their leadership, Wade Design Architects has won awards from the 2021 Luxe RED Awards. The firm also made it on the Luxe Gold List in 2019. 

When it comes to its design practice, the firm is collaborative, listening intently to its clients’ project goals to achieve the desired result. The firm works with the client from initial concepts through to construction completion, transforming the clients’ aspirations into reality. One of the firm’s notable clients is the Williams-Sonoma retail company. Known as a provider of kitchenware and home furnishings, Williams-Sonoma enlisted the services of Wade Design Architects to design for one of its stores. The result was a bright and structured interior, with wares displayed strategically and enticingly on the shelves and tables. 

Russell Architects

1430 Fourth St, San Rafael, CA 94901

Russell Architects is a Marin County-based design firm specializing in architecture, interior design, and land planning. The firm’s practice is primarily focused on the markets of commercial, retail, entertainment, health and fitness, and residential. Under the leadership of principal Colin Russell, the firm has developed an arsenal of tools and techniques that can readily respond to the varied needs and challenges of clients.

One good example of the firm’s work is the renovation of an outdated 1970’s style shopping center in Larkspur. From a drab and outmoded shopping center, Russell Architects transformed the Larkspur Landing Shopping Center into a vibrant, hip, and lively destination. Some notable features include a gazebo and a working fountain situated around the plaza. 

Gawoski Architects

10 Nevada St, San Rafael, CA 94901

Gawoski Architects is a design practice with a focus on architecture for commercial buildings and new homes, additions, and remodels in the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm’s methodology involves evaluating projects on their individual merits in order to determine what style and process of development best suit the client and their project. This approach has allowed Gawoski Architects’s practice to flourish, earning the firm many clients for whom they help realize the best design solutions.

One example of the firm’s commercial work is the Pennyfaire Plaza Remodel in Cloverdale. What once was an outdated and even abandoned Pennyfaire Supermarket was remodeled to have new exterior entry doors and windows, which were cut into existing tilt-up walls and are defined by a decorative trellis. The building’s street presence was enhanced by adding a tower element. Now, the development includes site paving and landscaping, an internal shared corridor with new ADA bathrooms, kitchen, and utilities. With its new look, the supermarket now attracts new tenants and customers.