Nestled along the picturesque landscapes of Marin County, California, lies a region that effortlessly combines natural beauty with architectural excellence. Known for its stunning vistas, serene neighborhoods, and deep appreciation for both tradition and innovation, Marin County stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of art and nature.
If you’re seeking the services of the best residential architects in Marin County, look no further. In this guide, we have carefully curated a list of the most reputable and talented architects in the area, chosen based on their impressive portfolios, extensive expertise, glowing customer reviews, and industry acclaim. These architects are renowned for their unwavering commitment to detail, innovative designs, and ability to turn residential spaces into exquisite works of art. Whether you envision a remodel, renovation, or brand-new architectural masterpiece, the architects on this list are your trusted partners in bringing your dreams to life in the heart of Marin County, California.
ODS Architecture
5895 Doyle Street Emeryville, CA 94608
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, ODS Architecture is an architectural design firm specializing in new custom homes, whole house transformations, and distinctive office and museum spaces. Whether it’s a modern design with elegant proportions or a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics, the focus remains on delivering solutions that benefit all involved. It achieves this by offering comprehensive design services that seamlessly integrate architecture and interior design. Its work involves extensive 3D modeling, meticulous planning, coordination with building departments, hands-on construction supervision from project inception to completion, and thoughtful design of color, materials, and lighting.
With affiliations such as the American Institute of Architects and noteworthy recognition, including the Contractor of the Year 2016 Award for its outstanding work on the Marina Blvd project, ODS Architecture has garnered attention in publications like Marin Home Magazine and Dwell. The firm is led by Principal Alan Ohashi, who holds a master’s in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, a master’s of fine arts in cinematography, and a bachelor of fine arts in painting, sculpture, and photography from the University of California at Los Angeles. He brings extensive expertise and a diverse skill set to his work at the firm.
Sutton Suzuki Architects
39 Forrest St., Mill Valley, California 94941
Founded in 1990 by the principals Ron Suttonand and Elizabeth Suzuki, who are both members of the American Institute of Architects, Sutton Suzuki Architects is defined by its unwavering dedication to environmentally sound design. This is evident in its thoughtful site planning for natural ventilation and passive solar gain, as well as the incorporation of many other sustainable features throughout the project. Meanwhile, the firm’s recruiting efforts have resulted in a team of professionals with a wide range of experience consistent with the firm’s emphasis on quality design and services.
Sutton Suzuki Architects has designed custom residences in Marin, Napa, Mendocino, Atherton, and Carmel Valley. It has also completed projects on the islands of Kauai and Hawaii, as well as in Jackson, Wyoming. Affiliated with the American Institute of Architects, the studio’s commitment to quality and environmentally conscious design continues to shape its projects.
361 Architecture
1505 Bridgeway, Suite 127 Sausalito, CA 94965
361 Architecture approaches design with a unique blend of innovation, construction expertise, and collaboration. It values the connection between eloquent design and high-quality construction, believing success hinges on their inseparable relationship. This firm’s foundation in construction ensures that the vision of a project is faithfully realized during the building process.
Principal architect Daniel Weaver, a UC Berkeley graduate in the conservation of natural resources with a master’s in architecture from the University of Washington, brings a wealth of academic background and a commitment to education. He was also part of the founding faculty at San Francisco’s Leadership High School. Under his leadership, 361 Architecture uses a holistic approach and aspires to create architecture that goes beyond the ordinary. Affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and holding the Certified Advanced Building Professional certification, the firm is committed to staying at the forefront of industry knowledge and practices.
Kirley+ Architecture
444 Magnolia Ave Suite 102, Larkspur, California 94939
Kirley+ Architects is a Northern California-based design studio that offers comprehensive architecture and design services to residential and commercial clients across the nation. With extensive experience in high-end residential design, its work spans a spectrum of styles, from traditional to contemporary. The firm believes exceptional design arises from meticulously integrating materials and well-planned details. Therefore, the art of architecture is at the core of its philosophy, as reflected in its hand-drawn designs and watercolor renderings.
As an architecture firm deeply committed to its craft, the studio is affiliated with esteemed organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. While its work has been featured in publications like the Wall Street Journal Mansions Section, its main priority remains on creating enduring, artful architecture for its clients. This effort is led by Principal Keith Kirley, who brings a wealth of experience to the firm. He has worked in exclusive destination communities across the country, including Aspen, CO, and Nantucket, MA—which is where he specialized in high-end residential design. With a strong architectural background spanning multiple generations, Kirley is actively involved in the AIA SF Chapter, contributing to various committees and mentoring aspiring architects.
Polsky Perlstein Architects
469 B Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, CA 94939
Polsky Perlstein Architects, a Marin County-based architectural studio, has partnered with clients across Northern California to create numerous thoughtfully designed projects. Their projects are meticulously tailored to fit homeowners’ unique lifestyles, preferences, and tastes. Each design commences as a well-thought response to the site, neighborhood context, and the owner’s wishes. This has resulted in the firm building a diverse portfolio that showcases a range of creative solutions.
The firm operates under the leadership of the founding principal, Jared Polsky, who has over 28 years of experience and expertise in design, wood frame construction, and political aspects of architecture. Richard Perlstein, another principal, brings his architectural background from MIT and UC Berkeley, along with experience in diverse project types. With their guidance, Polsky Perlstein Architects holds affiliations with the American Institute of Architects, underscoring its commitment to architectural excellence. Its dedication to exceptional design and client satisfaction has also garnered recognition through awards and press coverage, including features in the Marin Independent Journal and Delfi.
Wright Architecture
632 Manuel T. Freitas Pkwy, San Rafael, CA 94903
Wright Architecture is an architecture and engineering team that was born from sisterhood. The core belief at the firm is that maintaining a balanced life inspires great work, and better design is achieved through collaboration. Therefore, the firm is not just about creating structures; it’s about crafting the dreams of its clients, which, in turn, become its own dreams. The company’s work speaks for itself, as reflected in its feature in the Marin Home Resource Guide.
Wright Architecture is led by principal Heather Wright Foye and principal Megan Wright Matthews. Foye is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, while Matthews holds degrees in civil engineering and structural engineering from the same esteemed institution as well as Stanford University. With them at the helm, the firm stands as a testament to the power of sisterhood, creativity, and inspired design.
Chambers + Chambers Architects
420 Miller Ave, Ste 102 Mill Valley, CA 94941
With a deep commitment to elegance and livability in design, Chambers + Chambers Architects is renowned for seamlessly integrating architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. The essence of its work is based on graceful proportions, meticulous details, purity of form, symmetry, simplicity, and remarkable value. Its portfolio showcases a refined selection of materials, a sophisticated color palette, and distinctive silhouettes, effectively merging discernment, taste, imagination, and artistic finesse.
The firm is led by Principal Barbara Chambers, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and Painting, with honors, and continued her education by earning a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Colorado. Under her leadership, Chambers + Chambers Architects was recognized during The 2018 Julia Morgan Awards for Excellence In The Classical Tradition for Architecture. The firm’s work has also garnered recognition in notable publications such as Elle Decor and Remodelista.
Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes
1010 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Suite 204, Kentfield, CA 94904
Holder Parlette Architecture + Landscapes, a renowned and dynamic firm, boasts an exceptionally diverse range of experiences. Its success hinges on innovative solutions derived from a thoughtful response to clients, project constraints, and the inspiration of the context. The firm seamlessly integrates a broad background into each project, recognizing that the most fulfilling design lies in the poetic resolution of spatial needs.
Principal architects Kenneth Holder and Chris Parlette bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their projects. Holder, with a background in ecological architectural principles, and Parlette, with two decades of experience as a lead architect, lead the charge, delivering innovative and exceptional design solutions. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, their firm has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape. The firm, driven by a love for design and a commitment to excellence, continues to shape and enrich the architectural and landscaping world through its outstanding work.
