Architecture is the practice of designing and constructing buildings and spaces that shape our daily lives and interactions. It blends functionality with visual appeal, creating structures that serve essential purposes while enhancing their surroundings. Architects engage deeply with clients to understand their needs and aspirations, considering factors such as context, sustainability, and community impact to develop innovative solutions. From residential homes to public landmarks, architecture reflects cultural identity and human values, influencing how we experience and connect with our environment. Through careful planning and a commitment to quality, architecture transforms ideas into lasting spaces that enrich our lives and inspire future generations.
“Buildings should serve people, not the other way around.” — John Portman
Here is the list of the best architects and architecture firms in Santa Rosa, California, whose works we admire.
1. Asquared Studios | Architecture Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 642 5th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Asquared Studios, based in Santa Rosa, California, specializes in residential architecture and design. Their approach blends simplicity with complexity, as seen in projects like a recent residence utilizing rammed earth, Corten steel, and large glass expanses to create a strikingly modern yet grounded home. The studio is committed to sustainable and functional designs that reflect the needs and personalities of their clients. They focus on historical preservation as well, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the integrity of heritage structures while upgrading them for modern living. Their designs also prioritize practical aspects such as storage and material choices to ensure durability and comfort.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Asquared Studios.
2. AXIA Architects | Architecture Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 540 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States
AXIA Architects is a well-established architecture firm based in Santa Rosa, California, specializing in creative and sustainable design solutions. Founded in 1939, the firm emphasizes a collaborative approach, with principals actively involved in every project to ensure tailored results. AXIA Architects' portfolio spans civic, cultural, educational, corporate, urban planning, and custom residential projects. The firm's dedication to innovation and quality has earned it multiple awards, such as the AIA California Excellence Award and the AIA Chapter Design Awards. AXIA is known for its expertise in adapting designs to specific site contexts, often blending indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By AXIA Architects.
3. Baumgardner Architecture | Architect in Sebastopol, California
Address: 675 S High St, Sebastopol, CA 95472, United States
Baumgardner Architecture is a design firm focused on creating unique, high-quality residential architecture with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. It has developed a reputation for designing modern, context-sensitive homes that integrate seamlessly with their environments. The firm often incorporates environmentally responsible building techniques and materials, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The firm is located in Sebastopol, California, and has been recognized for its ability to blend contemporary design with practical functionality, particularly in challenging terrains. This approach is reflected in many of their projects, which include sustainable homes that prioritize open spaces, natural light, and outdoor living areas.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Baumgardner Architecture.
4. BISBEE Architecture+Design | Architect in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 629 4th St Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
BISBEE Architecture + Design, based in Santa Rosa, California, specializes in residential, commercial, and institutional projects, with a focus on design excellence. Their work is noted for its thoughtful integration of spaces that balance functional living with aesthetic beauty, such as their Sonoma County Residence, where outdoor spaces and indoor environments blend seamlessly. The firm’s approach to architecture emphasizes creating environments that enhance everyday living, offering a sense of tranquility while embracing the surrounding natural beauty. The team is led by experienced architects who are passionate about producing innovative, sustainable designs that respond to each unique site.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By BISBEE Architecture+Design.
5. Chandler Workshop Architects | Architecture Firm in St Helena, California
Address: 1731 Pine St, St Helena, CA 94574, United States
Chandler Workshop Architects is a husband-and-wife architecture firm based in St. Helena, California. Founded by Maddie and Ryan Chandler, the firm specializes in creating thoughtful and creative solutions for a diverse range of projects, including homes, wineries, restaurants, guest houses, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Their approach integrates their passion for design, craftsmanship, and sustainable environments. Their practice emphasizes a collaborative process, working closely with clients and consultants to craft personalized solutions that respond to both the site and the specific needs of each project. The firm values the use of their in-house fabrication shop to prototype and refine designs, ensuring high-quality and detailed outcomes.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Chandler Workshop Architects.
6. Chuck Peterson Architect | Architecture Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 6646, 1320 North St #27, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Chuck Peterson Architect is an architectural practice focused on residential and commercial designs with an emphasis on creating spaces that are both functional and visually striking. Their portfolio includes various styles ranging from craftsman and Spanish mission homes to contemporary wood-grid and rustic structures. Peterson’s work showcases a diverse array of homes such as vineyard estates, solar cabins, and Mediterranean-style properties. In addition to residential designs, the firm has also worked on wineries, restaurants, and temples. Notably, Chuck Peterson's projects have been featured in a variety of design publications, such as Sunset Magazine and Home & Architectural Trends, demonstrating their broad appeal in the design community.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Chuck Peterson Architect.
7. Hall & Bartley Architecture | Architect in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 100 E St STE 106, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Hall & Bartley Architecture, founded in 1983 and based in Santa Rosa, California, is an architecture and planning firm led by John Andrews Hall and Scott Phillips Bartlet. Known for their multi-disciplinary approach, the firm initially catered to the wine industry but has since expanded to include residential, commercial, and public projects. Their portfolio includes both contemporary and traditional designs, with a strong emphasis on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that connect to their surroundings. A notable project in Healdsburg exemplifies this approach, where a 3,790-square-foot home was designed with expansive living spaces and a seamless integration of natural materials like wood and stone, offering a modern yet warm aesthetic.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Hall & Bartley Architecture.
8. Klein Architecture and Design | Architect in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 61 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Klein Architecture + Design is a creative design studio based in Sonoma County, California, founded by Winfield and Tracey Klein. Their portfolio includes a variety of projects, ranging from custom residences to remodels, with an emphasis on innovative design solutions tailored to their clients' needs. Notably, they have worked on projects like the Modern Mountaintop and Minimalist Farmhouse, showcasing a commitment to blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Tracey Klein, a certified kitchen designer, and Winfield Klein, an experienced artist and architect, focus on creating unique, sustainable spaces that reflect both the environment and their clients' personal tastes. Their work has earned praise for its careful attention to detail and thoughtful space planning.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Klein Architecture and Design.
9. Lars Langberg Architects | Architecture Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 108 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472, United States
Lars Langberg Architects, based in Sebastopol, California, is a design firm specializing in modern architecture for both residential and commercial projects. The studio is committed to creating environmentally sensitive, functional designs that blend traditional and contemporary elements. Their work emphasizes the use of sustainable materials, with particular focus on long-lasting, health-conscious construction. The firm’s portfolio includes residential projects such as the Chokmalichi Farm ADU, which integrates the natural landscape and surrounding views into its design.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Lars Langberg Architects.
10. Ludwig Design | Architecture Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 1014 Hopper Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States
Ludwig Design, based in Sonoma, California, is a renowned architectural firm led by David Ludwig. With over 50 years of experience in architecture, Ludwig offers a wide range of services, including the design of new homes, residential remodels, and lodge-style homes. The firm also handles commercial and institutional projects, applying a hands-on approach informed by Ludwig's background as a journeyman carpenter and general contractor. The firm utilizes both hand drawings and 3D CAD technology to present design ideas clearly and engage with clients effectively. Ludwig is known for its emphasis.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Ludwig Design.
11. NMR Architects | Architecture Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 2455 Bennett Valley Rd b303, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
NMR Architects (Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto) is a well-established architecture and engineering firm that operates throughout Northern California. Founded in 1967, the firm specializes in a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, civic, commercial, and custom residential projects. They are known for their sustainable design approach, with a significant portion of their team holding LEED accreditation, ensuring that their projects often incorporate green building principles. NMR’s projects are characterized by close collaboration with clients to tailor designs to specific needs, site conditions, and sustainability goals. The firm has expanded significantly, now with offices in Redding, Chico, Santa Rosa, and Monterey, and has earned national recognition for its work.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By NMR Architects.
12. Strening Architects | Architecture Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 3492 Deer Trail Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Strening Architects is an architecture firm based in Santa Rosa, California, founded by Daniel Strening in 2008. The firm specializes in custom residential, hospitality, and winery projects. Strening, whose design philosophy is influenced by his diverse cultural experiences in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, focuses on creating spaces that integrate art and technology while ensuring sustainability. The firm is committed to environmentally responsible design and enhancing the quality of life through thoughtful architecture. Notable projects include residential retreats that blend seamlessly with their landscapes, such as the Santa Rosa Retreat, which was designed to be part of the surrounding environment rather than just an enclosed space.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Strening Architects.
13. Studio[8] Architecture | Architect Firm in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 7676 Sonoma Hwy, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, United States
Studio[8]Architecture, led by Jaime Stich, is an architectural practice based in Santa Rosa, California, with a focus on sustainable design and community engagement. With over 20 years of experience, Jaime’s journey into architecture started with a background in marine biology, which later transitioned to construction and design. This diverse experience shapes the firm’s approach to residential, commercial, and healthcare projects, always aiming to create meaningful connections with the environment. The firm has played a significant role in the rebuilding efforts of Sonoma County, particularly in the wake of devastating wildfires, where they have contributed to creating more resilient and vibrant spaces.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Studio[8] Architecture.
14. STUDIO GRAF | Architecture Firm in Cotati, California
Address: 170 E Cotati Ave #102, Cotati, CA 94931, United States
STUDIO GRAF, led by Fabian Graf, is an architecture and design firm based in Sonoma County, California. The studio offers tailored design solutions that cater to both residential and commercial clients. Their approach involves a highly collaborative process where the design is meticulously developed to suit the needs and vision of the client. The firm is known for a strong focus on sustainability, modern aesthetics, and creative problem-solving. One of their notable projects includes a home office built in Sonoma County, designed as a peaceful work oasis surrounded by nature. The project exemplifies their ability to balance cost-conscious material choices with high-quality design, making it a unique blend of function and form.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By STUDIO GRAF.
15. TBE Architecture | Architect in Glen Ellen, California
Address: 14301 Arnold Dr Unit 30, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, United States
TBE Architecture, based in Glen Ellen, California, is a full-service architecture studio led by Ray Willett, AIA, LEED AP. The firm specializes in residential, commercial, and municipal projects, with a particular focus on working with businesses, property owners, and contractors to provide creative design solutions while respecting site, budget, and aesthetic requirements. TBE’s approach integrates innovative design practices with sustainable building principles, and the firm has experience in both new builds and fire rebuilds in the aftermath of the 2017 wildfires. The studio’s portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from residential homes to civic and commercial spaces, all aiming to enhance the quality of the built environment.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By TBE Architecture.
16. Zeitgeist Sonoma Architecture + Interior Design | Architect in Santa Rosa, California
Address: 723 Humboldt St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Zeitgeist Sonoma is an architecture and interior design firm based in Sonoma County, California. They specialize in creating custom, upscale homes and boutique commercial spaces, offering a comprehensive, integrated approach to design. Their process begins with defining the client's vision and ends with ensuring quality construction execution, providing support throughout the entire project. The team emphasizes a collaborative process, creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful while reflecting the client's lifestyle. The firm is known for its commitment to detail, sustainability, and efficient project management, having completed numerous projects in the Bay Area and beyond.
Check out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Zeitgeist Sonoma Architecture + Interior Design.