Personalized custom homes 
that embody the Bay Area Tradition

At Andrew Mann Architecture, our work balances quiet elegance with underlying order and rigor. Our design process engages the abstract qualities of a space, such as the play of natural light, the proportions of architectural elements, the experience of moving through rooms, and how one perceives the relationship between those spaces. This approach results in buildings that feel inevitable, that they were always meant to be.

We draw from the Bay Area’s rich architectural legacy, while enriching it with new design solutions for contemporary living. Inspired by the precedents set by earlier generations of architects, such as Bernard Maybeck, Julia Morgan, William Wurster and William Turnbull Jr., we continue this tradition by focusing on the particularities of each project’s site and context. Our designs strengthen the sense of place, using natural materials and establishing deliberate connections between building and landscape. 

Sophisticated problem solving
grounded in intention

In the early stages of a project, we are fact finders and synthesizers, organizing the parameters for the design to unfold. Understanding spatial needs starts with a close study of our clients’ daily rituals and aspirational goals. The development of architectural form begins by observing the path of the sun and the natural qualities of the site. 

As a project evolves, the importance of craft informs our design decisions. This includes a focus on crispness of line and simplicity of detail. We understand the innate characteristics of materials and embody the practical expertise of how architecture is constructed. 

Our skill set extends beyond aesthetics. We navigate approvals, streamline communication, and shape a process that feels focused and manageable. Every detail of our documentation is rigorously developed and meticulously coordinated, setting the foundation for a smooth experience from the first conversation to final construction.

Our genuine investment in every project ensures a successful outcome as well as an enjoyable process. Managing the intricacies of each project with care and intention brings our clients’ visions to light. 

Designing with natural light 

We approach natural light as a key design element, one that is dynamic, expressive, and central to how a space feels. Being intentional in how it enters a building through skylights, windows and other openings allows for enlivened interiors, which change throughout the day. And, the use of exterior elements such as trellises and overhangs provides an opportunity to create pattern and shadow inside and out. Light is more than an aftereffect of design; it is a quiet force that transforms architecture into experience.