Architecture that makes a difference to people and planet…

We transcend traditional architecture by integrating the triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity, ensuring that every project enhances human well-being, minimizes environmental impact, and creates long-term value.

Embark on your unique design journey with us…

We collaborate closely with you to bring your vision to life by creating eco-friendly spaces that bring joy, enrich lives, and enhance overall value for homeowners, businesses, and communities.

Our proactive approach captures your aspirations in every detail, prioritizing sustainable design to improve both aesthetics and well-being.

Together, we’ll transform your ideas into vibrant realities that strengthen relationships, support business growth, and foster lasting community connections.

Residential

There’s nothing more personal or intimate than your home.  It’s a place where you nurture and grow, work, rest, and play and have the most emotional and, often, financial investment. We understand the importance of creating a home that truly reflects your unique journey and aspirations.

We offer a comprehensive range of services for high-end residential projects of all types including new builds, renovations, interior remodels, additions, and ADUs, specializing in revitalizing and modernizing historic Victorian-era single and multi-family homes in San Francisco, reenvisioning early Bay Area suburban ranch-style tract homes, and sensitively updating and future-proofing classic mid-century modern homes. With decades of experience throughout the Bay Area, we are adept at solving the unique challenges of problematic building sites and existing buildings, and navigating complex approvals processes.

As experts in designing environmentally friendly, sustainable homes that blend modern aesthetics with warm, inviting spaces, prioritizing functionality and elegance while capturing your individuality, our meticulous attention to detail ensures your home becomes a sanctuary that reflects your values and nurtures your well-being.

Invest in a living experience that embodies your values and passions. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward creating a home that meets your needs, adds value to your property, and enriches your life in meaningful ways.

Great architecture inspires and strengthens communities. We partner with owners and developers to create sustainable building solutions that add value and enhance user experiences. Together, we can shape a brighter future through thoughtful design.

Commercial // Educational // Civic/Cultural

Commercial spaces foster business growth and collaboration, embodying financial investment and entrepreneurial passion.

Educational spaces foster learning, critical thinking, and the development of future leaders, advancing both societal progress and personal growth.

Civic and cultural spaces nurture community engagement, cultural expression, and well-being.

These spaces are the backbone of a thriving society, driving economic activity, preserving culture, and fostering intellectual growth. They are essential for creating vibrant and prosperous communities.

We partner closely with developers, entrepreneurs, and institutional clients to design spaces that are both practical and visually appealing. With a focus on functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, our designs promote productivity, creativity, social interaction, and maximum returns on investement. By understanding the diverse needs of our clients and end users, we create environments that enhance the overall human experience, whether in a tenant improvement, mixed-use project, collaborative work environment, educational institution, or public space.

Great Clients = Great Buildings

We design great buildings, but our clients are the true heroes of their story…

What Our Clients Are Saying…

  • "Ojanen Chiou Architects worked on our house renovation and addition in Mill Valley, adding a master suite, upgrading the kitchen and a bathroom, and converting the garage to a studio/office. The design is functional and pleasant. They presented helpful design options with computer models and managed the budget well. Despite Mill Valley's challenging permit process, our permit was approved smoothly. They assisted in communicating and negotiating with a difficult contractor. We are very pleased with the results and will hire them again for our next project."

    -Millie L.

  • "We worked with Ojanen Chiou Architects to remodel our house, adding a suite in our unfinished garage, a staircase to it, and a bathroom in the master bedroom. We also opened space in the living room. OCA listened well to our wants, delivered plans quickly, and had great style. We love our house now and feel we're using all the space. We had a great experience with OCA and would work with them again."

    -Isabelle N.

  • "We bought a Menlo Park ranch style home knowing we'd remodel it. Shen and Marc from OCA quickly provided 3 options. After discussions, we chose a plan and started the process. They guided us through permits and contractor interviews, responded quickly, and helped control the budget. OCA created a simple, functional home that's child and party-friendly, with fun touches. Their clean, no-fuss style matched mine. We're very happy with the result."

    -Wendy C.

  • "After living in our Sunnyvale Ranch Style home for over 20 years, we wanted to expand with a modern, open floor plan and senior-friendly features. Shen-I listened attentively to our ideas, offered thoughtful guidance, and provided cost estimates for several options. His final design exceeded our expectations, capturing the modern aesthetic we envisioned while enhancing functionality. OCA is a great team to work with for home remodeling ideas! "

    -Lauren Y.

  • “…we are very happy with the end result.  Thanks for creating such a perfect design for us. We’ve had at least a couple people walk in and say "This is stunning!"..."

    -George & Cathy T.

  • “My old house (1880) in a historic district didn't come with an owner's manual and I've been challenged to maintain and improve it…but Marc and Shen understood my situation and knew how to navigate city codes and prioritize and solve the unknowns for maintenance and improvements that the house needed and that I wanted. They were very patient and expert in using architectural approaches for us to solve the challenges together. Their relationships with the skilled trades people and their knowledge of the local codes were key to the project going smoothly.”

    -Willi W.

Get Our Free Project Planning Guide Before You Start Your Building Project

The Project Planning Guide offers essential resources for initiating successful projects. It provides a roadmap for the design and construction process, a cost estimation worksheet, crucial questions for architects, project-specific checklists, and a free 30-minute consultation with an expert to guide you toward optimal results. Focusing on residential, mixed-use, and light commercial projects, this comprehensive guide provides useful information that can help ensure proper planning and preparation for projects of any type and size.

Get Our Dream Team Directory of Trusted Building Professionals

Architecture is a team sport. After more than 25 years working on projects of varying size and complexity both locally and internationally, we have realized that successful design and construction projects always depend on a reliable team of professionals who can bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. We are offering this select list of trusted consultants and contractors in the Bay Area who provide services that align with our rigorous quality standards and expectations including surveyors, civil engineers, landscape designers, energy and waterproofing consultants, and contractors.