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  • AMES | Studio BBA Architects | Studio BBA Architects

    SAN FRANCISCO | Master List AMES SAN FRANCISCO Small never lived so large as in this 840 sq. ft. luxury cottage. Tucked away mid-block on an alley bordering San Francisco’s Mission and Noe Valley neighborhoods, this project was commissioned by Flora Grubb to be near her original garden nursery. An adaptive reuse remodel, the choice to work with the existing modest structure was intentional—even though zoning allowed for much more—to minimize waste and explore a creative opportunity for smart, small-scale design. Every square inch of Ames was designed to be a peaceful, elegant and purposeful urban sanctuary. The super efficient living spaces have an indoor/outdoor feel with copious natural light from new windows and skylights, while ensuring privacy and retaining the open feel from the building’s original use as Betty Mae's School of Tap in the 1940's. The home’s open interior is anchored by a full-height partition wall clad with re-purposed Douglas fir—with flush-mounted fireplace and skylight on the living room side, and built-in cabinetry and closet on the master bedroom side. The simple kitchen and bath feature FSC-certified cherry cabinetry with flush doors, and plaster walls that run uninterrupted out to the patio with its espalier garden and custom cast-in-place, concrete soaking tub. A redwood-trimmed, wall-mounted ladder leads from the patio to the roof deck and its container garden oasis. This project offered the opportunity to experiment with new and re-imagined materials, collaborating with the builder as he crafted everything by hand. It became the foundation for two our longest relationships—with Flora Grubb, leading to our design of Flora Grubb Gardens, and with Kevin Smith, with whom we’ve built a number of projects including three Sightglass cafés. Client Flora Grubb BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Seth Boor Size 840 SF Contractor Kevin Smith Collaborators Plants: Flora Grubb Gardens Photography Studio BBA Back to Projects page Back to top

  • SHRADER | Studio BBA Architects | Studio BBA Architects

    SAN FRANCISCO | Master List SHRADER SAN FRANCISCO We designed this Cole Valley renovation for a young family of three as their ‘forever home’. Excited to revive the house and make it their own, and committed to the design and building process, the clients goals for us were to maximize the quality of the spaces and to keep costs to a minimum. A new, central, skylit stair connects the three floors, sending daylight streaming into every nook of the home’s large footprint throughout the day. We introduced a modern and subtly playful aesthetic to the interiors, with clean lines and focused material choices, as well as a strong visual and physical relationship from the interiors to the west-facing backyard—a coveted find in San Francisco. Client Confidential BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Sarah Fucinaro Size 3,500 SF Contractor Hughes McGinnis Builders Collaborators Interiors: Alycia Freeman, Fix Interiors Photography Nicholas V. Ruiz Back to Projects page Back to top

  • THIRD CULTURE BAKERY | Studio BBA Architects | Studio BBA Architects

    BERKELEY | Master List THIRD CULTURE BAKERY BERKELEY Third Culture Bakery's flagship Berkeley location occupies a double-height industrial building, with a dramatic pitched roof and generous skylights that fill the interior with light. As the bakery has grown into a beloved Bay Area institution, Studio BBA was brought in to reimagine the interior — deepening the warmth and welcome of the space while keeping the bold, joyful identity that has always been distinctly Third Culture. The design layers coziness into the space — warm wood wall paneling that connects the interior to the exterior facade, a custom front counter with integrated retail shelving, and a bespoke pastry case that puts the baked goods center stage. The heart of the new design is a dedicated matcha counter with bar seating — an intimate perch where guests can watch baristas craft Third Culture's inventive matcha drinks with the same care that goes into every mochi muffin. It's a small theater of making, and an invitation to stay. Client Third Culture Bakery BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Samantha Buckley Claire Adams Size Contractor The Meticulous Handyman Collaborators Photography Back to Projects page Back to top

  • Our Studio, Team & Contact | STUDIO BBA Architecture San Francisco

    We're a small San Francisco architecture studio founded in 1992, creating spaces that inspire connection. Meet our team, learn how we work, and discover our approach to residential, hospitality, and workplace design. Ready to discuss your project? We'd love to hear from you. Located at 921 Larkin Street | 415-241-7160 We believe in the transformative power of design - to enhance the context of our daily experiences and create fulfilling, meaningful, beautiful spaces. Studio BBA is a dynamic atelier of designers who advocate for architecture that inspires human connection—creating spaces and places from the alchemy of inspiration, site, materials, vision and form. The rich set of conditions, agendas and real-life constraints that come with each project makes this an artful process, as does our belief that a symbiosis between circumstance and desire leads to original and compelling design. The collaborative nature of our studio enhances the design process and nourishes meaningful connections with our clients, project teams and the craftspeople who build our work. We thrive when working with clients who have interesting and demanding programs and a passion for what will happen in their space—providing opportunities to deepen the design language and innovate as we guide each project’s development. We bring vision, skilled management, a value for design excellence and a gift for strong interpersonal connection to our project teams and diverse practice areas, which include restaurants, community spaces, private residences and offices, and a range of services including architecture, interior design and master planning. We believe it is our professional obligation to be environmentally intelligent and responsible, bringing a sustainable perspective and proficiency in energy-efficient building systems to every project. STUDIO BBA TEAM LINKEDIN BONNIE BRIDGES PRINCIPAL | AIA A strategic, clear thinker, perceptive listener and creative dynamo, Bonnie leads Studio BBA with adaptability, energy and fearless optimism. Drawing on deep expertise in the skilled facilitation of decisions and processes, and an intuitive, analytic nature, she guides the studio’s atelier of designers in creating beautiful, enriching, successful spaces and buildings for their clients. Bonnie brings a keen awareness of place and purpose to her work, with an approach to the design process grounded in human experience, logic and thoughtful actions. This humanistic methodology took form during her graduate and doctoral research, which explored the relationship between being and building—through contemporary architectural theory and the study of phenomenology as interpreted and developed by Husserl and Heidegger, Kenneth Frampton, and Juhanni Palassma. Site-specificity and material simplicity are essential aesthetic principles in Bonnie’s work, informed by growing up in California and ten years in the Sonoran Desert. She was profoundly inspired by these landscapes—imprinting within her a fundamental experience of light and space. Actively involved in the civic realm and the greater architectural community, Bonnie is fueled by a deep, longstanding dedication to advancing the profession—through mentoring, teaching, advisory and Board roles. Bonnie founded the firm in 1992, preceded by working for award-winning firms in California and Arizona. EDUCATION Doctor of Design – Architectural Theory, Harvard University GSD Master of Architecture with Honors, The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Architecture with Honors, University of Arizona COMMUNITY Adjunct Professor, California College of the Arts, Architecture Adjunct Professor, UC Berkeley, College of Environmental Design Board of Directors, AIA California Council Board of Directors, AIA San Francisco Alumni Council, Harvard University GSD SAMANTHA BUCKLEY PRINCIPAL | AIA An architect with a love for tactile design, wrangling cats, and walking dogs, Samantha enriches Studio BBA and everything she touches. Her enthusiasm is contagious and is felt across all aspects of the studio – from daily lunches to project delivery. Adept at deep analysis and strategic design thinking, she balances each project’s circumstances to generate innovative design solutions and efficient delivery. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Academy of Arts in San Francisco. EDUCATION Bachelor of Architecture, Academy of Art University COMMUNITY AIA SF Emerging Professional of the Year, 2019 CREW SF Elevate Rising Rockstar Nominee, 2020, 2021 ArchDaily Freelance Author LINKEDIN CLAIRE ADAMS DESIGNER Claire is a multidisciplinary designer whose work bridges architecture, urban design, and landscape. Guided by her passion for public space, she brings a thoughtful, community-minded approach to Studio BBA’s projects. With a belief in the social role of design, she is inspired by walkable cities and the power of “third spaces” to bring people together. Claire approaches each project with the goal of creating beautiful spaces that foster connection and create a sense of community. Beyond architecture, Claire’s creative pursuits span sewing, fiber arts, woodworking, painting, and film photography — hands-on practices that deepen her sensitivity to material, craft, and detail. After studio hours, she can often be found working late into the night on one of these creative endeavors. EDUCATION California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Bachelor of Architecture COMMUNITY BAYA, AIA, Stern Grove Festival Volunteer, Fiber Friends SF ISABEL LYDON ACCOUNTANT AND BOOKKEEPER Isabel began her business career in the not-for-profit realm specializing in cost accounting systems for the development and management of affordable housing in Marin County. As the Business Manager for a major substance abuse treatment and homelessness services provider in San Francisco she acted as a liaison to the board of directors in charge of the financial operations, contract compliance and contract negotiations. Isabel moved into the public sector as Operations Manager for Cronon Design then starting her own business providing Accounting, Strategic Planning and Business Consultation. Isabel is currently the co-owner of Mana’O LLC providing Business Consulting Services. She gets great satisfaction from the personal relationships she has with her clients over the last 20 years. Isabel loves to garden and has a quite successful personal sized orchard with a variety of fruits from Apples to Pomegranates. EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Business Administration, San Francisco State University COMMUNITY Activist for disabled children’s rights CONTACT Connect with us to discuss your project, pitch PR opportunities, inquire about joining our atelier of designers, or to talk shop. Studio BBA is located in the heart of San Francisco – or as we like to call it, the Center City Design District. Look for our vertical garden and stop in—by design we’ve skipped the formalities and you’ll be welcomed right into the midst of an architecture studio and workshop. 921 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94109 GENERAL INQUIRIES PROJECTS MEDIA/PRESS CAREERS (accepts PDF attachments <5MB) 415-241-7160 Mon - Thurs Alternating Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm 9:00am - 5:00pm SNAPSHOTS

  • SONOMA COUNTY HOUSE

    SONOMA COUNTY HOUSE Back to Projects page Client BBA Team Size Contractor Collaborators Photography Back to top

  • Subscribe | Studio BBA

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  • TECH COMPANY

    SAN FRANCISCO TECH COMPANY SAN FRANCISCO When this client came to Studio BBA, they were new and growing — growing fast. Working with the co-founder, we established how their digital presence transcends into physical space and identity. The project grew into a 3-story redesign including new finishes to compliment a host of program: lounges, outdoor terraces, a gym, all-hands and dining area to accommodate catering for the entire office. Through our emergent process, we learned that focused and private work was pivotal to the company’s office culture and created the “Observable Universe” art piece to inspire a “Thinking Garden” as a place for introspection, study, discovery, and delight. The interior landscape program for the office became an obvious manifestation of the Thinking Garden, supported by an abstract and sophisticated nature-inspired palette. Starting during the Covid pandemic, the only thing that was certain was that the company was growing. Lead times quickly began to drive schedule, and the design team had to be nimble in making selections as available products quickly changed. This need to meet schedule fostered a trusting relationship where the Client approved look-and-feel of the various aspects of the office space, and Studio BBA was able to select alternates as needed. We standardized on a phone booth, providing fluidity for staff jumping from room to room, and to ease future purchasing needs. To support confidentiality and the meditative quietness of the open office, the floor plan boasts a nearly 3-to-1 ratio of people to conference rooms and call rooms. Back to Projects page Client Confidential Tech BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Vishnu Balusat Samantha Buckley Size 18,000 SF Contractor GCI General Contractors Collaborators Project Manager: Raise Plantings: AddLife Procurement: MGWest Photography Studio BBA Back to top

  • SAN ANSELMO HOUSE

    SAN ANSELMO HOUSE SAN ANSELMO Our clients (a landscape designer and a video producer) came to us because they love Flora Grubb Gardens. Although it is not a house, they were inspired by the way the architecture and gardens flow together and create a variety of creative and comfortable places within a well ordered and structurally expressed building. The challenge they gave us: transform a tiny, vintage 1940’s ranch house in San Anselmo into a long-term family home that takes advantage of the south facing 2-acre lot with amazing views of Mount Tamalpais. With a young family on a street full of kids, we popped up the entry to create the new double-height volume that welcomes neighbors and helps anchor the house on the steep downslope lot. Inside, we combined small spaces to create an expansive great room with exposed douglas fir beams, hand-hewn wood floors, and a multi-slide pocket door. The airy space opens onto to a cedar deck and enjoys generous southern light and views of oak-studded Marin hills. From the main level skylit hall, a new stair leads to the new lower level (formerly a crawl space) with direct access to the garden. The gardens, patios, and deck flow together as one outdoor living space via paths and stairways. Simple, local materials on the interior include new and reclaimed douglas fir and aged white oak, complemented by board-form concrete retaining walls and darkened steel. Special wood details throughout lend warmth and unique personality throughout, conceived through an enjoyable, collaborative process with the clients, consultants, and contractor. As the house is located within a Wildland Urban Interface area, only non-combustible materials were used on the exterior, and the trees on the site were carefully protected from construction activity. Sustainable systems were integrated inside and out, including radiant heating, a passive cool sink, permeable pavers, bio-swales, bioretention areas, and a green roof. BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Stephanie Griffith Size 2,800 SF; 2 acre lot Contractor Christensen Construction Timberline Builders Collaborators Pope Engineering | Civil Engineer Double D Engineering | Structural Engineer Holly Selvig Landscape Architecture Neila Hutt Interior Design Garden Design by Annabelle Reber (Client) Photography Cesar Rubio Photography Back to Projects page Back to top

  • THUMBTACK LIBRARY

    THUMBTACK LIBRARY SAN FRANCISCO The Thumbtack Library showcases the relationship of trust fostered between the client and Studio BBA. As a 5x repeat client, we were so excited to collaborate and experiment with Thumbtack as we all tackled the future of workplace in the middle of a pandemic. During the pandemic, Thumbtack made the decision to become an all-virtual company. Instead of traditional offices, they created a plan for four “libraries” across the globe for socializing, gathering and connection. With this directive, we’ve created something entirely new. Libraries are strategically located as a resource to employees globally to allow for connections, community and socializing in-real-life. This partnership resulted in a truly iterative process upheld by the strong ethos of Thumbtack’s Head of People and a committed and supportive Landlord team. Thumbtack is evolving and transforming, and their new space reflects that, meeting them in their commitment to equity. The library is not a one solution fits all. By creating a spectrum of places, the library offers neighborhoods from noisy and extroverted, to quiet and pensive. Spaces support independent laptop work, but also phone booths for private calls, or high-back feet-up lounge chairs for soaking in the view while thinking. Other experiments in the office include providing phone booths large enough to act as offices for acoustic privacy for executives and staff discussing confidential information. Size: Contractor: Collaborator: 20,000 SF MCS ACIES | MEP Magnusson Klemencic Associates | Structural Pear Workplace Solutions | Furniture The Plant People | Plants Tinkering Monkey | Signage + Branding Photography: Victor Goods Client Website: Thumbtack Design Team: Vishnu Balunsat Bonnie Bridges Back to Projects page Back to top

  • PLAYSTUDIOS

    PLAYSTUDIOS SAN FRANCISCO PlayStudios made the decision to move from the Peninsula to downtown, reducing their square footage but doubling-down on a location that put them alongside premier VC firms, and being in an urban center that partners wanted to visit. After the lease was signed, Studio BBA was brought in to refresh the space into something nearly unrecognizable. Walking into this space, fronting fabulous South Park in San Francisco, it would have been perfect as-is if you were seeking an industrial steam-punk office. That vibe did not align with the brand and identity standards of online gaming company PlayStudios—where they emerged as a light and bright brand in hospitality forward Las Vegas. The program and use of each space was inspired by an activity based workplace—the hybrid office allows heads-down focus work to happen at home, and brings the office to an activated social role in their workplace culture. This shift was to help create a magnet rather than mandate to return to office. To make the most of the leased area, Studio BBA helped to convert the very low storage loft into a cozy gaming lounge with low to the floor individual seats arced around the console system, and a nearby round table for board games. We were told a sweet story after the project completed, that a group of the staff get together on Saturdays to use the game table. Pride of place has attracted not just their staff, but friends, family and extended networks. Emphasizing play, Tinkering Monkey and the PlayStudios team brought our vision to life, creating an interactive art installation that makes you pause to play with an analog View-Master toy to view PlayStudios’ original art created by their illustrators. The art installation is just one layer of the detail attended to the accessories. Furniture selections with complimenting pillows, to planters and their plants, lamps, rugs, and a toiletry program to add a level of care to the restroom. Juxtaposing the minimal and bright design of the space, Studio BBA designed a plant program to extend the park on their doorstep in through the folding glass door façade, layering life into the office. Size: Contractor: Collaborator: 2695 SF GCI RDI | Furniture Tinkering Monkey | Art + Signage Photography: Jasper Sanidad Client Website: PlayStudios Design Team: Vishnu Balunsat Bonnie Bridges Back to Projects page Back to top

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Studio BBA acknowledges the Ramaytush Ohlone people as the traditional custodians of the land where we work and reside. We pay our respects to their Elders and all Ramaytush Ohlone people past, present and future.

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Studio BBA   921 Larkin Street  

San Francisco CA

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