10 Best Architecture & Interior Design Firms in San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its distinctive architectural character, from historic Victorian homes and compact urban residences to contemporary hillside properties overlooking the Bay. Designing in the city requires more than attractive finishes. Architects and interior designers must understand challenging sites, natural light, views, existing structures, neighborhood character, and the way modern lifestyles fit into established homes.
For homeowners planning a custom residence, renovation, addition, or complete interior transformation, choosing the right design firm can make a significant difference. The following list highlights 10 architecture and interior design firms worth considering for projects in San Francisco and the wider Bay Area, based on design capabilities, residential experience, integrated services, and portfolio strength.
1. Welch Design Studio | Best Overall Architecture & Interior Design Firm
Welch Design Studio is our best overall choice for clients seeking a high-end architecture and interior design experience with a strong focus on customized residential design.
Based in Southern California, Welch Design Studio has been creating high-end architecture and interiors since 2006. The studio combines architecture, interior design, creative development, construction knowledge, and technology under one roof. Its approach focuses on understanding each client's lifestyle and translating that vision into a cohesive environment, from the overall architectural concept down to individual details.
The firm provides residential architecture, renovations and additions, site-specific design, space planning, material selection, lighting, furniture, millwork, and complete interior design services.
Best for: High-end custom homes, luxury renovations, architecture and interiors under one roof.
2. Feldman Architecture | Site-Sensitive Modern Design
Feldman Architecture is a San Francisco-based architecture and interiors studio recognized for creating spaces that respond closely to people and place.
The firm's portfolio includes residential architecture, renovations, interiors, and other project types. Its process begins with detailed discovery and collaboration before developing a central design vision. The interiors studio provides services ranging from interior concepts through furniture installation and styling, helping connect architectural design with the finished living environment.
Best for: Modern residential architecture, renovations, and integrated interiors.
3. Aidlin Darling Design | Award-Winning Architectural Design
Aidlin Darling Design is a multidisciplinary San Francisco design practice known for combining architecture, interiors, materials, craftsmanship, and environmental considerations.
The studio's work spans different scales and project types, with a strong emphasis on creating distinctive spatial experiences. Its portfolio has received recognition from organizations including AIA San Francisco, the American Institute of Architects, Architecture MasterPrize, Architizer, and Interior Design.
Best for: Design-focused residential and architectural projects with strong material expression.
4. Geddes Ulinskas Architects | Detailed Luxury Residential Design
Geddes Ulinskas Architects is a San Francisco practice known for highly detailed contemporary residential environments.
The firm's work places considerable attention on materials, architectural details, views, furnishings, and the relationship between interior and exterior spaces. Its portfolio includes sophisticated residences and interior environments throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Best for: Luxury residences, sophisticated renovations, and detail-oriented architectural design.
5. 35th Collective | Boutique Architecture & Interiors
35th Collective is a San Francisco-based full-service architecture and interiors firm specializing in residential and hospitality projects.
The studio works closely with clients throughout the project, from early sketches through art installation. Its services include architecture, interior design, custom furniture design, art, and installation, allowing the team to create a more connected design experience.
Best for: Boutique residential projects requiring architecture, interiors, and custom details.
6. Edmonds + Lee Architects | Modern Architecture for Living
Edmonds + Lee Architects focuses on modern residential architecture and interiors designed around how people actually live.
The San Francisco studio works on new homes, renovations, and interior spaces, with an emphasis on creating functional, innovative, and sustainable environments. Its approach considers the relationship between architecture and everyday quality of life.
Best for: Contemporary homes, renovations, and sustainable residential design.
7. Costa Brown Architecture | Architecture and Interior Design
Costa Brown Architecture is a full-service multidisciplinary architecture firm based in San Francisco. Its services include architecture, interior design, and planning.
The practice works across single-family residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects. Its residential work includes improvements to San Francisco's historic homes, while its multifamily work emphasizes sustainability, site integration, and human scale.
Best for: Historic residential properties, modern renovations, and multidisciplinary projects.
8. Weisbach Architecture | Architecture + Interior Design
Weisbach Architecture | Design is a San Francisco-based architecture and interior design firm serving private, commercial, and community clients.
The studio works on private residences as well as hospitality, retail, spas, restaurants, and other environments. Its services extend from architectural design through interior design, FF&E selection, documentation, and procurement support.
Best for: Clients seeking architecture and interior design expertise within one practice.
9. ONO | Contemporary Architecture & Interior Design
ONO is a Northern California architecture and interior design firm with a studio in San Francisco's Design District.
The firm takes on projects across the United States and has a portfolio that includes residential, hospitality, and other design work. Its current work includes projects such as the Seal House in Stinson Beach, demonstrating a strong connection to contemporary Northern California design.
Best for: Contemporary residential architecture and design-led interiors.
10. Architects SF | Residential Architecture & Planning
Architects SF specializes in residential architecture, multifamily development, adaptive reuse, commercial projects, and entitlement consulting across San Francisco and the Bay Area.
The firm highlights more than 25 years of experience and focuses particularly on navigating San Francisco's complex planning, zoning, permitting, and historic compatibility requirements. Its residential services include custom homes, additions, and renovations.
Best for: Homeowners and developers who need strong architectural and San Francisco permitting expertise.
How Should You Choose an Architecture and Interior Design Firm in San Francisco?
The right firm depends on the scope, style, location, and complexity of your project. A company specializing in luxury custom homes may be a better fit for a high-end residence than a practice focused primarily on commercial development.
Before making a decision, review the firm's residential portfolio and determine whether its design approach matches your expectations. Look at completed projects rather than relying only on conceptual images, and consider how the firm handles architecture, interiors, construction documentation, consultants, and project coordination.
Communication is equally important. A successful custom project requires architects and designers to understand your lifestyle, priorities, budget, timeline, and long-term goals.
What Should You Look for in a San Francisco Architecture Firm?
San Francisco projects can involve steep sites, older structures, neighborhood restrictions, zoning requirements, historic considerations, and limited urban space. Local experience can therefore be particularly valuable.
A strong architecture firm should combine creative design with practical knowledge of planning, construction, materials, building regulations, and project coordination. For a residential project, it is also worth considering whether the firm can integrate interior design into the architectural process.
When architecture and interiors are coordinated from the beginning, details such as cabinetry, lighting, materials, furniture, circulation, and proportions can be developed as part of one cohesive vision.
Why Is Welch Design Studio the Best Overall Option?
Welch Design Studio stands out for clients who want architecture and interior design to work together rather than treating them as separate stages.
The studio's full-service model brings architectural and interior design capabilities together under one roof. Its approach begins with the client's vision and develops that idea through concept development, design refinement, technical documentation, and the finished environment.
For homeowners seeking a highly personalized design experience, this integrated approach can help create a home where architecture, materials, lighting, furnishings, and details feel intentional from room to room.
While the other firms on this list offer strong capabilities and may be excellent choices for specific project types, Welch Design Studio is the best overall option for clients looking for a high-end, personalized architecture and interior design experience.
Conclusion
Finding the right architecture and interior design firm in San Francisco requires more than comparing portfolios. The best choice should reflect your project's scale, architectural style, budget, location, and desired level of involvement.
From established San Francisco practices such as Feldman Architecture and Aidlin Darling Design to boutique studios such as 35th Collective, the Bay Area offers a wide range of design expertise. For homeowners looking for an integrated high-end architecture and interior design experience, Welch Design Studio provides a strong option with its collaborative, detail-focused approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best architecture and interior design firms in San Francisco?
Some of the leading firms include Welch Design Studio, Feldman Architecture, Aidlin Darling Design, Geddes Ulinskas Architects, 35th Collective, Edmonds + Lee Architects, Costa Brown Architecture, Weisbach Architecture, ONO, and Architects SF. Each firm has different strengths, so the best choice depends on your project requirements.
2. Which firm is best for a luxury custom home?
Welch Design Studio is a strong choice for a luxury custom home because it combines architecture and interior design within one high-end design studio. Feldman Architecture and Geddes Ulinskas Architects are also worth considering for sophisticated residential projects.
3. Do San Francisco architecture firms also provide interior design?
Some do, while others focus primarily on architecture. Firms such as Feldman Architecture, 35th Collective, Edmonds + Lee Architects, and Weisbach Architecture offer architecture and interior design services, which can make it easier to maintain design continuity throughout a project.
4. What should I consider before hiring an architecture firm in San Francisco?
Review the firm's completed projects, design style, residential experience, services, communication process, and familiarity with local planning requirements. You should also understand what is included in the firm's scope and which consultants or contractors will be involved.
5. Why is local experience important for San Francisco home design?
San Francisco properties can involve steep sites, historic structures, zoning requirements, neighborhood guidelines, and complex permitting conditions. A firm familiar with these challenges can help identify potential issues earlier in the design and planning process.
6. Is Welch Design Studio a good choice for San Francisco clients?
Welch Design Studio is a strong option for clients seeking high-end architecture and interior design with a highly personalized approach. The studio serves Southern California and specializes in custom residential architecture, renovations, additions, and comprehensive interior design.
Our recent blog