Our work is rooted in the style and design sensibility of Northern California.

We are shaped by where we come from — and it informs how we design and deliver. We design thoughtful, timeless architecture informed by a shared design vision. Inspired by the people and context of each project, our work reflects a balance of clarity, craftsmanship and enduring quality.

Approach

We believe the journey is as important as the destination — and how we get there sets us apart. Through careful listening, shared vision and disciplined craft, we guide each project from the earliest ideas through construction completion. Grounded in deep technical expertise and rigorous project management, our work is delivered with collaboration, clarity and care.

Listen

Our work begins with a deep understanding of our clients, their aspirations, needs and the unique character of the place. Through thoughtful dialogue and observation, we uncover the story and ideas that will shape a meaningful architectural vision.

Envision

From those insights, we develop a clear design vision together. Through sketches, models and exploration, ideas take shape as we define the project’s architectural language, balancing context, proportion, program and experience.

Refine

Refine

The vision is then refined through careful development. Materials, structure, light and detail are considered with precision as artistic vision and design intent are translated into architecture that is both expressive and buildable.

Deliver

Finally, working closely with builders, consultants and craftspeople, we guide each project through construction, ensuring the design vision is faithfully carried out through to the finished work.

Discover more with an in-depth look at WDA’s Design Vision.

Culture & Values

We’re working to make the world a better place through exceptionally crafted architecture in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Core Values     /

Communication

We believe sharing ideas in a respectful, collaborative environment is essential to success.

Creativity

We overcome challenges through unique and innovative solutions.

Accountability

We act with transparency and integrity, honoring commitments to our clients, our work, and each other.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in all facets of our work.

Growth

We promote the continuous improvement of our firm, projects, processes and people.

Core Commitments     /

WDA is committed to… designing distinct and timeless architecture through curiosity, creativity and continuous innovation.

WDA is committed to…infusing sustainability into every aspect of our work to help reduce the carbon and energy footprint of the built environment.

WDA is committed to…fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace and profession through partnering, hiring, education and outreach.

WDA is committed to…listening to our clients and delivering a curated experience that’s transparent, engaging and rewarding.

WDA is committed to…supporting communities by improving access to good design, enriching social connectivity and empowering individuals to thrive.

WDA is committed to…cultivating a healthy, inspiring and fun work environment that promotes professional development.

Who We Are

Bright, creative and curious — at WDA, our people drive our success.

More

Services

Architecture

Great spaces tell a story. Materials, texture, color, proportion — all these things work together to create a narrative. We believe every space should express a point of view on what it means to live, work and gather. In each of our studio’s practice areas, we work with clients to express their values through composition, craft and refinement.

Sustainability

40% of annual global CO2 emissions are generated by the built environment. That makes architects essential to efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. We take that responsibility seriously and are passionate about designing solutions that maximize for sustainability and resilience by taking full advantage of new advances in materials and technology.

Technology

Design communication technology has been a hallmark of our practice since day one. As we’ve grown, we’ve developed processes to source and implement new technologies that help bring ideas to life and continuously improve the way we work together. We intentionally invest in our technological capabilities so we can immerse our clients more deeply in the design process and foster a shared vision for the end product.

Select Clients

Aviation     /

Design & Construction     /

  • Chen Design
  • FORMA Construction
  • Novo Construction
  • XYZ Graphics

Food & Wine     /

Health & Fitness     /

  • Bay Club

Public Sector     /

  • Consulate General of Ireland
  • County of San Mateo PDU
  • San Francisco Department of Public Works
  • San Francisco Human Services Agency
  • San Francisco International Airport
  • San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
  • San Francisco Unified School District
  • San Jose State University
  • South San Francisco EAC
  • Tuolumne Utilities District
  • University of California San Francisco
  • US Drug Enforcement Administration

Real Estate & Development     /

  • Five Point
  • Harmonie Park Development
  • Jamestown Properties
  • Kivelstadt Group
  • Oryx Development

Retail     /

Tech & Finance     /

Press & Recognition

WDA has been recognized year after year by the industry’s leading publications and design competitions for excellence in architecture.

Press     /

  • 7×7
  • ADPro
  • Airport Experience
  • Archinect
  • Architect Magazine
  • Arquitectura Diseno
  • Aviation Today
  • California Home+Design
  • California Style
  • Commercial Architecture
  • Cool Hunting
  • Cultured Magazine
  • Curbed
  • Custom Home
  • Design Leadership Network
  • Design Milk
  • Eater
  • General Contractor Magazine
  • Hospitality Design
  • Hospitality Snapshots
  • House and Home Magazine
  • Inhabitat
  • Luxe Interiors + Design
  • Mansion Global
  • Marin Magazine
  • Metal Architecture
  • Minimal Select
  • Modern Luxury Silicon Valley
  • Office Snapshots
  • Paper City
  • Patron Magazine
  • Residential Architect
  • Restaurant Development + Design
  • Restaurant Hospitality
  • Restaurant Weekly
  • Robb Report
  • San Francisco Business Times
  • San Francisco Chronicle
  • Spaces Magazine
  • Sunset Magazine
  • Tablehopper
  • Teresa Herrero Living
  • The Real Deal
  • Thrillist
  • Toronto Star
  • Traits d’Co
  • Travel + Leisure
  • VMSD
  • Work Design Magazine

Awards     /

Visit our portfolio for a deeper look.