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
Few things are as meaningful as the place you call home—a space for nurturing, growth, work, rest, and play, and where cherished memories are made. We recognize that your home represents one of your most significant emotional and financial commitments and are dedicated to creating environments that authentically reflect your unique journey and aspirations.
Exceptional Design Services
We provide comprehensive design services for custom residential projects, covering everything from new builds and home additions to thoughtful renovations, interior remodels, and ADUs. Our team brings specialized expertise in modernizing historic Victorian-era residences, creatively re-envisioning suburban ranch-style homes, and updating mid-century modern houses with care and sensitivity. With decades of hands-on experience across the Bay Area, we excel at navigating the unique challenges that come with complex sites and existing structures, while guiding our clients seamlessly through intricate approval processes and regulatory requirements.
Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Design
We are committed to designing environmentally conscious homes that balance modern aesthetics with exceptional warmth and functionality. Every detail is carefully considered, ensuring your living space truly reflects your personality and supports your well-being, all while delivering long-term value and reducing environmental impact.
Take the First Step Toward Your Dream Home
Ready to get started? Reach out to us today and take the first step toward bringing your dream home to life—a home that’s uniquely tailored to your needs and genuinely enriches your life. When you partner with us, you’ll benefit from a collaborative process centered on your goals, resulting in a beautiful, sustainable living space that adds lasting value to both your lifestyle and your property.
Why Choose Us?
Proven Experience: We excel in new builds, modernizations, and transforming both historic and contemporary homes.
Sustainability at Our Core: Our designs prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, resulting in healthier, more sustainable homes and long-term savings.
Collaborative Approach: We partner with you to create spaces that authentically reflect your vision and lifestyle.
(Click to learn more about our process)
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…
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"Shen-I helped with designing our house addition. Throughout the process, he was very professional and offered a lot of helpful insights. It was a stressful process but we were glad to have Shen-I help us navigate the permit and designing process. Would highly recommend if you’re in need of an architect!"
-Erica L.
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"Ojanen Chiou Architects listened to our needs, delivered stylish plans quickly, and transformed our home into a space we love and use fully; we would gladly work with them again."
-Isabelle N.
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"Shen-I listened to our ideas, provided thoughtful guidance and cost options, and delivered a modern, senior-friendly design that exceeded our expectations; OCA is a great team for home remodeling. "
-Lauren Y.
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"Shen and Marc from OCA provided multiple design options, guided us through permits and contractor selection, and created a simple, functional, and stylish home that fits our lifestyle; we are very happy with the result."
-Wendy C.
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"Ojanen Chiou Architects delivered a functional and pleasant renovation for our Mill Valley home, managed the budget and permit process smoothly, and provided valuable support with a challenging contractor; we are very pleased and plan to hire them again."
-Millie L.
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“…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.
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“Marc and Shen understood the unique challenges of my historic home, skillfully navigating city codes, prioritizing improvements, and collaborating with skilled trades to ensure the project went smoothly.”
-Willi W.
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"...Thanks many for paying your time and effort to make our house this wonderful."
-Eddie F.
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.
