Architecture that makes a difference to people and planet…
Ojanen Chiou Architects is a San Francisco architecture firm creating thoughtful, sustainable residential, commercial, educational, and civic spaces throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Our work integrates the triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity, enhancing human well-being, minimizing environmental impact, and creating long-term value.
We’re here to help bring your project to life…
We collaborate closely with our clients to create environmentally responsible, light-filled spaces that bring joy, enrich everyday life, and provide lasting value for homeowners, businesses, and communities.
Residential Design
Home is more than just a roof over your head, it’s where life unfolds, where you recharge, create, celebrate, grow, and make lasting memories. We understand that designing or transforming a home is an important investment, both emotionally and financially. Our goal is to shape spaces that reflect your story and support your aspirations for the future.
Full-Scope Residential Expertise
We offer start-to-finish design services for custom homes, additions, renovations, interior transformations, and ADUs. Our portfolio spans the Bay Area and beyond, with special expertise in modernizing Victorian-era homes, reinventing suburban ranches, and sensitively updating mid-century modern properties. With decades of experience, we skillfully navigate challenging sites, intricate existing structures, and the complex layers of local approvals and permitting, helping your project move forward efficiently.
Sustainable, Human-Centered Design
We believe great design should nurture people and planet. Our work balances timeless aesthetics with environmental stewardship, focusing on long-term value, resilience, and everyday livability. Thoughtful detailing and sustainable choices ensure that your home feels authentic, uplifting, and deeply connected to its context.
Start Your Dream Home
When you work with us, you'll benefit from a collaborative process centered on your goals, resulting in a thoughtful, sustainable living space tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Considering a new home, addition, or renovation? Use our Residential Construction Cost Calculator to explore a preliminary construction budget and begin planning your project.
Why Choose Us?
Proven Experience: We bring decades of experience designing new homes, additions, renovations, and transformations of both historic and contemporary residences.
Sustainability at Our Core: We prioritize energy efficiency, durable materials, and environmentally responsible design to create healthier, more resilient homes with lasting value.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with you throughout the design process to create spaces that reflect your goals, lifestyle, and vision.
The OCA Method
Beyond residential design, we partner with businesses, institutions, organizations, and developers to create sustainable commercial, educational, civic, and cultural spaces that strengthen communities, enhance user experience, and provide lasting value.
Commercial // Educational // Civic/Cultural
We design commercial, educational, civic, and cultural environments that respond to the needs of clients, users, and communities. Our work balances functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and long-term value to create engaging spaces that support how people work, learn, gather, and connect.
Our experience includes tenant improvements, workplace and commercial interiors, mixed-use projects, educational facilities, and civic and cultural spaces. We work closely with developers, businesses, institutions, and community organizations to navigate complex programs, existing-building conditions, approvals, budgets, and project delivery.
Whether transforming an existing space or developing a new project, our approach combines practical problem-solving with thoughtful, human-centered design to create environments that are adaptable, inspiring, and built for lasting use.
Great Clients = Great Buildings
What our clients say about working with Ojanen Chiou Architects…
-
![]()
"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.
-
![]()
"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.
-
![]()
"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.
-
![]()
"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.
-
![]()
“…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.
-
![]()
"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.
-
![]()
“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.
-
![]()
"...Thanks many for paying your time and effort to make our house this wonderful."
-Eddie F.
Free Project Planning Guide //
Planning a residential, mixed-use, or light commercial project? Our free Project Planning Guide provides a practical roadmap for the design and construction process, including a cost-estimation worksheet, questions to ask your architect, project-specific checklists, and other tools to help you prepare for a successful project.
Dream Team Directory //
Successful building projects depend on a strong team. Our Dream Team Directory includes Bay Area professionals we have worked with and trust, including surveyors, engineers, landscape designers, specialty consultants, and contractors who can contribute expertise throughout the design and construction process.
