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.
AIA CRAN Videos
Planing a custom home remodel, expansion, or new build?
Here are five videos from CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network) about the vital role of the architect in the design and construction process. With a focus on residential projects, the knowledge presented in this video series is scalable and invaluable for anyone embarking on a building project for the first time whether residential, commercial, or institutional. CRAN is a Knowledge Community of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) that develops information to benefit architects and their clients alike. Each of CRAN’s videos is relatively short, very informative and from a trusted source.
USModernist: For Lovers of Mid-Century Modernism!
Planning to renovate or expand a vintage MCM home, or looking for inspiration for a new custom home? Look no further!
“USModernist is America’s largest open digital archive of Modernist houses, an award-winning nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational archive for the documentation, preservation, and promotion of residential Modernist architecture.”
With links to 355 podcasts, 4.3 million architecture magazine pages, 165 modernist house tours, 20,500 mondernist houses documented, and nearly 200 modern house museums around the world, this is the premier source dedicated to Documenting, Preserving, and Promoting Modernist Residential Architecture.
We are comfortable conversing in any style of architecture, but “Modernese” is our first language. Let us help you create your modernist masterpiece…
SB 9: Increase Your Property Value, Generate Long-Term Passive Income & Help Solve The Housing Crisis
Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) – the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act - is a California state law that went into effect at the beginning of 2022 intended to help alleviate housing shortages while fostering more sustainable urban growth and making California a more equitable, affordable, and livable state.
The SB 9 DUPLEX provision allows a single-family lot to now have two units, while the LOT SPLIT provision allows eligible lots to be subdivided with up to two dwellings per lot. Using both of these provisions, you can convert your single-family home into two separate properties with four dwellings in total!
Although one of the two lots must be owner-occupied, the property owner can choose to sell the second lot either vacant, selling it as a developed property with one or two SB 9 housing units, or building rental units to generate long-term passive income.
The concept is simple, but determining eligibility, deciding which options are most beneficial for your situation, and navigating the approvals process can be a daunting task.
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Increases overall property value.
Creates additional housing for extended family.
Generates rental income.
Builds intergenerational wealth.
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Allows for more types of housing to create more equitable and inclusive neighborhoods.
Makes positive changes by strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods with equity, inclusivity, and affordability.
Provides rental and entry-level homeownership opportunities for Californians who are currently outpriced and outcompeted in today’s market.
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Promotes infill development, which encourages the efficient use of existing infrastructure and resources.
Enables the development of new housing within already established neighborhoods to reduce urban sprawl and preserve open spaces.
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Stimulates the construction industry and generate employment opportunities.
Contributes to local tax revenues, benefiting municipalities and supporting public services.
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Property located within an urban area or cluster Zoned single-family residential.
At least 2,400 sq ft; Minimum lot size after splitting is 1,200 sq ft.
The split ratio cannot be greater than 60/40. You cannot split a lot into one 1,200 sq. ft. lot and one 3,000 sq. ft. lot.
Not previously been split using SB9.
Free of tenant evictions within the last 15 years.
Not located within a historic zone, flood zone, fire hazard zone, earthquake zone, hazardous waste site, prime farmland, or within other environmentally protected areas like conservation zones and endangered species habitats.
Owner occupancy on one of the lots is required for at least three years.
The split cannot result in demolition of existing dwelling units that have been occupied/rented within the last three years.
Lots are not exempt from mapping acts (i.e. parcel mapping) or from development and other fees
Local agencies can impose development standards, such as utility easements, right-of-way access, setbacks, etc.
Additional Resources
Summary of the HOME Act
Advocacy
Understanding and Navigating SB 9 in Your City