What finish would work best for this design?
Our Work
Design is about creating change in a positive way. Change happens – sometimes it comes from within, in the form of new ways of working or of making better places to learn. Other times it comes from outside, in the form of regulation, client expectations, or generational change. Our work uses design to resolve many challenges – frequently in conflict with each other, like more space versus lower cost. Most of our projects have an impact on many people – whether they are schools, civic buildings, higher education or other projects – but all our projects focus on how our buildings will be used to enhance people’s lives and make them richer.
Sustainable design can serve our clients in many ways – the economies of saving energy and water, improving health and productivity, and enhancing the community with buildings that respect the environment. This applies to new buildings, of course – it applies to existing buildings, too.
Design is a social activity – we work toward realizing the needs and goals of many stakeholders, as well as those who own and use a building. It is also a personal endeavor – we put our clients and part of ourselves into every project we design. We thrive on turning design constraints into advantages, creating beautiful and functional spaces, while guiding design into reality.
Christmas cookies – design and build!
Office Culture
Teamwork is about taking advantage of each team member’s diverse strengths, and encouraging team members to grow through increasing design responsibility.
Communication and feedback are essential for teams to work – we work to foster collaborative dialogue with our clients, with stakeholders, and with the construction team.
Presenting ideas . . . and listening for feedback.
Activities, Awards & Publications
California Division of the State Architect Advisory Board
Collaborative for High Performing Schools Advisory Board
San Francisco Planning and Urban Research
American Institute of Architects
Construction Specifications Institute
United States Green Building Council
Collaborative for High Performing Schools
Coalition for Adequate School Housing
Association for Learning Environments
AIA SF Honor award – Maritime Center Charter School
CMACN / AIACC Honor award – Portsmouth Square Pavilion
California Preservation Society – City of Richmond / Maritime Center
AIA SF – Small Firms Great Projects
7x7x7 Design Energy Water
Green Building Design & Construction – Maritime Center
American University and Schools Magazine – Ellerhorst Elementary School
Architecture Daily – Burlingame Intermediate School
Commitment to Sustainable Design
As part of our continued commitment in sustainable design and practices, we are pleased to announce that we are a certified San Francisco Green Business. At Hamilton + Aitken Architects, we recognize the importance to reduce our environmental impact and to incorporate sustainability into our core business operations through internal and external efforts. We encourage our colleagues to walk, bike, or take public transit whenever possible. We educate our staff on resource conservation, proper recycling and composting practices, and the importance of low-toxic purchasing.
To learn more about the SF Green Business please visit here.
