While visiting a client to start on a new scope, we were thrilled to see how fantastic our custom door units turned out in the first phase of the project. It was a treat to revisit the property and watch the natural sunlight catch details over the doors. They bring a rich, elevated warmth and dramatic visual appeal to the surrounding space.

Injecting thoughtful architectural details like this into our work is always a highlight for us. Once our client greenlights the design, our team drafts detailed shop specs and hands them off to our partner workshop. Built using dense maple hardwood surrounding a sturdy plywood core, these heavy-duty doors deliver exceptional sound isolation while delivering the tailored aesthetic touch our client envisioned.

At BWC Architects, specifying materials is more than just choosing from a catalog; it’s an art of "material alchemy." The right mix of texture, form, and color takes a space from functional to truly inspired.

We love it when different materials with unique personalities complement each other. And that is just what we're showing off here in some of our recent projects.

These unexpected conversations between surfaces that create depth and character. In some of our latest projects, we’ve found that pushing boundaries with material transitions has created some of our most favorite moments.

We are thrilled to share a look at this recently completed primary suite renovation! By blending architectural structural changes with curated interior design and custom elements, we’ve transformed this space into a bright, spacious sanctuary.

This project is a perfect example of our holistic approach to home transformation, covering: 📐 Architectural Planning 🎨 Interior Design 🛠️ Custom Element Fabrication
Check out the full project page here

A New Project Page at BWC is Live! One of our recently completed Primary Suite Remodels

The goal for this project was a complete reconfiguration of the existing space to improve flow and luxury without changing the home's footprint. We focused on high-end functional upgrades, including:
-->Full bathroom layout redesign
-->Steam shower and bidet integration
-->Heated towel warmer and in-vanity lighting
-->Natural light enhancement via a solar tube

As well as new solid core doors throughout the house, some with cool custom carvings!
You can see the full gallery and project details here on the full project page

Our latest project, this 1880 San Francisco home with lovely old bones, has been going through some big modifications over the last months. Our design opens up the original floor plan of many small rooms to create a large master bedroom, walk in closet, updated bathroom, office, vaulted ceiling and loft.

Taking into consideration (always) the period of the house and matching the design decisions to what works within the house aesthetic we kept the majority of the house details in tact while creating a large open master bedroom with a vaulted ceiling. The new room and windows capture the breathtaking view from the now master bedroom suite.

We are the architects, designers and also project managers. Staying with you throughout the project. Making sure it all gets done and acting as your rep along the way.

In our design we’ve also opened up the ceiling of the existing attic space, creating one larger magnificent space with a vaulted ceiling. The once two small rooms, facing the back of the property and up on a hill, is now a grand room with an in suite tub and fireplace looking out over all of San Francisco.

Modern building materials and insulation have allowed us to vault the ceiling and add the open upstairs loft to the space without concerns of inside temperature swings. With the 2nd story windows and two skylights in the loft, we’re letting so much natural light into the space now and, of course, optimizing for that amazing view.

Just another service we provide to our clients.

We work with our client in many different ways, depending on the job and the client’s needs. Many times, after our design work is done, the contractor company handles the project management. But on smaller jobs or when working with smaller contractor firms, we step in to help manage the project through to completion and act as the client’s agent.

One of our latest projects has had a handful of changes throughout the scope, so here I am today at the building department getting this revised permit through in person. If I had submitted this digitally, it could have been weeks before having the approved revised permit in hand. By going in and meeting in person with the city, I am able to get this complete in a day. It’s a full day at the city to get this done, but at the end I’m walking away with approved plans in my hands, ready to schedule those inspections and get this project closed out.

Expediting these plans through the city in this way is just one of the ways we work closely with the contractor and the client throughout the project to keep things moving.

Nothing beats feet on the ground and getting things done!

New project page up this month!
Our residential renovation of this 1950’s modern house included Architecture, design & full renovation of interior entry, hallway bathroom and laundry room as well as designed and fabricated custom walls and a secret door.

There are so many fun things going on in this project! from the striking new terrazzo floor and oak doorway, to our internal slat wall flip down hanger system.

The new Terrazzo floor entry transitions to the original travertine flooring. The new entry design is covered in our custom slat wall design over the walls and ceiling. Solar tubes in the ceiling shine through the slats, the custom flip down slats on the wall disappear seamlessly into the wall pattern.

Farther into the house the rift oak slat wall secret door reveals a beautiful half bath….See more about the making of all these parts in our custom shop on our project page.

This lovely master bath and closet remodel is coming right along with construction. Keeping just ahead of the contractors, we’ve been working with the client to choose the last finish details. A dark Oil Rubbed Bronze schluter tile trim, two colors of grout for our two areas of tile, wall colors, switches and outlets. The calm spa-like atmosphere in this bathroom will be THE BEST and good thing as we’re also putting in a sauna steam shower….

The construction is well under way with our plumbing, electrical, pocket door frame, window and sola tub all in. Once we button up the HVAC the finish walls will go up.

The refinement and beauty of a project all come out in the finish details. And each step is affected by the step before. We stay on top of our projects, big and small, visiting the site as the construction moves along and making sure the end result is in line with the original concepts and the clients desire.

This last week we watched our our friends head back from another successful yet trying Burning Man festival. As we vicariously enjoyed their journey, we’ve been thinking about all the projects we’ve done for the event over the years. From fun signage to massive mobile art to our multiple years involvement in the temple projects.

The Serpent Twins were probably our most immersive project. Spanning multiple years; we spent the most amount of design and fabrication time on this project….

The brain child of Kyrsten Mate & Jon Sarriugarte, we worked on everything on this project from the initial renderings for funding proposals to design of specific elopements, graphics, swag production, prop production & the actual build of the mobile serpent art pieces. You can see our original project page on it here.

We made camp signs, giant glowing lanterns, a bunch of props and “on theme” transportable, flat pack seating to deck out the camp.

These were then used at Burning Man and many other festivals the Serpent Twins / Empire of Dirt crew attended.

When David Best did the temple in 2012 , we helped with the DFMA so the design could be realized into a structure to be easily fabricated and assembled on site.

As part of that project, we also made these cute benches to go with the temple, creating a seating area out front for visitors.

In 2013 we helped with DFMA again on the Temple of Whollyness…..

Again helping to rationalize the design into easily fabricate-able parts, that then need to be assembled by a team of volunteers at the site.

Image from journal.burningman.org

Then last year, in 2023 - we helped with the temple again, providing DFMA help - and rationalizing the front entry “hands” sculpture among other things.

Photo courtesy of Temple Builder's Guild

Image from theblight.net

What’s next? We’re looking forward to seeing what the future brings.

Its that time of year again! So, to celebrate the time of Burning Man we’re highlighting the project we helped with last year, The Temple of Togetherness - which was last year’s Temple design.

As highly experienced DFMA specialists, we worked with the Temple Crew to help them realize a complicated design feature for the structure.

Image from the Temple of Together website

The design team had created a sketch of these hands (seen in the image above) that were to be the entry point of the Temple. We were brought in to help define the design with a path to a straightforward fabrication of the piece. Many constraints surround a piece like this: limited budget, materials and build power all had to go into consideration of how this was to be fabricated.

The Temple needs to burn, so it needs to be made of material that will burn cleanly and not create toxins. The budget is limited and the fabrication team is made of volunteers. So this needs to be cheap, easy and beautiful!

So our team realized this design into easy to assemble parts that could be cut on a CNC machine, labeled and assembled like a kit of parts. With an internal waffle like structure and and external cladding.

The assembly team did great - assembling these large parts before going to the dessert so there would be less work to do onsite.

On site, at the event, the assembly went smoothly.

Photo courtesy of Temple Builder's Guild

Around the temple were also a ton of lanterns with small LEDs in them to illuminate the structure at night. We used our capable CNC machine - ZUND - with a knife cutting blade to process through all the needed fabric, cutting it into the shapes to become the lanterns…

You can see both the hands and all the lanterns surrounding the structure in this image below. Its a monumental piece to go up in a week by a team of volunteers in the middle of the desert!

Image by Rand Larson

And finally a beautiful sunset shot of the hands entry and temple. Again you can see all the lanterns surrounding and adorning the structure. The end result was a beautiful piece of art and architecture created for the event.

For more detailed information about the DFMA process, see our project page on the Temple.

Image by Chayna Girling

Home renovations always throw a few curveballs, and our latest project, a 1950s San Jose home, was no different! This week we kicked off construction on this charming property, and we're excited to turn its outdated interiors into a modern dream. Since the home is pretty old, we started with an asbestos inspection, just to be safe. And yep, our suspicions were right – asbestos was in the ceilings, walls, and floors. This really highlighted how important it is to be thorough and careful.

When you're dealing with hazardous stuff like asbestos, bringing in specialized abatement contractors isn't just a good idea, it's absolutely essential for a safe and proper removal. We had a great experience working with Z CON Specialty; they were incredibly professional and efficient. Their team actually abated, demolished, and cleared all the affected areas in just half a day – seriously impressive! Their quick and professional service was super valuable, helping us keep the project moving without big delays.

With the asbestos gone, we can now jump into the rest of the demolition and start the crucial new framing phase. We're totally reconfiguring the interior walls because we're doing a complete overhaul of the master suite and there was a lot of water damage in the bathroom. This means we'll be gutting the space down to the perimeter studs, giving us a clean slate for our cool new design.

We're planning this renovation to be a quick and smooth project, focusing on a full redesign of the master suite, including the bedroom, closet, and bathroom. What used to be a super outdated and inefficient space will be transformed into a functional and beautiful sanctuary, with a sophisticated palette of dark, moody tones.

This design we created features some awesome materials to create a really luxurious feel. Fluted tiles in warm blacks and greys will beautifully cover the walls and ceiling of the steam shower, making it feel cohesive and calming. The floor will have lighter, distressed large-format rectangle tiles, which will create a nice contrast. For extra comfort and functionality, we're adding an electric under-pad for radiant heating under the flooring, and a Solatube in the ceiling will bring in tons of natural light.

Our detailed design drawings sailed through client approval and city permitting, so we're all set for a smooth execution. With construction officially underway, we're full steam ahead until this exciting transformation of a classic San Jose home is complete!

As architects and design builders, we guide you through every phase: design, permitting, construction, and close-out.

Do you only need assistance with a specific phase? We can help with design, bring your design drawings to completion, or step in mid-project to get things back on track.

This week, we broke ground on two San Francisco residential remodels. During these exciting demo days, we uncover what's behind the walls to confirm the true scope of the project. We're especially excited to unveil this 1880s historic house in San Francisco. The old growth redwood is in perfect condition, and we will build the new construction to last, just as they used to.

As seen below, our lead architect meets with the lead foreman. We are with you every step of the way to ensure your project stays on schedule.

This custom display table for our client’s tech products is an excellent example of how we work through all the design details with our clients, no matter how big or small. The table below showcases a collaborative process of back and forth iterations and additions to create the most functional and long lasting design while maintaining the aesthetic.

Designed to accommodate ever changing product upgrades and sizes with long single display shelves and a magnetic front edge for a magnetic labeling system.

Below are a series of iterations done with the client, exploring different ways the display table could look and function. Sometimes seeing what is not ideal can help to get the final direction for a project. These quick design options allow our interior renovation clients to visualize and choose a direction with minimal back and forth.

The table was made in our fabrication shop from certified sustainable Maple and coated with a clear matte finish. Producing these custom designed fabricated pieces we work with a combination of our own in house craftspeople and outside fabrication shops to get the best pricing and create the perfect piece for our clients.

You can see the completed project page here.

After over a year of dedicated work, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, we’re proud to share one of our most creative and fun projects to date — a completely transformed space for Double Fine Studios that now perfectly reflects their vibrant brand identity. As both the architect, designer, and construction manager, BWC Architects was deeply involved from the first sketches to the final walkthrough.

From the outset, Double Fine’s vision was clear: to create a cohesive environment that integrated the original space they had been in for 20+ years and the new space they had just acquired. We created a design that showcased their brand aesthetic and catered to both employee work needs and the company's requirement for entertaining during parties, local conferences, and events.

Working on an ongoing basis over the course of more than a year allowed us to fine tune and immerse ourselves in the project. The extended timeline gave us the flexibility to experiment, adapt, and refine our approach as the studio’s needs and ideas evolved.

One of the standout elements of the project is the range of custom-designed features developed by BWC Architects specifically for Double Fine. From the fun hanging acoustic lighting and custom furniture to branded installations like the Tiki bar below, the space is filled with pieces that are as unique as the studio itself. These design elements do more than just look great — they tell a story about the people who work there.

The end result is an immersive space that blends collaborative work areas with a fun hang out spaces and prominently displays Double Fine's extensive collection of trophies, games, consoles, art, and merchandise. It is a space that truly embodies the creative energy of Double Fine Studios. Most importantly, the client is happy — and that’s what matters most. That is the the ultimate reward for over a year of thoughtful design and diligent construction management.

Our new project page is now live on our website. Check it out here.

Design is in the details, and the new induction stoves from our client, Copper, exemplify this principle beautifully. Their innovative design and attention to detail inspires us as we’ve been producing the hardwood walnut knobs and handles that enhance the overall aesthetic of their product.

Our partnership with Copper goes beyond mere supply. We're proud to collaborate with them, merging our expertise in woodworking with their vision for modern kitchen appliances. Our in-house shop, Secret Weapon Workshop, is the heart of this collaboration. Located in Oakland, CA, we offer a comprehensive suite of services, including Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA), fabrication, and material sourcing.

Leveraging our years of experience, we assist clients in the Bay Area and beyond, guiding them through the complexities of product development. From initial design and prototyping to final production, we're committed to helping our clients realize their vision. Our expertise in manufacturing and sourcing ensures that products are not only beautiful but also functional and durable.

The collaboration on the Copper induction stoves is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. The hardwood walnut knobs and handles we crafted are not merely functional components but also design elements that elevate the stoves' aesthetic appeal. They add a touch of warmth and natural beauty, creating a harmonious contrast with the sleek stainless steel of the stoves. Below is a promotional video from Copper with a great shot of the hardwood details.

We believe that design is a collaborative process, and our partnership with Copper exemplifies this philosophy. By combining our expertise with their vision, the end product becomes both beautiful and functional. We're excited to continue this collaboration and look forward to future projects that push the boundaries of design and innovation.

It’s already mid January, so before we get too much further along into the year, we wanted to note some great press we and our clients received at the end of 2024.

Our friends and clients over at Copper have been receiving so many good reviews on their induction stoves, including this one came in from the NYT right before Christmas.

Aside from it being a great stove functionally…. Our walnut knobs are touted as the beautiful design hit with all their reviews and customers. Made in our shop here in Oakland by the stove full!

Then back at the end of October, The Interval at The Longnow received two great press pieces. This is a bar, event space, gallery and office we designed and built out 10 years ago (!!) and it is still going strong. Last year they decided to do some upgrades, which we were able to help them out with.

The Interval always gets noted as the best cocktail bar - which we like to think has a bit to do with the ambiance we created (though no doubt it is the quality craft cocktails they produce!). So they were mentioned again in this SF Chronical piece for being one of the top 10 bars in San Francisco.

Then, just on it’s heals, 7x7 magazine released an article on the 10 year anniversary of The Interval, the interior refresh and the parent entity The Longnow’s mission for the years to come. We were honored to continue to be a part of that story.

Photos by Anthony Thornton

We do interiors. But sometimes we do exteriors too!

January here in the Bay Area is bright and sunny this week, so we took the opportunity to swing by a project that just finished. Designed in Autodesk Revit, refined in Fusion and then laser cut, CNC bent & powder coated a beautiful striking green. We designed these modern awning shades give much needed shade to the inhabitants within.

Our client wanted a facade refresh to better match the neighborhood, but also needed some respite from the sun coming into the building through the large windows.

The design solution we executed was a painting refresh on the exterior with the addition of these custom awnings designed and rationalized and color selected by our shop. The two story downtown Oakland commercial building renovation adds some modern detailing to this otherwise plain facade.

The surrounding buildings are either very new and modern or historic. Now this commercial unit fits comfortably into the neighborhood with its own charm.

These cut outs throughout the awnings not only add cool visual shadow affects, they also serve a function. The slits allow rain and wind to move through freely and create a lighter awning, which will have more longevity on the building.

A beautiful refresh to start off a new year! Want some help to refresh your space? Drop a us line, we’d love to work with you.

We were visiting a very creative office interior we’ve been working on in SF earlier this week and snapped a few videos to show off this fun project. A creative team needs a creative space that feels like the most amazing home, and that is exactly what we’ve tried to provide…

A Tiki bar on the outside deck, a rolling library ladder to access the ceiling high game shelf, product display hidden under glass table tops, chalk board walls for staff artist drawings, a custom tiny car made into a bar table and circus inspired acoustic pendant lights. That is just the office common area at Double Fine Productions, an office renovation by BWC Architects.

The BWC fabrication shop has been a busy place these last few months. This recent project for the Autodesk Gallery at 1 Market in SF was completed by our design and fabrication team and installed last month by our installation team. It looks striking and draws people in as the first display they see in the Gallery.

Working with the core gallery group at Autodesk, we created the layout, flow and piece placements for this prominent gallery installation. This is the first installation seen as one enters the gallery. To meet the demands of this high profile foundation piece, we provided comprehensive detail drawings to the client of the displays from every angle and of every detail as well as 3D walk throughs and visualization.

After several months of design and fabrication decisions with the client, the final display was ready for fabrication. A clean aesthetic and eye catching focus on the main engine piece, with clear details around the smaller complimentary parts. Mean while in the fabrication shop, we worked on the smaller pieces….

Lifting the main engine display into the air with this curved stainless steel arm, the 3D printed piece filled with interactive LEDs is the strong anchor point for the Gallery. The clean welding job and brushed stainless keeps the attention on the engine 3D print and off the support hardware.

While we worked with the Gallery team to finalize the layout and details for the display, our production shop worked on assembling these imperfectly shaped 3D print parts into seamless unit that would read as a full 3D printed piece. Our craftsmen worked many days on these fine detail working the pieces by hand to smooth out the rough surface and aline the seams.

The onsite installation team packed, unpacked and installed the piece.

At the production shop our design team created and manipulated the code to finalize the lighting to the clients specifications.

You can see the full project page here.

It has been a busy summer and we're non stop fabrication at the Secret Weapon Workshop all day long, most every day. This was just last week... and there is more coming down the line!

Our fabrication shop in Oakland uses multiple CNC machines, 3D printers and traditional building tools for all our various projects.

Feel free to stop by sometime and check out the workshop… 2998 Ford Street, Oakland, CA