The Art Of Designing What California Calls Home
A Contemporary Architecture Firm In San Francisco
Turning Intuitive Design Into Effortless Function
You speak. We listen. And sometimes, in the negative space between your ideas where things get left unsaid:
We listen for magic.
From there, your aspirations evolve into designs that go beyond the blueprint to create a space that responds to how you actually live.
A space that works so intuitively, you almost forget it’s there. Almost – because – This built environment is identifiably you. It feels like you. It looks like you. It becomes a gallery for your life and all who observe it. In this space: You’re refreshed. You’re productive. You’re inspired.
If you’re looking to create a home or work environment anywhere between the Bay to LA, you deserve designs that not only promote peace, clarity, and energy, but are also buildable within your budget.
A Contemporary Architecture Firm Designing
Beautiful, Buildable Homes
After 25 years as a contemporary architecture firm that’s built innovative and luxurious spaces, we’ve perfected something most firms haven’t: the key to buildable designs. In other words, our designs are meant to thrill you, but also make the permit office happy, too. Brilliant ideas mean nothing if they can’t be executed and in many cases, we’ve taken over projects where other teams have left homeowners to deal with construction on their own using thin permit drawing sets
Our process isn’t just about creating beautiful modern spaces—it’s about creating them within real budgets, real timelines, and real San Francisco/Los Angeles regulations. As a contemporary architecture firm with a deep sense of accountability, we’ve curated an agile design process that keeps costs controlled while minimizing headaches and avoiding regress over bad design decisions
The result? Spaces that are deeply satisfying and exceed expectations without exceeding budgets.
Bringing Your Ideas To Life With Advanced Technology
Those all-too-common calls from the builder saying they need more time, more money, because something was’t in their bid or there’s an issue with building permits. We aim to eliminate that from your experience entirely. Whether you’re looking for the highest level of intuitive functionality at home, or a commercial environment that drives enduring business success, we are committed to using the best tools to make that happen.Here’s what we mean:
The Old Way: Once upon a time, sketches, swatches, and overlay’s ruled the roost. Messengers also zipped across towns on bicycles. And fax machines drained the blood from our heads.
Our Approach Today: Every detail of your project exists in one smart 3D model. When you change the kitchen island size, all the plans update automatically. When you pick new tile, you see it in your 3D model and your contractor sees the changes in the drawings instantly.
What this means for you: No miscommunication. No change orders from “misunderstandings.” No surprises during construction.
You can see your space before we build it: Walk through your kitchen layout on your phone. Show your friends your future bathroom. Experience how the morning light will hit your coffee counter. Want to go even deeper than that? We can create virtual experiences so you can even try on your new masterexecutive suite shower before you ever light a candle.
Your contractor gets crystal-clear instructions. Every hard-to-understand detail, every elegant finish transition, every clearance dimension – all documented precisely in 2D and 3D so nothing gets misinterpreted.
This isn’t about fancy technology. It’s about visualization every step of the way and eliminating the miscommunications that derail most projects.
Our Work
Some featured examples of how we have helped our clients accomplish their goals.
Insights
Top 5 Benefits Of Contemporary Architecture
Contemporary architecture is a term used almost synonymously with “modern architecture,” and while for many conversational purposes, this fluidity works. But at the heart of it - these are two different terms and understanding the simple nuance can be really helpful...
Custom Residential Architecture in San Francisco
Custom residential architecture in San Francisco is either buildable, or it isn't. This is one of the hardest things I see when a new client comes to me, midway through the pre-construction process, with their hands up in despair because their first architect missed...
What Does Biophilic Mean In Architecture? DEFINED!
I’m getting asked about biophilic design more and more these days - usually about once a month, from a tech client who's read something about Amazon's spheres in Seattle or Apple Park's interior courtyards. They want "something like that" in their 2,400-square-foot...
Whether you need help right now, in a few months or anything in between. We’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Contemporary Architecture Firm
The journey home is as personal as it is complex. And while we’ve built countless homes from the Bay to LA in the course of our work, we’ve never found any potential client’s needs to be the same.
The best collaborations start with questions. So here are just a few of the questions we know will help you along as you try to determine who might be the right architecture firm for you.
What types of projects does your contemporary architecture firm in San Francisco specialize in?
Our team specializes in the design of custom-tailored modern homes, remodels, and additions. We take a sustainable approach to urban design that promotes design and materials that withstand the test of time in a way that satisfies your urge for a more connected, effortless day to day.
What architectural services do you offer?
Our contemporary architecture firm in San Francisco handles everything for your build from start to finish, including feasibility studies, permitting, design development, construction documents, construction oversight, interior and hardscape design.
Where does your architecture firm work?
With our headquarters in San Francisco, and a satellite office in LA, our work is focused on the San Francisco Bay and Los Angeles metropolitan areas. As you well know, there is so much diversity to California’s geography and lifestyles and it’s this amazing palette of architectural colors that we design and build your landmark project.
How does your design process work?
We collaborate and communicate 100% of the way. Our proprietary steps ensure a successful end product. The program we uncover together becomes our mission statement. Then we turn that vision into reality. Finally, we use our expertise in construction guidance to ensure your home is delivered to you on time, as promised, once the final grain of dust has been swept away.
Talk to me about permits and legalizing unwarranted spaces in San Francisco homes.
Yes, we can help legalize non-permitted spaces and in the process, rethink and optimize those spaces, making them feel like proper living spaces.
How can I start a project with Sven Lavine Architecture?
The best thing you can do is start with a conversation with Sven and schedule an initial consultation. We love to dream just as much as you do and would be proud to show you everything you’d stand to gain by working with us.