The new three-story project offers well daylighted open-space layouts within a net-zero energy building that has applied for LEED Platinum certification. This inventive design incorporates courtyards and terraces on every level, allowing building occupants to host meetings, socialize outdoors, and enjoy views of the bay area mountains beyond. A two-story living wall marks the entrance, symbolizing the building's commitment to sustainable design. Additionally, a public plaza featuring a privately owned coffee shop was incorporated into the property, facilitating access and interaction with the neighboring community. Meanwhile, the limestone and travertine stone facade lends the project a sense of permanence in a neighborhood with plans for significant change.

One Henry Adams Street is a prominent mixed-use development in San Francisco's historic Showplace Square neighborhood. It spans an entire city block and consists of two residential buildings connected by a mid-block pedestrian crossing, encouraging exploration of the public gardens and art.
The northern building serves as the focal point, featuring ground-level retail and residential units above. Its design complements neighboring landmarks while showcasing a modern aesthetic with zinc and glass cladding. A rooftop deck offers views of downtown San Francisco.

This Victorian flat in the heart of San Francisco was ready for a transformation. The new homeowners—both artists—quickly realized the existing layout did not align with their lifestyle or creative vision. As the first phase of a full-home renovation, the kitchen remodel focused on enhancing functionality, maximizing storage, and introducing an artful, nature-inspired aesthetic. The redesigned kitchen show cases bold, expressive details that reflect the clients’ artistic identities.

This project brings new life to a classic Victorian home in one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the Mission District, where many original façades still line the street, our client wanted the redesigned front to feel like a voice in a neighborhood choir—distinct, but harmonious. The new street-facing elevation restores the home's original charm while integrating subtle, modern enhancements that elevate its presence and function. In contrast, the rear of the home was envisioned as a bold counterpoint. We introduced a modern addition clad in a wood rainscreen siding—forming a crisp, geometric volume that opens to a new three-level deck. Each level offers a unique outdoor experience: the top floor features a spa with panoramic views of downtown, the middle tier provides an elevated dining space overlooking an urban garden, and the bottom level serves as an outdoor living room complete with heat lamps and built-in audio.

Captured by the natural Marin hillside location of their new family home, but dissatisfied with the outdated facade and entry that seemed like an afterthought, a family approached Little Big Design with three primary objectives: enhance curb appeal, establish a connection between the elevated house and the sunken front yard, and craft a distinctive entrance. We embarked on a project to revamp the house using modern fire-resistant materials, seizing the opportunity to emphasize its existing pleasing proportions.

This 4,000-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian, complete with a detached in-law unit in San Francisco, was in dire need of attention. It had changed hands after suffering significant fire damage following the completion of a remodel by William Duff Architects. The new homeowners turned to Little Big Design (operating under the name Benjamin Schaefer Architect) to restore the house to its former glory. While we retained certain elements of the previous design, we made alterations to align with the new owner's preferences. Collaborating with Maslow Loop for interior design, we conceived a completely new interior characterized by serene, interconnected spaces. At the rear, we rejuvenated the property with a deck and stairs that linked the modernized kitchen and dining room (the central hub of the family's daily activities) to a lower-level backyard featuring a redwood deck.