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  • BERNAL HEIGHTS HOUSE

    SAN FRANCISCO BERNAL HEIGHTS HOUSE SAN FRANCISCO Form and function exist hand-in-hand in this joy-filled modern home. An intricately detailed dwelling for a tight-knit family of four, the Bernal Heights House boasts inspired finishes, strategic placemaking and conceptually rich accents throughout. An homage to the dad’s family home in Australia, designed by his architect-father, Studio BBA conceived of a “rescue house.” “Memories of the outside world will never have the same tonality as those of home and, by recalling these memories, we add to our store of dreams; we are never real historians , but always near poets , and our emotion is perhaps nothing but an expression of a poetry that was lost.” -Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space An all-too-true San Francisco story applies here; after searching for years for a new home, the family finally settled on one in terrible shape and with few resources left for a renovation. Through a strategic design exercise, Studio BBA assisted the family in a new design approach, circumventing the Planning Department by staying within the building’s envelope and expanding down. Coupled with the necessary foundation upgrade, the new lower level added minimal work for maximum opportunities. The program is split between three floors: a lower floor for parents, a middle floor for the family, and an attic floor for the kids. The levels are tied together and enveloped in wood: a douglas fir slatted ceiling above and a white oak hardwood floor below. The wood detailing visually extends as an outdoor canopy, integrating the outdoor bathing and lounging space adjacent to the master suite. Studio BBA took advantage of every nook to achieve function and beauty. The Welcome Niche at the top of the stairs provides a place for everyday objects, serving platters, and family games. Open wood shelves display Australian heirlooms and family artworks. Efficiently planned kitchens and baths host colorful tile and new daylight via two added skylights and large sliding doors. Added space even allowed for an upright piano in the dining room. Like all BBA projects, sustainability is inherent to the design and integrated into every design detail; this house is solar powered and offers radiant heating on two floors, leaving the attic uncontrolled because the building envelope is tightened and heat naturally rises. Our design work continues with a new garden project and mural in the stairwell. Back to Projects page Client Confidential BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Megan McGuinn Size 1,890 SF Contractor Elliot Build Remodel Collaborators Semco Engineering Photography Brian McCloud Photography Back to top

  • PLAYSTUDIOS

    SAN FRANCISCO PLAYSTUDIOS SAN FRANCISCO PlayStudios made the decision to move from the Peninsula to downtown, reducing their square footage but doubling-down on a location that put them alongside premier VC firms, and being in an urban center that partners wanted to visit. After the lease was signed, Studio BBA was brought in to refresh the space into something nearly unrecognizable. Walking into this space, fronting fabulous South Park in San Francisco, it would have been perfect as-is if you were seeking an industrial steam-punk office. That vibe did not align with the brand and identity standards of online gaming company PlayStudios—where they emerged as a light and bright brand in hospitality forward Las Vegas. The program and use of each space was inspired by an activity based workplace—the hybrid office allows heads-down focus work to happen at home, and brings the office to an activated social role in their workplace culture. This shift was to help create a magnet rather than mandate to return to office. To make the most of the leased area, Studio BBA helped to convert the very low storage loft into a cozy gaming lounge with low to the floor individual seats arced around the console system, and a nearby round table for board games. We were told a sweet story after the project completed, that a group of the staff get together on Saturdays to use the game table. Pride of place has attracted not just their staff, but friends, family and extended networks. Emphasizing play, Tinkering Monkey and the PlayStudios team brought our vision to life, creating an interactive art installation that makes you pause to play with an analog View-Master toy to view PlayStudios’ original art created by their illustrators. The art installation is just one layer of the detail attended to the accessories. Furniture selections with complimenting pillows, to planters and their plants, lamps, rugs, and a toiletry program to add a level of care to the restroom. Juxtaposing the minimal and bright design of the space, Studio BBA designed a plant program to extend the park on their doorstep in through the folding glass door façade, layering life into the office. Back to Projects page Client PlayStudios BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Samantha Buckley Vishnu Balunsat Size 2,695 SF Contractor GCI Collaborators Furniture: RDI Signage: Tinkering Monkey Plants: Flora Grubb Gardens Photography Jasper Sanidad Back to top

  • EQUATOR FORT MASON

    FORT MASON, SAN FRANCISCO EQUATOR FORT MASON FORT MASON, SAN FRANCISCO Our sixth cafe with Equator Coffee & Teas, this historic San Francisco waterfront location occupies the original Fort Mason Gatehouse—rejuvenating the building to resume its role in welcoming visitors to the complex. Studio BBA worked hand in hand with the Client, Fort Mason Center, and the National Park Service to develop a lovely space for people to enjoy while respecting the site’s significance. Being part of the larger Fort Mason cultural community, it was important to conceive this new café in relationship to the whole campus, its master plan and goals for the future. We love to celebrate beauty in utility, and we generally opt for reason over flourish—striving for all elements to serve a purpose while being aesthetically pleasing. These principles were top of mind when designing this new café—further inspired by Fort Mason’s utilitarian nature. Formerly known as the “San Francisco Port of Embarkation”, for more than 100 years the complex was a U.S. army post, coastal defense site and military port facility. Design concepts for a plaza surrounding the café are in the Fort Mason Center’s pipeline! Back to Projects page Client Equator Coffees BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Sarah Fucinaro Size 675 SF Contractor ACI Construction Collaborators MEP: MHC Engineers Photography Eric Rorer Back to top

  • TARTINE BERKELEY

    BERKELEY TARTINE BERKELEY BERKELEY Tartine Berkeley is in the historic Graduate Hotel, a Spanish Colonial style building from 1928. Over the years, the space has evolved from a floral shop, into a sunroom, and now a feature bakery. Studio BBA was engaged to design Tartine’s fifth Bay Area restaurant while we were constructing The Manufactory LA and designing Tartine Inner Sunset , allowing for the emergent process of design to shape this new space. The building’s story, like all of Studio BBA’s work for Tartine, was a main inspirational driver for the design. There is nothing to “roll out” and no mandates on continuity, only the desire to approach our circumstances with strategy and authenticity. Sunrooms are filled with clay tiles and potted plants, garden furniture and wrought-iron, and beautiful light casts over white-washed structures. Tartine Berkeley’s layout achieves internal function while providing maximum visibility through the existing multi-paned windows. Dialed-in millwork consists of heavy cypress, refined zinc (an incidental carry-over from the utilitarian dining rooms in LA), and custom steel and glass. The café’s lounge seating, detailed with traditional wood paneling and elevated furniture, is only accessible through the hotel’s lobby; the flow between spaces is intentionally disconnected, as the change in floor elevation infringed on accessibility requirements. Studio BBA took this challenge head-on, to create engaging spaces for people of all mobilities and adhere strictly to the ADA (which was born just one block away, on UC Berkeley’s campus). An articulated drink pass was reinstated during construction to provide functionality and visual continuity between the café & lounge. To reinforce the sunroom design elements, the space features custom hanging metal bread racks and precious ceramic planters. The back of house is just as considered – organized and oriented to be washed with light through façade windows and skylights. Back to Projects page Client Tartine Bakery BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Anand Sheth Size 1,500 SF Contractor Echo Summit Construction Collaborators MEP: Acies Engineering Lighting: Hiram Banks Lighting Design Kitchen Equipment: Myers Food Service Photography Eric Rorer Photography Back to top

  • THE PLANT CAFÉ ORGANIC - DOGPATCH

    SAN FRANCISCO THE PLANT CAFÉ ORGANIC - DOGPATCH SAN FRANCISCO Revitalizing the exposed brick and timbers, original sash windows and concrete floors of this space in the storied 1915 American Can Company sets the backdrop for this location of The Plant Café Organic. At the heart of the Dogpatch neighborhood, the ACC complex was originally dedicated to manufacturing but has evolved into an epicenter for designers, artists, makers, culinary businesses and cultural spaces. Studio BBA’s design approach focused on creating integral outdoor spaces and connections to surrounding businesses. By cutting a new opening through the rear brick wall, we introduced access to the existing courtyard patio, now framed by a beautiful custom mahogany door. An enormous ceramic planter and palm add greenery, and a new window into the adjacent bakery adds interconnectivity. Inside, custom steel and maple shelving and tables, dimensional Heath Ceramics tiles, and truly awesome carnivorous plant-themed wallpaper enliven the space. This café adjoins The Plant Café Organic’s ‘mother ship’ facility, which they affectionately refer to as “the plant of The Plant”—the central kitchen where new and seasonal creations are developed, provisions are prepped and distributed, and their catering operation is housed. The café’s adjacency to this facility lends the atmosphere a tone of inspiration and invention. Back to Projects page Client The Plant Caf é Organic BBA Team Seth Boor Bonnie Bridges Megan McGuinn Size 2,400 SF Contractor Justin Farrelly, Inc. Collaborators Structural: Degenkolb Photography Nicholas V. Ruiz Back to top

  • DREAMING BIG WITH GROUND

    OAKLAND DREAMING BIG WITH GROUND OAKLAND We often have clients find us through the myriad of hospitality projects that we have done over the years . . . where people connect the dots of their favorite Bay Area places (and their ability to foster deeper human connections) back to us. It is endearing and humbling and sometimes surprising, as is the case with these speculative projects for Binta Ayofemi and her non-profit, Ground. Over the course of two years, we worked with this artist to create the master plan, the collages and the architectural backbone for her ambitious artistic vision. You can see the results of one such project at Commons in Oakland. The others live on as dreams for a fairer future in which the flow of global capital emerges from the ground where ideas are born. Back to Projects page Client Binta Ayofemi, Ground BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Anand Sheth Vishnu Balunsat Size Varies Contractor Unbuilt Collaborators Binta Ayofemi Photography None Back to top

  • EQUATOR LARKSPUR

    LARKSPUR EQUATOR LARKSPUR LARKSPUR This Equator location is simple in intent—we designed a café that characterizes the balance of laid back and active lifestyles in Larkspur’s community. Modeled after a functional bike shop, the interior features industrial fixtures, practical storage shelves and a pegboard wall to hold tools of the trade. The café sits amidst Magnolia Avenue’s recently upgraded plazas, and is a major draw that has contributed to the area’s resurgence of activity. Magnolia is a charming and historic retail environment—walkable to downtown and accessible to the myriad outdoor activities for which the North Bay is known, including Marin County’s expansive web of bike trails. A huge, custom-made wood map of Marin—10’ high by 20’ long—includes topography and bike paths to help customers orient themselves and discover new adventure routes. Back to Projects page Client Equator Coffees BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Sarah Fucinaro Size 625 SF Contractor ACI Collaborators MEP: MHC Engineers Structural: Barringer Design Topo Sign: R.B. Morris III Photography Nicholas V. Ruiz Back to top

  • PAJARO DUNES HOUSE

    WATSONVILLE PAJARO DUNES HOUSE WATSONVILLE We’ve worked closely with this client over a number of years to create and implement a thoughtful, site-specific design vision for rejuvenating this coastal vacation property, where their extended family congregates. Built right on the sand, this 3-story mid-century house was originally designed by Walter Thomas Brooks—with a futurist upside-down pyramid conceived of as a spaceship landing in the dunes. Its unconventional form, simple materials and proximity to the ocean left the structure a victim of erosion, corrosion and water drainage issues. We began with a big picture, phased master plan to address the conservation and preservation issues in tandem with renovations, and a design strategy that always considers the Brooks’ iconic detailing, the era and the beach atmosphere (both physically and conceptually). Durability is also an integral criteria—to weather the elements, as well as active family use and large gatherings. The new material palette references the surrounding landscape with a base of earthy tones and pops of vibrant colors—in lava stone, mahogany, bronze, copper, integral color plaster. We introduced a custom brown-gray color on the exterior to offset the bright beach environment and new landscaping; identified by observing the variety of hues and surfaces on site throughout the year. Inside we developed the design room by room—embracing the charm and history of existing elements, and using the perspective of time to ensure the right blend of lasting solutions. Kitchen cabinet doors were rebuilt in place using a custom distressed stainless steel panel, mahogany rails and new hardware. The custom blackened steel, LED fixture was designed to relate to the ceiling’s existing beam pattern. The interiors scope included custom window treatments, pillows, linens, rug and upholstery. On the lower level we renovated the bathroom with a door to the outside, where the sunken patio with new outdoor shower greets the family’s return from the beach; discreetly screened by a custom mahogany gate with louvers. Continual hand-troweled wall plaster runs from the outside in, enhancing the connection. A wall garden of stainless steel and felt is soon to be installed—made in BBA’s Cedar Alley workshop—as well as new planter boxes we designed to reference an original, unbuilt design by Brooks. Back to Projects page Client Confidential BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Seth Boor Size 2,500 SF Contractor Steve Munson Hagen Colbert, Inc. Collaborators Interiors GC: Nick Sandman Construction Photography Studio BBA Back to top

  • NATIVE SF

    SAN FRANCISCO NATIVE SF SAN FRANCISCO Studio BBA worked with the San Francisco based brand Native to experiment and trial new ways to organize their ever growing organization within their existing space. We provided schematic plans, elevations, and furniture proposals on how they can warm up their workspace while capturing the brand and team's ethos. Our first priority was a new layout that moved existing workstations towards the windows, and creating parity with consistent short rows of workstations. We created a warm complimentary palette inspired by their ever growing portfolio of scents to make it more comfortable and to organize the space—Native blue for quiet focus areas, warm hues for activated collaboration areas. Back to Projects page Client Native BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Samantha Buckley Michelle Cruz Size 6,500 SF Contractor Collaborators Photography Back to top

  • MAMAHUHU CLEMENT

    CLEMENT, SAN FRANCISCO MAMAHUHU CLEMENT CLEMENT, SAN FRANCISCO Studio BBA’s design of Mamahuhu, a casual Chinese-American restaurant in the Inner Richmond, can be described as a fresh expression of its cuisine — forward-thinking, lighthearted, and a tad eccentric. Striving to satisfy a craving for nostalgic flavors done in a modern and healthful way, Mamahuhu owners, Chef Brandon Jew of Mister Jiu’s (another Studio BBA-designed restaurant) and Ben Moore and Anmao Sun of Hunter Gatherer, called on BBA to create an elevated but accessible design. The space accommodates counter-service style dining with a resolved option for guests to be in and out quickly without disrupting the vibrant dining experience. To execute the owners’ vision for a fun, easy and casual environment that calls to mind Chinese-American heritage, BBA employed unexpected design choices through architectural details and materials that support the brand experience. A mix of high and low materials strike the right balance between approachable and refined. From the exterior, variegated storefront tiling welcomes guests and just inside, a vintage lantern at the frontmost communal table sets the stage for an experience. The story continues through arched openings and unique design details like tile stripes in the dining area and a sculptural skylight condition above the point-of-sale and in the bathroom. BBA’s design considers everyone’s experience — a person waiting in the queue, a single diner, family dining, takeout, delivery, while up leveling the kitchen and front of house staff. The entire space is methodically designed to encourage social interactions with flexible seating opportunities and ample circulation space. A large, bar-height table for big groups and single diners alike activate the storefront. Beyond, cozy booths with low lighting provide intimate eddies in the middle of the flow of circulation and flexible two tops and banquette seating offer additional dining options. A clearly defined queue manages busy lines and takeout, eliminating confusion. Design aesthetics complement the colorful cuisine, letting the food speak for itself and providing a warm dining opportunity on an overcast day in the Inner Richmond. Back to Projects page Client Mamahuhu BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Megan McGuinn Anand Sheth Size 1,900 SF Contractor Echo Summit Construction Collaborators MEP: MK Engineers Kitchen Consultant: Design West Partnership Photography Mariko Reed Back to top

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Studio BBA acknowledges the Ramaytush Ohlone people as the traditional custodians of the land where we work and reside. We pay our respects to their Elders and all Ramaytush Ohlone people past, present and future.

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Studio BBA   921 Larkin Street   San Francisco CA

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