top of page

Results found for ""

  • SEBASTOPOL HOUSE

    SEBASTOPOL HOUSE WEST SONOMA Currently under construction, Sebastopol House is a single family home with a pool and pool house. Back to Projects page Client Confidential BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Stephanie Griffith Size 7,312 SF; 2.6 acre lot Contractor Saturn Construction Collaborators Furniture: Knoll Herman Miller Lighting Design: Pritchard Peck Structural: Semco Engineering Landscape Design: Daniel Nolan Design/Kalman Varga Design Photography Studio BBA Back to top

  • SAN ANSELMO HOUSE

    SAN ANSELMO HOUSE SAN ANSELMO Our clients (a landscape designer and a video producer) came to us because they love Flora Grubb Gardens. Although it is not a house, they were inspired by the way the architecture and gardens flow together and create a variety of creative and comfortable places within a well ordered and structurally expressed building. The challenge they gave us: transform a tiny, vintage 1940’s ranch house in San Anselmo into a long-term family home that takes advantage of the south facing 2-acre lot with amazing views of Mount Tamalpais. With a young family on a street full of kids, we popped up the entry to create the new double-height volume that welcomes neighbors and helps anchor the house on the steep downslope lot. Inside, we combined small spaces to create an expansive great room with exposed douglas fir beams, hand-hewn wood floors, and a multi-slide pocket door. The airy space opens onto to a cedar deck and enjoys generous southern light and views of oak-studded Marin hills. From the main level skylit hall, a new stair leads to the new lower level (formerly a crawl space) with direct access to the garden. The gardens, patios, and deck flow together as one outdoor living space via paths and stairways. Simple, local materials on the interior include new and reclaimed douglas fir and aged white oak, complemented by board-form concrete retaining walls and darkened steel. Special wood details throughout lend warmth and unique personality throughout, conceived through an enjoyable, collaborative process with the clients, consultants, and contractor. As the house is located within a Wildland Urban Interface area, only non-combustible materials were used on the exterior, and the trees on the site were carefully protected from construction activity. Sustainable systems were integrated inside and out, including radiant heating, a passive cool sink, permeable pavers, bio-swales, bioretention areas, and a green roof. Back to Projects page Client Confidential BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Stephanie Griffith Size 2,800 SF; 2 acre lot Contractor Christensen Construction Timberline Builders Collaborators Civil: Pope Engineering Structural: Double D Engineering Holly Selvig Landscape Architecture Neila Hutt Interior Design Garden Design by Annabelle Reber (Client) Photography Cesar Rubio Photography Back to top

  • DREAMING BIG WITH GROUND

    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

  • GALVANIZE CAFÉ

    GALVANIZE CAFÉ SAN FRANCISCO A welcoming, sophisticated hub of connection, the Galvanize café/bar and reception areas provide space for their members and strategic partners to intermingle with the public, for informal collaborations, community gatherings and chance meetings. Studio BBA designed the environment as a modern, refined presence in the midst of a well-kept warehouse shell, with white-washed white oak floors and counters, indigo-dyed solid oak panels and natural steel. The super-sized parallelogram bar acts as a frame for the lobby’s open space and engages with the casual seating areas, while maximizing customer flow and providing ample barista stations. To maintain a reference to the building’s past industrial use, we created a family of custom metal hardware components for the café table legs and bar supports. Other, more subtle, details also reference the pre-existing character, such as the bar’s countersunk screws patterned like rivets—but executed with an elegant brass finish in keeping with the new, clean aesthetic. A large custom, chevron-shaped communal stone sink accommodates accessibility requirements in the washroom, anchoring the space. Back to Projects page Client Galvanize BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Anand Sheth Size 2,250 SF Contractor Skyline Construction Collaborators Metalworker: Soldesign Lab Photography Nicholas V. Ruiz Back to top

  • THE JESSE HOTEL & BAR

    THE JESSE HOTEL & BAR RENO Hospitality powerhouse and entrepreneur, Piper Stremmel, moved from San Francisco back to her hometown of Reno to build her first hotel. After spending many mornings at her former neighborhood coffee shop, Sightglass on 20th , Piper enlisted Studio BBA to be her remote concept-driven design team. The opportunity to transform this building, built in 1907 as the 14-room Royal Hotel & Bar catering to transients and divorcees, inspired the program for The Jesse: a boutique 6-room hotel, bar and restaurant. The gut-and-redo renovation resulted in a shining independent hotel and bar focused on comfort, approachability, design, and the authentic Nevada experience. BBA envisioned a Master Plan that reoriented the site; the central courtyard now serves as the main hub of the complex. Guests enter through a new main gate into the brick-paved patio with furnishings inspired by the colors of Reno’s changing seasons. An existing trellis overgrown with lush wisteria vines greets bar-goers, hotel guests and restaurant diners alike. The striking geometry of the brick building against the desert sky inferred the extension of strong architectural forms, reminiscent of Josef Albers’ form and color work, “Homage to the Square.” The ground floor bar is a refined and playful oasis – directly contrasting the vibrant and weathered surrounding neighborhood. The colorful terrazzo bar, sunny ceramic tile backsplash and subtle beadboard wainscot reinforce our color story and serve as the glowing backdrop to the furnishings, also selected by BBA to honor Nevada-local craft. Custom plywood beds anchor each unique guest room, accented by modish furnishings and inventive, American-made lighting. Every guest room is also an art gallery, featuring beautiful works from The Stremmel Gallery. Guest bathrooms are dialed-in to provide a calm, luxurious setting. Across the courtyard lives a new fast-casual Mexican restaurant, Estella Tacos y Mezcal. Built into a standalone structure historically used as a blacksmith and wagon shop, the new use maximizes daylight and uniquely tall ceilings. An intentional departure from the “wild west” aesthetic you might find in developing Reno, the Taco Shop features a subdued palette of neutral tiles in various shapes and orientations. Patrons are received by a surprising pop of egg-yolk-yellow in the newly expressed gable ceiling. The Jesse is an artful merger of BBA’s project diversity, spanning from single-family homes to food and beverage spaces and commercial office environments. Studio BBA worked closely with the client, contractor, and local structural engineer of record to design the first hotel in their portfolio. Back to Projects page Client The Jesse Reno BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Anand Sheth Size 9,000 SF Contractor Group West Construction Collaborators Architect of Record: McElhaney Structural Engineers Photography Nick Sorrento Asa Gilmore Back to top

  • STUDIO | Studio BBA

    We believe in the transformative power of design - to enhance the context of our daily experiences and create fulfilling, meaningful, beautiful spaces. Studio BBA is a dynamic atelier of designers who advocate for architecture that inspires human connection—creating spaces and places from the alchemy of inspiration, site, materials, vision and form. The rich set of conditions, agendas and real-life constraints that come with each project makes this an artful process, as does our belief that a symbiosis between circumstance and desire leads to original and compelling design. ​ The collaborative nature of our studio enhances the design process and nourishes meaningful connections with our clients, project teams and the craftspeople who build our work. We thrive when working with clients who have interesting and demanding programs and a passion for what will happen in their space—providing opportunities to deepen the design language and innovate as we guide each project’s development. ​ We bring vision, skilled management, a value for design excellence and a gift for strong interpersonal connection to our project teams and diverse practice areas, which include restaurants, community spaces, private residences and offices, and a range of services including architecture, interior design and master planning. We believe it is our professional obligation to be environmentally intelligent and responsible, bringing a sustainable perspective and proficiency in energy-efficient building systems to every project. STUDIO BBA TEAM LINKEDIN BONNIE BRIDGES PRINCIPAL | AIA A strategic, clear thinker, perceptive listener and creative dynamo, Bonnie leads Studio BBA with adaptability, energy and fearless optimism. Drawing on deep expertise in the skilled facilitation of decisions and processes, and an intuitive, analytic nature, she guides the studio’s atelier of designers in creating beautiful, enriching, successful spaces and buildings for their clients. ​ Bonnie brings a keen awareness of place and purpose to her work, with an approach to the design process grounded in human experience, logic and thoughtful actions. This humanistic methodology took form during her graduate and doctoral research, which explored the relationship between being and building—through contemporary architectural theory and the study of phenomenology as interpreted and developed by Husserl and Heidegger, Kenneth Frampton, and Juhanni Palassma. ​ Site-specificity and material simplicity are essential aesthetic principles in Bonnie’s work, informed by growing up in California and ten years in the Sonoran Desert. She was profoundly inspired by these landscapes—imprinting within her a fundamental experience of light and space. Actively involved in the civic realm and the greater architectural community, Bonnie is fueled by a deep, longstanding dedication to advancing the profession—through mentoring, teaching, advisory and Board roles. Bonnie founded the firm in 1992, preceded by working for award-winning firms in California and Arizona. EDUCATION ​ Doctor of Design – Architectural Theory, Harvard University GSD Master of Architecture with Honors, The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Architecture with Honors, University of Arizona COMMUNITY ​ Adjunct Professor, California College of the Arts, Architecture Adjunct Professor, UC Berkeley, College of Environmental Design Board of Directors, AIA California Council Board of Directors, AIA San Francisco Alumni Council, Harvard University GSD SAMANTHA BUCKLEY PROJECT ARCHITECT | AIA An architect with a love for tactile design, wrangling cats, and walking dogs, Samantha enriches Studio BBA and everything she touches. ​ Her enthusiasm is contagious and is felt across all aspects of the studio – from daily lunches to project delivery. ​ Adept at deep analysis and strategic design thinking, she balances each project’s circumstances to generate innovative design solutions and efficient delivery. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Academy of Arts in San Francisco. EDUCATION ​ Bachelor of Architecture, Academy of Art University COMMUNITY ​ AIA SF Emerging Professional of the Year, 2019 CREW SF Elevate Rising Rockstar Nominee, 2020, 2021 ArchDaily Freelance Author LINKEDIN ISABEL LYDON ACCOUNTANT AND BOOKKEEPER Isabel began her business career in the not-for-profit realm specializing in cost accounting systems for the development and management of affordable housing in Marin County. As the Business Manager for a major substance abuse treatment and homelessness services provider in San Francisco she acted as a liaison to the board of directors in charge of the financial operations, contract compliance and contract negotiations. Isabel moved into the public sector as Operations Manager for Cronon Design then starting her own business providing Accounting, Strategic Planning and Business Consultation. Isabel is currently the co-owner of Mana’O LLC providing Business Consulting Services. ​ She gets great satisfaction from the personal relationships she has with her clients over the last 20 years. ​ Isabel loves to garden and has a quite successful personal sized orchard with a variety of fruits from Apples to Pomegranates. EDUCATION ​ Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Business Administration, San Francisco State University COMMUNITY ​ Activist for disabled children’s rights CONTACT Connect with us to discuss your project, pitch PR opportunities, inquire about joining our atelier of designers, or to talk shop. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Studio BBA is located in the heart of San Francisco – or as we like to call it, the Center City Design District. Look for our vertical garden and stop in—by design we’ve skipped the formalities and you’ll be welcomed right into the midst of an architecture studio and workshop. 921 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94109 GENERAL INQUIRIES PROJECTS MEDIA/PRESS CAREERS (accepts PDF attachments <5MB) 415-241-7160 Mon - Thurs ​ Alternating Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm​ ​ 9:00am - 5:00pm SNAPSHOTS

  • MAMAHUHU MILL VALLEY

    MAMAHUHU MILL VALLEY MILL VALLEY Mill Valley is the second location we’ve created with the Mamahuhu team. In addition to designing each individual location, we have been working with the talented Mamahuhu team on their spatial brand experience: the storefront vibe, customer and staff feel and flow, front and back of house standards (POS, water and bussing stations, pick up racks) and color and material design standards (brand colors, brand tile, booths, and other repeatable standards). Clement was the first location and carried with it a bit of Mister Jiu’s fine dining vibe (as Brandon Jew is a partner). Upon reflection, the MMHH team recognized that it did not align with their target clientele—a family friendly high-quality fast casual dining experience. Mill Valley captures the team and client feedback received from the original location. In this project, we developed a design that would trend more family friendly while maintaining a sophisticated playfulness. The long narrow space is lined with booths and tables crafted around the design standards we worked together to define(wood bar, maple plywood booths, and playful wall sconces). Working to highlight some of the space’s original charm, Ron champ-inspired windows run through the dining area with on-brand accent colors diffuse warm playful light into the space. Back to Projects page Client Mamahuhu BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Megan McGuinn Vishnu Balunsat Size 1,270 SF Contractor Cookline Collaborators MEP Engineering: Acies Art: Casey Gray Brand Styling: Whisk Photography Kristen Loken Back to top

  • NICO RESTAURANT

    NICO RESTAURANT SAN FRANCISCO Our approach to Nico Restaurant’s new location was akin to the way the Chef approaches food—with an experiential and inviting sophistication, and decidedly not stuffy. Design choices err toward a pared down purity while accomplishing a higher intent. By exposing the original brick walls we returned architectural authenticity to the space, but also embedded the environment with Owners Andrea & Nicolas Delaroque’s belief in letting ingredients speak for themselves. The building’s historical significance was certainly on our mind during design, having been the midcentury home to SF’s legendary Black Cat Café. The Cat was a cultural institution—an early bohemian hangout where patrons packed in to be entertained by drag shows infused with groundbreaking advocacy for the LGBTQ community and civil liberties. We honored this past with subtle references. The main move was to put Chef Nico’s impeccable kitchen on full view through a wide opening framed in wood trim—as if it were a stage and the diners had front row seats. (In this case, patrons are here to witness the reclamation of a Michelin star, lost only due to relocation). Cat-print wallpaper adds a light touch in the restroom. Jewel tones on the painted exterior and base of the marble-topped bar harken to a French brasserie. Patterned concrete tile flooring enlivens the entry and bar area. The ambiance of the dining area is tempered by nicely detailed wood elements, plaster wall surfaces, a leather-backed banquette and upholstered seating. Back to Projects page Client Nico Restaurant BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Sarah Fucinaro Size 2,900 SF Contractor ACI General Contractors Collaborators MEP: MHC Engineers Photography Mariko Reed Back to top

  • MAMAHUHU CLEMENT

    MAMAHUHU 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

  • EQUATOR MARKET STREET

    EQUATOR MARKET STREET SAN FRANCISCO Equator’s San Francisco debut—following two Marin cafés in Tam Valley and Mill Valley —is right next door to the historic Warfield Theater in the heart of the red hot Mid-Market rejuvenation. Guided by a neighborhood in transition and the urban elements of downtown’s ‘main drag,’ we kept the interior’s existing mottled concrete and added a new exterior-feeling brick wall. The café’s street cred is enhanced by a new, signature Mona Caron mural, whose work captures site-specific history and future, and a cat-walk-inspired, custom LED light fixture giving nod to neighboring theaters. The coffee roastery and retail displays are situated to take advantage of copious light from south-facing windows. A white stone and mahogany bar adds a touch of classy newness in contrast to the urban environs. And sunny sidewalk seating will soon be accompanied by a “Marklet ” with a rotating program of local art and events. Back to Projects page Client Equator Coffees BBA Team Bonnie Bridges Sarah Fucinaro Size 730 SF Contractor All Phase Construction Collaborators Custom Fixture: Malder Lighting Mural: Mona Caron Photography Nicholas V. Ruiz Back to top

bottom of page