Architect in Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto combines tree-lined streets and historic neighborhoods with the energy of Stanford and Silicon Valley. Its homes range from classic Craftsman bungalows, Spanish and Mediterranean houses and mid-century Eichlers to new contemporary builds, often on compact lots close to neighbors.

Our design approach in Palo Alto

On Palo Alto's closer-set lots, a good design is as much about the street and the neighbors as about the house itself. We shape homes that fit their neighborhood, respect the privacy and daylight of the houses next door, and still feel open and generous inside, with light-filled rooms, gardens that become outdoor living space and smart, sustainable features that lower running costs.

Local insight

Palo Alto is where M. Designs Architects was born: our office was in Palo Alto for about 15 years. Our principal architect, Alpheus (Chip) Jessup, lived in Palo Alto for more than 60 years and has a deep understanding of the city, its neighborhoods and how it has grown. We know Palo Alto's building rules well: a new two-story home or a second-story addition goes through the City's Individual Review, which looks at how the house fits its street and its neighbors, and we design with those guidelines in mind from the start.

Our work in Palo Alto

• a contemporary new custom home with walls of glass, a long lap pool, a floating wood-and-glass staircase and a glass elevator;
• a Craftsman-style remodel with a stone-stepped porch and a garden deck;
• a warm modern renovation of a single-story home, with a pass-through kitchen window to a covered terrace;
• a Mediterranean family home remodel, later extended with a self-contained living suite;
• a family-friendly two-story remodel with an open kitchen and family room;
• a contemporary new home now in design.

Working with us

• One team from first sketch to move-in: architecture, interior design, planning approvals, permits and construction administration.
• 3D models of your design, so you can walk through options before anything is built.
• Sustainable and smart-home features built in, which also lower running costs.
• Award-winning work, including many NARI META Remodeling Awards and the City of Menlo Park Environmental Quality Award.
• Our studio is at 384 Castro Street in Mountain View, a short drive from Palo Alto.

To talk about your project, call (650) 565-9036 or send us a message.