Actual-Size Architecture
San Francisco, CA, San Francisco
(8)
San Francisco, CA, San Francisco
(8)
Actual-Size Architecture is a small, San Francisco based office specializing in residential additions. Licensed and insured, my award-winning practice has been finding fresh solutions to complex criteria for over 17 years.
A three-fold approach to design drives my work: People feel most alive when in contact with nature, most comfortable in a human-scaled environment, and most grounded when aware of their relationship to history.
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8 customer reviews
david salem
We worked with Geof at Actual Size Architecture for complete renovation/expansion project. From beginning to end, Geof was a complete and talented professional. He has also become a good friend. At the beginning, Geof presented us with beautiful ideas and options for our budgets. After deciding on a plan, we worked together in securing permits (entirely too long a process in SF) and selecting our GC. Geof held our hands throughout the demolition, construction, and finishing process, as we were doing this for the first time. The actual construction lasted a little over a year and we are so happy with a new home that our kids can grow up in! More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Bret Foreman
Geof is an expert at navigating the labyrinth that is SF planning. He can't make the mess at the planning office go away, but at least he can make it a good deal less painful for the property owner. My project was big and so there were hundreds of aesthetic decisions to make - Geof was able to expertly take charge of many of them, leaving me to look after the parts I cared about most. He was also available nights and weekends when necessary to help accommodate my work schedule. Overall, a great experience. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Susan Smyth
Geoff helped convert a double garage into a family room. He came with better ideas than we had, made more efficient use of space and the existing structure. He helped us pick the lights, radiator and designed a sweet sliding door that is an efficient use of space. Always with good ideas and integrity, I will always go to Geoff as my first choice as an Architect. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Dan Rubin Consulting
Very talented architect (Geof), lovely family and always pleases demeanor.
Reviewed on Google Maps
jleash
Geof Gainer (Actual-Size Architecture) did an addition of a bedroom and bathroom as well as a deck and laundry. I was a novice at undertaking a project like this and he was great to work with, helping with each step of the project. from conception to completion. He is a master at getting light into rooms which was essential for this addition downstairs. Easy- going, he returned all calls and emails promptly and helped with the construction end as well. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
marycmeyer25
I've worked with Geof for multiple years on multiple projects and always had the same fantastic experience. He has great vision and I love the ideas he brings to my projects: he is phenomenal with light and space and blending architectural styles. He's also a great listener: I always feel that he recognizes my priorities and sense of style (not to mention my budget) and stays true to that. We live in an old house in San Francisco, where renovations can be challenging, but somehow he's always managed to make my ideas work. He has a great rapport with multiple contractors and introduced us to a contractor we had a wonderful experience with. He is punctual and reliable. I highly recommend him! More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Alex D.
We set up a Preschool with the help of Geoff, he was great, specially when needed, due to deadlines, he was simply there. He produced well above & beyond . Opening a childcare center, fighting all ends at the Building Department I needed great backing, Geoff delivered whatever twists the calcified bureaucracy demanded to get things through and done.alex More...
Reviewed on Yelp
ari s.
After reading about his "12 ingredients" on his website i was really impressed when i saw one of Geoffrey Gainer's projects in person. His thoughtful and thorough writings were reflected in the details of his design. The kitchen he designed was innovative and responded to the limitations and history of the residence. There are so many architects who follow trends -- it's refreshing to find someone who brings raw creativity to the task.The design was efficient and space-saving. Glass cabinet doors contrasted with wood shelves nicely and put dishes on display without looking cluttered. Graceful touches like unique crown molding abounded. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
What do you love most about your job?
Best thing I like is hearing from clients how much they're enjoying the house years afterward. It makes me feel I'll have left something worthwhile when I'm gone.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I had worked for offices that did brilliant work, produced exacting plans, knew the construction industry inside-out... I wanted to combine all of these under one roof.
Why should our clients choose you?
The work I do is for the long haul. Clients hire me when they understand the product they're receiving is a custom-tailored space designed to enliven them, not just fulfill a list of requirements.
