Architects San Francisco is a handbook for owners who are about to hire an architect in San Francisco: for a remodel, an addition, an accessory dwelling unit or a new house.
It is written to be read in order. The first part helps you decide what kind of help your project needs. The second covers finding, checking and interviewing architects. The third explains fees, the written contract California requires and the design phases. The last part follows a project through San Francisco Planning and the Department of Building Inspection.
We do not list, rank or recommend architects, and no firm pays to appear here. Facts about licensing come from the California Architects Board and the Architects Practice Act; facts about review and permits come from San Francisco Planning and the Department of Building Inspection. Procedures change, so check the current version with those offices before you act on anything in this handbook.