Business Details
Award-Winning Architects in San Francisco
Hamilton & Aitken Architects is a design-focused firm dedicated to creating positive change through architecture. Our practice centers on enhancing human experiences in educational and public spaces, from retrofitting existing structures to designing new campuses and civic facilities. We specialize in masterplanning, building design, renovation, and interior design, integrating sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact while improving energy efficiency, health, and community well-being. Our team of LEED-certified professionals collaborates closely with stakeholders to resolve complex challenges, balancing functionality, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. Recognized for excellence, we have received awards for projects like the Maritime Center Charter School and Portsmouth Square Pavilion.As a certified San Francisco Green Business, we prioritize resource conservation, low-toxic purchasing, and sustainable transportation. Our approach combines technical expertise with a commitment to social responsibility, ensuring designs reflect evolving client needs and generational shifts. We foster collaborative dialogue with clients, construction teams, and communities, transforming constraints into innovative solutions that enrich lives. Our work spans K-12 education, higher education, civic design, and public spaces, driven by a philosophy that architecture should inspire and endure.
Services
Masterplanning
Building Design
Interior Design
Renovation
Sustainable Design
Civic Design
K-12 Education
Higher Education
Public Spaces
Design Consultation
Highlights and features
- We specialize in sustainable design for schools and public spaces.
- Our team includes LEED-certified architects with decades of experience.
- We prioritize collaborative stakeholder engagement in every project.
- We are recognized for resolving complex design challenges creatively.
- Our firm is a certified San Francisco Green Business.
Associations and certifications
- San Francisco Green Business
Services
Masterplanning
We develop long-range plans for campuses and communities, integrating sustainability and stakeholder input. Our approach balances growth, functionality, and environmental stewardship. Projects include educational institutions and civic spaces.
Building Design
Our designs prioritize aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. We create spaces that enhance user experiences while meeting regulatory and budgetary requirements. Clients include schools and public agencies.
Interior Design
We craft interiors that reflect client needs and promote well-being. Our solutions optimize layouts, materials, and lighting for educational, civic, and commercial environments.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and eco-friendly practices into all projects. Our team holds LEED certifications and San Francisco Green Business status.
Civic Design
We design libraries, community centers, and parks that foster social interaction and accessibility. Projects emphasize durability, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
People
Chad Hamilton
Principal
Chad Hamilton, AIA LEED AP BD+C ALEP, leads design initiatives with a focus on sustainable education facilities. He brings over 25 years of experience in K-12 and higher education projects.
Susan Aitken
Principal
Susan Aitken, AIA LEED AP BD+C, co-founder and principal, specializes in civic and public space design. Her work emphasizes community engagement and environmental stewardship across California.
Thomas Lawrence
Associate Principal
Thomas Lawrence, AIA, oversees project execution and design innovation. He has led award-winning projects like the Maritime Center Charter School and Portsmouth Square Pavilion.
Matt Adams
Associate Architect
Matt Adams, AIA LEED AP BD+C, contributes expertise in sustainable building systems and renovation projects. He focuses on energy efficiency and adaptive reuse of historic structures.
Caro Dratva
Marketing Director
Caro Dratva manages firm-wide marketing and communications. With a background in architecture and design, she ensures brand consistency and client engagement across all platforms.
Questions
What types of projects does Hamilton + Aitken Architects specialize in?
We focus on K-12 schools, higher education campuses, civic buildings, and public spaces, emphasizing sustainable design and community impact.
Are your architects certified in sustainable design?
Yes, our team includes LEED-certified professionals and we are a certified San Francisco Green Business.
How do you approach stakeholder collaboration?
We engage clients, communities, and construction teams through open dialogue to align project goals with user needs.
Can you work on projects outside the Bay Area?
While based in San Francisco and Oakland, we serve clients across California and beyond.
What awards have your projects received?
Our work includes AIA SF Honor awards for the Maritime Center and Portsmouth Square Pavilion.
Reviews (1)
Joshua Evans
May 17, 2018
Report
Ive known Chad Hamilton and Susan Aitken since I was a little kid. I and several of my peers owe a lot of our success to the work theyve done here in SF.
