Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in San Francisco
Founded in 2009 by architect Serina Calhoun, Syncopated Architecture has completed over 350 projects across the Bay Area. Our practice is built on core principles of client trust, quality design, and advocacy for streamlined housing solutions. We specialize in ADUs, new construction, adaptive reuse, and commercial architecture, with a focus on navigating complex permitting processes. Our team combines decades of experience with a hands-on approach, ensuring personalized service and meticulous attention to detail.We advocate for policy changes to address housing shortages and maintain a fixed-fee structure to prioritize client relationships over profit margins. Our work reflects a commitment to solving design challenges creatively while adhering to rigorous code standards.
Services
ADU Design
Legalization Services
New Construction
Adaptive Reuse
Commercial Architecture
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 350 projects in the Bay Area since 2009
- Our team helped streamline ADU permitting processes with city officials
- We maintain a fixed-fee service model for transparent pricing
- Principal Serina Calhoun personally oversees every project
- We combine creative design with deep code compliance expertise
Services
ADU Design
We specialize in designing Accessory Dwelling Units that maximize underutilized spaces. Our team has created over 300 rent-controlled apartments through ADU programs since 2015. We focus on privacy, natural light optimization, and seamless outdoor connections while navigating complex permitting requirements.
Building Legalization
Our firm helps property owners resolve illegal unit violations through proper permitting. We handle all aspects of legalization processes, including code compliance assessments and city coordination. Our experience streamlines approvals for residential and commercial conversions.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform historic structures, warehouses, and office buildings into modern housing solutions. Our expertise includes fire code upgrades, historic preservation, and maximizing tax incentives for office-to-residential conversions while maintaining architectural integrity.
New Construction
We create site-specific residential and commercial buildings from concept to completion. Our approach incorporates zoning research, legislative anticipation, and sustainable design practices to deliver functional spaces that enhance neighborhood character and address housing needs.
Commercial Architecture
We design commercial spaces that reinforce brand identity while meeting regulatory requirements. Our portfolio includes restaurants, salons, and retail environments with customized layouts that optimize functionality and customer experience across multiple industries.
People
Serina Calhoun
Principal Architect
Founded Syncopated Architecture in 2009 after leading multi-family projects at Levy Design Partners. Advocates for housing policy reform and serves on the AIA Public Policy Committee.
Juan Cerda
Senior Associate
Brings extensive project management experience to complex architectural projects. Collaborates closely with clients and city officials to deliver innovative design solutions that meet regulatory requirements.
Bethany Diehl
Office Manager
Coordinates office operations and client communications. Ensures smooth project execution through organized administrative support and team coordination.
Jason Gates
Senior Associate
Specializes in code compliance and permitting processes. Provides technical expertise for complex projects requiring detailed understanding of San Francisco's building regulations.
Keegan Clark
Junior Associate
Supports design and documentation processes with emerging expertise in residential and commercial architecture. Contributes fresh perspectives to creative problem-solving.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in ADU design, building legalizations, new construction, adaptive reuse projects, and commercial architecture for residential and business clients.
How do you handle complex permitting processes?
Our team manages all permitting requirements, leveraging deep code knowledge and city relationships to resolve challenges efficiently through our fixed-fee service model.
Can you help with housing crisis solutions?
Yes, we advocate for and implement ADU programs that convert underused spaces into housing, having created over 300 units since 2015 through these initiatives.
What makes your firm different from others?
We combine creative design with policy advocacy, maintain personal project involvement from our principal, and operate on transparent fixed-fee pricing rather than percentage-based billing.
Do you work on historic building conversions?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive reuse of historic structures, warehouses, and office buildings while maintaining architectural integrity and meeting modern code requirements.
Reviews (5)
S. L.
Sep 30, 2016
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Terrible, inexperienced architect - we hired her for a small renovation a couple of years ago. She was, at the time, remodeling her own office. She literally dropped so many balls our general contractor got frustrated as did we, and we eventually fired her. However, she demanded that we still pay her in full. Months after we let her go, I was handling delayed/dropped orders at Floorcraft, etc. (and while pregnant). Beware! There is a warning at the bottom of her Yelp reviews stating that some have been removed (i.e., likely placed by people who are not her actual customers). On an added note, she
Michael C.
Mar 03, 2014
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Serina & Syncopated Architecture has helped me numerous times dealing with sticky issues of City planning, zoning, use permit, change of use and conditional use permits. Working in commercial real estate I rely on her expertise all the time to assist my clients dealing with the red tape and insanely complex bureaucracy to get things done in San Francisco. When embarking on a commercial RE project, you need to know what you are in store for in terms of timelines, cost and more importantly, likelihood of success in getting approved! In SF, NOTHING IS GUARANTEED, and everything is political and
Frances D.
Feb 07, 2014
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As a contractor with close to 30 year's expertise and experience I am acutely aware of the importance of the relationship between the architect, the client and contractor.
Doherty Restoration Inc has worked along side synocopated architecture for 9 years. During this time I have found Serina's design solutions to her client's ideas, goals and budget always creative, original and sustainable. Communication plays a key role in the relationship between the architect, the client and the contractor. A key feature of Serina's approach to architectural design is her knowledge
Doherty Restoration Inc has worked along side synocopated architecture for 9 years. During this time I have found Serina's design solutions to her client's ideas, goals and budget always creative, original and sustainable. Communication plays a key role in the relationship between the architect, the client and the contractor. A key feature of Serina's approach to architectural design is her knowledge
John A.
Jan 30, 2014
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I wish everyone was as available and responsive as Serina and Syncopated Architecture. They are my #1, "go-to", call when it comes to architecture,design, and zoning questions. They are reachable and get back to me with an answer, usually within 8 hours. Being a real estate agent, I have referred a number of my clients to Serina and they have all been thrilled with her work. Add Syncopated Architecture to your vendor list. You won't be disappointed.
D. N.
Aug 25, 2010
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Syncopated Architecture did an excellent job of navigating and executing the building permit process for our coffee bar. Despite a couple curve balls from the city, the work was done as fast as it possibly could have been done at very reasonable rates. I would not hesitate to use this company again.
