Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in San Francisco
Gelfand Partners Architects is an award-winning firm dedicated to innovative, sustainable design and transformative solutions for schools, colleges, housing, community facilities, and social enterprises. Founded in 1997, we specialize in adaptive reuse, breathing new life into existing structures while minimizing environmental impact through reclaimed materials. Our team of experienced architects and designers prioritizes climate-responsive solutions that maximize natural light, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being. As one of only 12 Certified B Corporations in U.S. architecture, we measure success by our social and environmental impact, having delivered 62 housing communities and 58 school projects that serve over 27,400 students.Our work includes 16 GreenPoint Rated projects and 2 LEED Gold Certified developments, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and affordability. We collaborate closely with communities to create spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and enhance quality of life, operating from a studio system that fosters team-driven project execution from concept to completion.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Affordable Housing Design
School Renovation
Community Facilities
Commercial Projects
Adaptive Reuse
Green Building Certification
Campus Planning
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 27 years of experience in sustainable architectural design.
- Our firm is a Certified B Corporation committed to social impact.
- We specialize in adaptive reuse of existing buildings to minimize waste.
- Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and GreenPoint Raters.
- We've delivered 7,300+ affordable housing units and 25,000+ student learning spaces.
Associations and certifications
- B Corporation
- San Francisco Green Business
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We create climate-responsive buildings that maximize natural light and energy efficiency. Our LEED-certified architects use recycled materials and innovative techniques to reduce environmental impact while improving occupant health. Projects include schools with improved air quality and housing developments with 30% lower utility costs.
Affordable Housing Design
Our team specializes in creating dignified, sustainable living spaces for underserved communities. We've designed 7,300+ units of affordable housing that incorporate energy-efficient systems and community-focused amenities. Our approach balances budget constraints with long-term operational savings through smart material choices and efficient layouts.
School Renovation
We transform aging school buildings into modern learning environments that meet CHPS standards. Our renovations prioritize natural daylighting, improved ventilation, and flexible classroom spaces. Projects include seismic upgrades and technology integration while maintaining historical elements in 58 completed school facilities.
Adaptive Reuse
We specialize in repurposing existing structures to extend their useful life and reduce construction waste. Our approach preserves architectural heritage while incorporating modern sustainability features. Recent projects include converting a century-old landmark into 172 energy-efficient housing units with state-of-the-art systems.
Community Facilities
We design inclusive community centers that serve diverse populations. Our projects include cultural spaces, neighborhood hubs, and social service facilities that foster connection and accessibility. We work closely with stakeholders to create spaces that reflect community needs while maintaining environmental responsibility.
People
Lisa Gelfand
Principal Emeritus - FAIA, LEED AP
With 42 years of experience, Lisa designed 49 education projects and 6,735 affordable housing units. She taught at universities in California, Utah, and New Zealand, and authored 'Sustainable School Architecture.' Her work focuses on improving learning environments through green design.
Lawrence Schadt
Principal - AIA, ASLA, LEED AP
Larry brings 26 years of design experience, including 21 in architecture and 5 in landscape architecture. As project architect on multiple award-winning projects, he specializes in complex campus designs and sustainable renovations that integrate natural elements into built environments.
Austen Diliberto
Principal - AIA, LEED AP BD+C
With 12 years at Gelfand Partners, Austen focuses on affordable housing modernizations and community-driven projects. He manages educational facilities from concept to completion, ensuring efficient execution while maintaining design integrity and sustainability standards.
Katie Larson
IIDA
As an interior designer, Katie specializes in creating functional, sustainable spaces that enhance user experience. She works across education and housing projects, focusing on material selection and space planning that balances aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
Bingbin Zhou
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Bingbin contributes technical expertise to complex architectural projects, with a focus on sustainable building systems. He works on both new construction and renovation projects, ensuring designs meet energy efficiency goals while maintaining structural integrity.
Questions
What makes Gelfand Partners Architects different from other firms?
We combine 27 years of experience with B Corp certification, focusing exclusively on sustainable design that benefits communities. Our studio system ensures consistent team involvement from project start to finish.
Do you specialize in specific building types?
We focus on educational facilities, affordable housing, community spaces, and commercial projects, with expertise in adaptive reuse of existing structures to minimize environmental impact.
Are you LEED-certified professionals?
Yes, our team includes multiple LEED Accredited Professionals who have completed 2 LEED Gold Certified developments and 16 GreenPoint Rated projects.
Can you work with tight budgets?
Our affordable housing projects demonstrate our ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable designs within budget constraints while maintaining long-term operational efficiency.
Do you handle historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive reuse of historic structures, recently transforming a century-old landmark into 172 modern housing units with sustainable systems.
What sustainability practices do you prioritize?
We focus on natural daylighting, energy-efficient systems, and recycled materials. Our designs reduce utility costs by up to 30% while improving indoor air quality and occupant well-being.
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