Business Details
38 Years
experience
Custom Residential & Commercial Architects in Los Altos, CA
Young & Borlik, Architects is a full-service architecture firm with over 37 years of experience specializing in custom residential and commercial projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1988 by Andrew Young and Steve Borlik, our philosophy centers on collaborating closely with clients to translate their unique needs and visions into functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. We prioritize personalized attention, sustainable design practices, and navigating complex approval processes with expertise.Our services span feasibility studies, master planning, 3D visualizations, permit approvals, and construction administration. Recognized for our commitment to quality and client satisfaction, we maintain strong relationships with local planning departments and have earned industry accolades, including the Town of Athertons Green Building Award. Our team combines decades of experience with innovative design solutions to deliver projects that exceed expectations.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Remodels
Accessory Structures
Construction Administration
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 37 years of experience in Bay Area residential and commercial architecture.
- Our team provides personalized attention, treating every project as uniquely as you do.
- We specialize in sustainable design strategies tailored to your project's needs.
- Our expertise in zoning approvals streamlines complex municipal processes.
- Client testimonials highlight our reliability, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
Associations and certifications
- Town of Atherton Green Building Award
What people say
Fantastic efforts
Beautiful home
Professional and organized
Exceeded expectations
Creative solutions
Services
Residential Remodels
Transform outdated spaces into functional, modern environments while preserving structural integrity. Our team specializes in kitchen upgrades, bathroom redesigns, and whole-house renovations. We navigate local building codes and HOA requirements to ensure seamless approvals and construction.
Commercial Projects
Design solutions for office spaces, retail environments, and institutional buildings. Services include space optimization, ADA compliance, and brand-integrated aesthetics. We manage projects from concept through permitting to final construction oversight.
Accessory Structures
Custom-designed pool houses, guest cottages, and garden studios that complement primary residences. Our process includes site analysis, material selection, and coordination with landscape architects for cohesive outdoor living spaces.
Sustainable Design
Energy-efficient building strategies incorporating solar technology, recycled materials, and passive heating/cooling systems. We guide clients through LEED certification processes and local green building incentive programs.
Construction Administration
On-site coordination between contractors and design teams to maintain design intent. Services include progress inspections, change order documentation, and timely resolution of field issues during construction phases.
People
Andrew Young
Co-Founder / Architect
Licensed architect with 37 years of experience in residential and commercial design. Specializes in historic preservation and modern adaptations. Holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly SLO.
Steve Borlik
Co-Founder / Architect
37-year architecture veteran focusing on zoning compliance and municipal approvals. Expert in Bay Area planning codes. Graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a Bachelor of Architecture.
Dan Rhoads
Architect
Project lead with expertise in construction documentation and field coordination. Manages client communication during building phases. Certified by the American Institute of Architects.
Questions
What types of architecture projects do you specialize in?
We focus on custom residential projects including new homes, remodels, and accessory structures, as well as commercial buildings like offices and retail spaces.
How do you handle municipal permitting processes?
Our team manages all aspects of zoning approvals, variances, and building permits with local jurisdictions across the San Francisco Peninsula.
Can you incorporate sustainable design elements?
Yes, we integrate energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and passive solar design tailored to each project's environmental context and budget.
Do you work outside the San Francisco Bay Area?
While our primary focus is the Bay Area, we consider select projects in Northern California requiring specialized architectural expertise.
What sets your firm apart from other architects?
Our client-driven approach combines 37 years of local experience with technical precision, maintaining personal involvement from concept through construction completion.
Reviews (4)
Annika M.
Jan 02, 2021
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We did a remodel and addition and we would never recommend working with this company. It was an unpleasant experience.
Gus Carroll
Nov 18, 2019
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As a local residential builder, I have had the privilege of working with Young & Borlik Architects for over 15 years. Not only do I have a great professional relationship with Y&B Architects, I consider Steve, Andrew and staff to be dear friends. Young & Borlik are great architects. What makes them stand out more from other architectural firms, is that they listen to their clients and understand what their needs are and form a team of professionals and tradesmen that will fulfill their clients dream. Like a good red wine, Y&B Architects seem to only getting better. Steve & Andrew's staff of architects
Mark Durham
Jun 22, 2019
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Always a pleasure to deal with Steve Borlik and his staff, theyve been an invaluable asset on several projects.
Scott Conradson
May 03, 2019
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We've had Steve and Andrew do the design and oversee the work for two major and two minor remodels. Through all of this, plus doing remodel design for friends of ours, Steve and Andrew have exceeded all expectations. The took the time to understand our needs, did extra research on new and interesting additions that have made the design just that much better. They have a network of other great people from landscape architects to interior designers to general contractors they work with that result in a complete harnonized final product. Finally, Steve and Andrew don't consider the work done until
