Business Details
36 Years
experience
Residential Architects in San Anselmo, CA | DomA Architects
Founded in 1990 by John Dorr and Ryann Marlowe, DomA Architects has established a reputation for designing custom residential spaces that balance functional needs with creative innovation. With over 75 completed projects and 30 years of combined experience, our practice emphasizes personalized service, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to timeless aesthetics. Our team provides comprehensive architectural services, including design, programming, construction administration, and interior architecture, tailored to meet each client's unique vision. We distinguish ourselves through a collaborative approach that prioritizes client relationships while maintaining professional rigor. Our expertise spans custom home design across Northern California, with a focus on creating spaces that harmonize with their environments.As licensed professionals, we uphold industry standards through continuous engagement with evolving design practices and materials. Our work reflects a philosophy that exceptional architecture emerges from understanding both technical requirements and the human experience of space. Clients benefit from our leadership's direct involvement in every project phase, ensuring consistency and quality. We maintain transparency in communication and decision-making, fostering trust through accountability and clear expectations. Our dedication to craftsmanship and client satisfaction has sustained our practice for over three decades in the competitive residential architecture market.
Services
Architectural Design
Residential Programming
Construction Administration
Interior Architecture
Finish Selection
Custom Home Design
Space Planning
Project Management
Design Consultation
Client Collaboration
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in custom residential architecture
- Our team provides personalized one-on-one client engagement
- We maintain direct leadership involvement in every project
- Our practice combines technical expertise with creative innovation
- We emphasize timeless design and meticulous attention to detail
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates custom residential spaces tailored to client needs. We develop concept plans, elevations, and construction documents for new homes and renovations. Our approach integrates functional requirements with aesthetic considerations, ensuring each design reflects the client's lifestyle while meeting building codes and environmental standards. Clients benefit from our 30 years of experience in crafting distinctive homes across Northern California.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive construction administration services to ensure design integrity during implementation. Our team reviews contractor submittals, conducts site visits, and addresses technical questions throughout the building process. This service maintains quality control while managing timelines and budgets. Clients receive regular progress updates and documentation to ensure their vision translates accurately into the finished structure.
Interior Architecture
Our interior architecture service focuses on spatial planning and material selection for residential interiors. We design layouts that optimize functionality while maintaining aesthetic cohesion with exterior architecture. The service includes cabinetry design, lighting plans, and finish material specifications. Clients receive coordinated solutions that enhance livability and complement the home's overall design language.
Custom Home Design
We specialize in creating bespoke custom homes that respond to site conditions and client preferences. The process begins with programming to understand spatial requirements, followed by schematic design and detailed development. Our team coordinates with engineers and consultants to deliver fully realized homes. Clients benefit from our expertise in navigating zoning regulations and construction challenges specific to Northern California.
Finish Selection
Our finish selection service guides clients through material choices for flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures. We provide samples and specifications that balance aesthetics, durability, and budget considerations. The service ensures cohesive design continuity throughout the home while meeting performance requirements. Clients receive documentation for contractors to implement selections accurately during construction.
People
John Dorr
President
John Dorr, co-founder and President, earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech in 1984. With prior experience at prominent firms including David S. Gast & Associates, he leads design decisions and mentors production staff. His leadership drives the firm's creative vision and technical excellence.
Ryann Marlowe
Chief Executive Officer
Ryann Marlowe, co-founder and CEO, graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1990. Her background includes metalwork fabrication and project design experience. She oversees financial operations and provides strategic direction while maintaining creative oversight of projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service residential architecture including design, programming, construction administration, interior architecture, and finish selection for custom homes and renovations.
How long have you specialized in residential design?
Our firm has focused exclusively on custom residential projects since 1990, completing over 75 homes with our founding principals maintaining direct involvement in every project.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including San Anselmo, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Sonoma counties with experience in local building regulations and environmental considerations.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We maintain one-on-one client relationships throughout the design process, incorporating client input at every stage while providing expert guidance on technical and aesthetic decisions.
What makes your firm unique?
Our practice combines 30+ years of experience with direct principal involvement, personalized service, and a commitment to timeless design that prioritizes both functionality and artistic expression.
