Architect Mason Kirby, Inc. - San Francisco, California

Evan T.

Mason Kirby helped us renovate (a full gut and rebuild) of our Bernal Heights home in 2019. We couldn't be happier we decided to partner with them on the project. Mason and Jamie were thoughtful in understanding our goals and preferences, exploring a few design directions and ultimately drafting great plans. Mason cares a lot that the work is done well by contractors, especially important elements like foundation waterproofing. He contributed a few really awesome in-progress design changes (lightwell design and adding some windows to our lower level). He's also particularly experienced working with the city and with contractors. He provided invaluable advice when we encountered issues along the way. I'd highly recommend working with MK.

John K.

I purchased a Spanish Colonial Revival bungalow built in 1927 in a nice neighborhood in San Francisco. Mason Kirby worked with me to plan the restoration and expansion of the project. We turned a two bedroom one and one-half bath single story home into a four bedroom two and one-half bath two story home, adding 1,000 sf of livable space. All of this was done while respecting the original architectural design of the home and working within the original envelop.

Mason Kirby brings to the process the perspective of a contractor while acting as the project architect. He provides both the design for what to build with the knowledge of how to build it.

It was a challenge to repair and replace all the components of the home that were broken and failing (the foundation and stucco finish) or needed upgrading (plumbing, electrical, and heating). We worked to preserve the charm by renovating steel casement windows and to bring more light into the home with new windows and glass doors along the back of the house. We created a modern kitchen open to a formal dining room. And we reused and when needed replaced the trim pieces and finishes throughout the home to preserve its charm. At the end we had a home almost one-third larger than the size of the original that looks like a newly built home from 1927.

Mason Kirby collaborated with us on the initial design and throughout the construction of the home. He understood the mandate to create a new home while respecting the architecture of the original. Mason offered numerous clever design solutions that worked within the constraints of the original building envelop. For example, he created a stairway that also serves as a light well to bring natural light into the newly created living space on the first floor. He also provided us with guidance on where to take special care to spend money where it would matter in the long run, such as with installing a proper foundation water proofing system and replacing stucco that was hiding dry rot. And he designed a modern kitchen and baths within tight spaces that feel comfortable and functional.

Tom C. N.

We have been incredibly happy with Mason and his team. We were new to area and embarked on a renovation projection. Mason and Gabe were incredibly thoughtful and responsive with our needs. The were flexible and patient with their time to make sure all our questions were answered. Throughout the project, they were always available. They are detail oriented and creative. More importantly, they will always be an advocate for the home owner. For example, we wanted glass railings and the cost through our GC was through the roof. They suggested online options that worked perfect and ended up saving us nearly $20K. This is one of many examples. I recommend them without reservation.

Den S.

Working with Mason was great. I have actually hired him twice now. Once for a commercial property before he opened his own firm and more recently for a complete remodel of my home. He has great design sense and is easy to work with.

Nick S.

We met Mason Kirby in his team ~2011 to help us with our home renovation and have used him three times since for our home (another phase of the remodeling, an ADU, and a bathroom remodel). Highly recommend - a great team to work with.

John W.