Established in 1966, the founding principals instituted an approach that balances a deep respect for the existing environment with building innovation and design creativity. This approach is fundamental to BAR’s continued success creating a wide variety of commissions for private and public clientele. Current specializations include educational facilities, corporate campuses, mixed-use centers, cultural and entertainment venues, hotels and resorts, retail centers and housing of all types.

An architecture and planning firm, BAR Architects goal is to create meaningful and engaging places that enhance their existing context, are sustainably designed, function well for users and are cost-effective for clients. As a certified San Francisco Bay Area Green Business, sustainable design practices and principles are an integral part of BAR’s design process. An active member of the U.S. Green Building Council, over 85 percent of their professional staff are LEED accredited and the firm has designed several buildings to meet LEED Gold and Silver criteria. The firm is currently working on several projects targeted for LEED Platinum and LEED Gold.

Working from their LEED-certified offices, BAR has the knowledge, experience and resources to proactively and collaboratively guide clients toward effective sustainable design solutions. Leading by example, when BAR was looking to relocate, paramount was finding a building that represented their commitment to sustainable design, and in 2005, the firm moved its offices to San Francisco’s first renovated “green” office building. This commitment continues to be a cornerstone of the firm’s design philosophy and their established firm-wide goal of designing all projects to meet LEED Silver or equivalent criteria.

BAR’s projects have been featured in Urban Land, arcCA, Educational Environments, AIA/Design for Aging, and numerous other books and publications as case studies representing innovative, cost-efficient and successful best practices. In addition to being the recipient of 180 design awards, BAR Architects has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects California Council as the Firm of the Year, one of the highest industry honors. The firm has designed projects throughout the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

More impressive than BAR’s award-winning portfolio is the firm’s continued ability to design projects independent of a preconceived style. True to its roots, BAR remains committed to the highest standards of architectural design, environmental sensitivity and client service while maintaining a deeply held belief that, above all, the most important measure of success is the satisfaction of their clients and the communities they serve.