The Best Architects in Marin

Bought an old house that needs to rejoin the 21st century? Starting your new business from the literal ground up? Either way, Marin has the architect for you.

The 2026 readersโ€™ choice Best of the County winner is John Clarke Architects (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Architect picks see below.

Our 2026 Home & Design category sponsor is SDI Insulation and SDI Fireplaces. View the rest of the Home & Design category here.

Southern 

Mill Valley โ€“ Sausalito โ€“ Tiburon

Central

Corte Madera โ€“ Fairfax โ€“ Greenbrae โ€“ Kentfield โ€“ Larkspur โ€“ Ross โ€“ San Anselmo โ€“ San Rafael

Northern

Novato

West

Bolinas โ€“ Forest Knolls โ€“ Inverness โ€“ Lagunitas โ€“ Marshall โ€“ Nicasio โ€“ Point Reyes โ€“ Stinson Beach โ€“ Tamales โ€“ Woodacreย 

Southern Marin

Chambers & Chambers

Mill Valley

Chambers and Chambers Architecture room
Photo courtesy of Chambers & Chambers

Chambers & Chambersโ€™ focus is on custom residential and interior design, located right in the heart of Mill Valley. Established in 1996, its work has been featured in House and Garden, Veranda, House Beautiful and more.

420 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.8326

Dorman Associates

Mill Valley

The backyard of a house with patio furniture and outdoor fireplace.
Photo courtesy of Dorman Associates

Established in 2001, Dorman Associates is a full-service architecture firm specializing in custom residential design. With a deep belief in collaboration and context-driven solutions, the firm creates homes that reflect the individuality of each client and site. From modern hillside retreats to family-centered renovations, Dorman Associates blends creativity, constructability and environmental sensitivity. Its work can be found throughout California, including single-family homes, accessory dwelling units and small multi-family communities designed to support beauty, livability and long-term value.

229 Flamingo Rd, Mill Valley, 415.380.7914

Holscher Architecture

Belvedere

Holschacher's architectural design in Newport Beach, highlighting modern style and integration with the coastal environment.
Photo courtesy of Holscher Architecture

Holscher Architecture offers a full-service approach to custom homes, renovations and additions. As a family owned business, Holscher architecture is located in the heart of Tiburon helping its community with its homes and renovations.

83 Beach Rd B, Belvedere, 415.435.5219

Jill Benton Architects

Sausalito

A multi-level staircase with a wooden rail.
Photo courtesy of Jill Benton

Jill Benton Architects specializes in thoughtful residential architecture that transforms dreams into enduring homes. Every project is carefully crafted to reflect its clientsโ€™ lifestyles through timeless design, seamless indoor-outdoor living and a balance of elegance, comfort and function.

3020 Bridgeway #131, Sausalito, 415.381.1183

John Clarke Architects

Sausalito

An home with an indoor/outdoor concept and a view of the ocean in the background.
Photo by Hans Klett

Based in Sausalito, John Clarke Architects has been in the Bay Area since 2003, offering both residential and commercial services. The firm believes in collaboration throughout the process to ensure that a clientโ€™s vision is brought to life. 

4000 Bridgeway Ste #304, Sausalito, 415.332.1122

Lincoln Lighthill Architect

Mill Valley

A brightly lit interior photo of a wood paneled living room.
Photo by Tim D. Coy Photography

Lincoln Lighthill Architect is a full-service architectural firm based in Mill Valley, just North of San Francisco where the firm was founded in 2015. The firm works at the intersection between art, science and sustainability, focusing on design-oriented work with clients who are as passionate about their spaces as Lincoln Lighthill Architect is. In fulfilling the regularly requested project of updating old buildings, it thoughtfully integrates old and new to fit modern lifestyles while preserving the irreplaceable charm and quality of older buildings.

35 Miller Ave #320, Mill Valley, 415.412.3343

Michael Heacock Architects

Michael Heacock has been in the business for over 30 years and is known for blending organic and modern architecture with ecological performance. His work spans everything from residential to commercial and civic projects.

129 Miller Avenue, #623, Mill Valley, 415.845.5326

Michael Rex Architects

Sausalito

Michael Rex, Principal Architect, Michael Rex Architects, Ltd.
Photo courtesy of Michael Rex Architects

Michael Rex Architects designs distinctive residential and commercial spaces, from custom homes to wineries. Bonus: The firm also has a reputation for being able to help get difficult projects through the approval process.

1750 Bridgeway #B211, Sausalito, 415.331.1400

Richardson Pribuss Architects

Mill Valley

A man and a women are standing in front of a decorative concrete background.
Photo by Eric Rorer

This architect firm produces sophisticated designs and works to make sure every clientโ€™s needs are fully considered for the end result. Principal Architects Heidi Richardson and Andrew Pribuss have a large team behind them, which means they have a large talent pool to support their work.

447 Miller Ave D, Mill Valley, 415.380.0474

Rossington Architecture

Sausalito

A white modern looking house with a wooden garage.
Photo courtesy of Rossington Architecture

Rossington Architecture is a full-service firm specializing in residential design, from renovations and new homes to multi-family and mixed-use projects. 

1505 Bridgeway #128, Sausalito,  415.552.4900

Sutton Suzuki Architects

Mill Valley

sutton suzuki architects
Photo courtesy of Sutton Suzuki Architects

Founded in 1990, Sutton Suzuki has been taking innovative approaches to every design. It has a particular focus on making sure its work is environmentally sound, keeping an eye on natural ventilation and passive solar gain to make sure that your electricity bill stays as low as your carbon footprint.

39 Forrest St #101, Mill Valley, 415.383.3139

Tyreus Design Studio

Sausalito

Photo courtesy of Tyreus Design Studio

The bespoke spaces designed by Tyreus Design Studio are all about inspiring a sense of wonder. Any dark and dated room can be turned around into a bright and modern space that makes you feel right at home. Based in Marin, it also serves clients across the Bay Area.

1001 Bridgeway Ste B2, Sausalito, 415.841.2724 x 700

Central Marin

CDG Architecture

San Rafael

A party at a modern looking house with a pool and party goers mingling
Photo courtesy of CDG Architecture

CDG Architecture delivers dynamic designs for residences, commercial spaces and sustainable buildings. Founder Courtenay Dill Glander designs intuitively and passionately, and makes sure that the final result will be a haven for every client. 

50 Tiburon St, #26, San Rafael, 415.497.2798

Crome Architecture

San Rafael

A cozy kitchen with a dining table and four chairs, showcasing cabinets and kitchenware in the surrounding area.
Photo courtesy of Crome Architecture

Crome Architecture has been reflecting each clientโ€™s vision through architecture, branding and interior design since 2001. It is one of the largest firms in Marin County, and its light and open studio space is ideal for exhibits and community events that foster artistic collaboration.

905 4th St, San Rafael, 415.453.0700

Frei Design

Larkspur

This residential construction and remodeling firm is based in Larkspur with additional locations around the Bay Area to make sure that no matter where you are, it can still give you the service you need. All of its buildings are here to project timelessness, elegance and beauty.

430 Elm Ave, Larkspur, 415.272.4988

JMJ Studios

Larkspur

A modern kitchen with white marble counters and wooden cabinets.
Photo courtesy of JMJ Studios

JMJ Studios, is composed of LEED accredited architect, Julie Momchilov Johnson, and designers Wen Jim and Michelle Squire, who together offer over 30 years of experience in home design.

980 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur,  415.370.5344

Kirley Architects

Larkspur

A orange sunset, fire pit, and infinity pool overlooking a view
Photo by Christopher Stark.

Kirley Architects is an architecture studio that specializes in residential, estate, commercial and resort projects, including ground-up construction and historical restorations.

444 Magnolia Ave, Ste 102, Larkspur, 415.805.2611

Polsky Perlstein Architects

Larkspur

With over 40 years of experience, Polsky Perlstein Architects is a boutique residential architecture firm specializing in custom residential projects. 

469 Magnolia Ave #B, Larkspur, 415.927.1156

Wade Design Architects

San Anselmo

Photo courtesy of Wade Design Architects

This full-service firm does everything from private residences to retail concepts to wineries. Wade Design Architectsโ€™ award-winning work owes its success to its collaborative approach, mixing its technical know-how with clientsโ€™ goals and visions.

29 Magnolia Ave, San Anselmo, 415.578.2856

Northern Marin

Daniel Macdonald AIA Architects

Novato

Sonnen View, Daniel Macdonald AIA Architects, BOC 2025
Photo courtesy of Daniel Macdonald AIA Architects.

Since 1991, Daniel Macdonald AIA Architects has offered comprehensive architectural services across residential, commercial and civic projects.

1500 Grant Ave #200, Novato, 415.899.0050

Serves Marin

361 Architecture

A moody lit living room with a sloped ceiling and large windows.
Photo by Eric Rorer

361 is an architecture studio focused on design and sustainability led by Daniel Weaver, AIA, with team members Uli Zinnkann and Luis Garcia.

415.412.6797


Marin Magazineโ€™s Best of the County showcases the top home and design professionals shaping Marin Countyโ€™s living spacesโ€”from interior designers to contractors and home specialists.

Each year, readers vote for the businesses they trust most, ensuring that every featured company reflects quality, reliability, and local reputation. Top-voted businesses earn Readersโ€™ Choice designation.

Discover more trusted local services and inspiration in the full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more.

Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.

Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.

Home & Design Sponsor

SDI Insulation & SDI Fireplaces


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Proudly family-owned and operated since 1977, SDI Insulation and SDI Fireplaces are full-service insulation, fireplace, and home performance contractors. Energy efficiency is their passion, and they strive to stay at the forefront of advancements in sustainable building technology, codes, and building science. They are dedicated to meeting our customersโ€™ needs; their project managers will assist you in finding the best solution for your project and budget.

SDI Insulation and SDI Fireplaces | San Rafael, CA | 650.685.5500 | sdi-insulation.com

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