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 2024 readers’ 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 2024 Home & Design category sponsor is The Trono Team. View the rest of the Home & Design category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Chambers & Chambers
Mill Valley
Chambers & Chambers’ focus is on custom residential and interior design, located right in the heart of Mill Valley. Established in 1996, their work has been featured in House and Garden, Veranda, House Beautiful and more. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
420 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.8326
Dorman Associates
Mill Valley
Established in 2001, this firm specializes in residential and commercial design with a focus on child care centers. Working to combine their expertise in early childhood development with a staunch commitment to client-design team collaboration, Dorman Associates is responsible for a number of educational projects in California like the Pine Cone Children’s Center at Stanford University and a number of Guidepost Montessori school locations. They are also the visionaries behind a number of other recognizable residential, hospitality and community projects around Marin like the Seavees Shoe Store and Piatti restaurant, both in Mill Valley.
229 Flamingo Rd, Mill Valley, 415.380.7914
Lincoln Lighthill Architect
Mill Valley
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, they thoughtfully integrate old and new to fit modern lifestyles while preserving the irreplaceable charm and quality of older buildings.
35 Miller Ave, #320, Mill Valley, 415.4123343
Sutton Suzuki Architects
Mill Valley
Founded in 1990, Sutton Suzuki has been taking innovative approaches to every design. They have a particular focus on making sure their 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. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
39 Forrest St #101, Mill Valley, 415.383.3139
Tyreus Design Studio
Sausalito
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, they do also serve clients across the Bay Area. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1001 Bridgeway Suite B2, Sausalito, 415.841.2724 x 700
John Clarke Architects
Sausalito
Since 2003, John Clarke Architects has been serving the Bay Area and beyond. They work across both the residential and commercial spectrum, with a focus on ensuring that the client is listened to every step of the way, from the very first time pen hits paper to when the building doors are thrown open. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
4000 Bridgeway Suite #304, Sausalito, 415.332.1122
Central Marin
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, they can still give you the service you need. All their buildings are here to project timelessness, elegance and beauty.
Wade Design Architects
San Anselmo
This full-service firm does everything from private residences to retail concepts to wineries. Wade Design Architects’ award-winning work owes its success to their collaborative approach, mixing their technical know-how with clients’ goals and visions. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
29 Magnolia Ave, San Anselmo, 415.578.2856
Crome Architecture
San Rafael
Crome Architecture has been reflecting each client’s vision through architecture, branding and interior design since 2001. They’re one of the largest firms in Marin County, and their light and open studio space is ideal for exhibits and community events that foster artistic collaboration. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
905 4th St, San Rafael, 415.453.0700
Best of the County Home & Design Sponsor
The Trono Team
In life, you want someone who is in your corner. Trono Team is just that when it comes to an exceptional real estate experience. Rick is a lifelong entrepreneur with roots in Marin County and has local knowledge that cannot be googled. Peri’s creative background in the arts make marketing strategies fun. Whether you are a buyer, seller or both, we are ready to help you make a move!
What is important for sellers to keep in mind at this time?
Buyers are looking for turn-key homes. Does this mean you need to remodel your home? No. Instead, think PAINT! Rich, moody paint hues are in. Designers like Jake Arnold and Heidi Callier known for their rich design principles and authentic spaces are trending in design and home decor, evoking buyers to seek this in a home.
Mehnaz Khan, a color psychology specialist and principal at Color Conscious Living in Albany, New York, says, “Human beings have an innate desire for belonging.” (source: 7 Paint Colors That Make a House Sell for More Money, Brittany Anas). First impressions are everything. Be bold!
Need help? Ask us about Compass Concierge! tronoteam.com/concierge
Rick Trono & Peri Trono | Mill Valley | TronoTeam.com | DRE01045523, DRE02216020
