Studio VARA

Studio VARA Architecture, Urbanism, + Design We believe that our practice is a design project.

Studio VARA is a San Francisco-based design practice driven by a deep commitment to architecture as a material craft and a discipline grounded in ideas. With the city as reference point and inspiration for our work, we create holistic, well-considered design solutions and human-centered experiences at many scales. We have developed a process-oriented approach that allows design solutions to arise

organically from the unique ecology of each project. Clients are engaged throughout the design and construction process in a working environment attuned to their aspirations and infused with ease and clarity. Together, we work side-by-side with our contractors and consultants to foster a truly team-oriented process. From the exterior form to the interior furnishings, this flexible, collaborative design approach builds trust and yields spaces that profoundly shape our client’s lives.

+ DESIGN PROCESS Our deeply focused methodology yields high-quality, project-specific results by unifying the large-scale moves through to the refined details.
+ WE LISTEN To create spaces finely tuned to our clients needs, we have to listen first. We build personal relationships with our clients, fostering mutual trust and respect.
+ WARM MODERNISM Our aesthetic point of view unifies function with delight to achieve a humanized and inviting minimalism.
+ PEOPLE, ENERGY, PASSION We love what we do and the people we collaborate with.
+ CRAFTING THE DETAILS Materials inform and guide our approach. Regardless of scale, thoughtful refinement is essential to producing a complete and inviting experience.
+ RESOURCEFUL AND INVENTIVE We manage complex and varied projects with a small, focused, and effective team.

03/05/2026

We are thrilled to see Chromatic Scale gracing the cover of ’s Color Inside + Out issue! 🌈

This issue explores how color transforms the way we live. We’re honored to be part of the conversation on how bold palettes can bring a space to life. Special thanks to ⁠!

🗓️ Look for the March/April issue on newsstands March 10!

Interior Design: Studio VARA ⁠
Contractor: Thompson Suskind
📷️:

ICE OUT!!!Today, as communities gather across the country and here in San Francisco, we stand in support of peaceful civ...
01/30/2026

ICE OUT!!!

Today, as communities gather across the country and here in San Francisco, we stand in support of peaceful civic action.

Our work is grounded in the belief that people have the power to shape a more just and humane world. We are support our team members participating in these nationwide protests and feel protesting ICE is in alignment with our vision of positive impact.

We are thrilled to receive a 2024 SF AIA Architecture Citation Award. Thank you  for recognizing Fire Country Lookout. C...
04/23/2024

We are thrilled to receive a 2024 SF AIA Architecture Citation Award. Thank you for recognizing Fire Country Lookout. Cheers to the team! 🥂⁠

For more information on this project, visit the link in bio.⁠

Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape: Studio VARA ⁠
Contractor: ⁠
Structural Engineer:⁠ Strandberg Engineering⁠
Civil Engineer: Adobe Associates⁠
Lighting Designer:⁠ ⁠
MEP Engineer: ⁠
Prefab Structure: .ca⁠
Pool Consultant:⁠ Blue Revolution⁠
Landscape Contractor: ⁠
Wildfire Protection: ⁠
Audio Visual: ⁠
⁠Cost Estimation: Christine Kiesling⁠

Hillsborough Residence - Though closed cell is very efficient, our clients health concerns as well as our own sustainabi...
06/03/2023

Hillsborough Residence - Though closed cell is very efficient, our clients health concerns as well as our own sustainability goals resulted in a shift to alternative insulation and necessitated venting.

Instead of applying closed cell insulation, this roof was vented to address possible condensation.

VARA travels: Spring has sprung! We hope everyone finds time to enjoy the super bloom!
05/05/2023

VARA travels: Spring has sprung! We hope everyone finds time to enjoy the super bloom!

The El Taller coffee bar was designed to have no defined front or back. Its boomerang shape appears to float off the gro...
05/03/2023

The El Taller coffee bar was designed to have no defined front or back. Its boomerang shape appears to float off the ground. The combination of heavy and light, rustic and refined, is showcased with overlapping materials such as terrazzo countertops combined with metal and wood, and glass vitrines tucked into the bar. The decorative and industrial lighting and backdrop of Moroccan tile motif add to the ambience of this new space.

Designer: Studio VARA
Architect of Record: Brereton
Photographer: Cesar Rubio ⁠



Each type of representation is a tool that teaches us something new about our designs. In our office, we work flexibly b...
04/15/2023

Each type of representation is a tool that teaches us something new about our designs. In our office, we work flexibly between hand drawing, digital modeling, physical modeling, and more to understand as much as we can about our designs before we build them.

One of our very own Mariela Fernandez will be showcasing her artwork at the Art Explosion Spring Open Studios! Join us i...
04/13/2023

One of our very own Mariela Fernandez will be showcasing her artwork at the Art Explosion Spring Open Studios! Join us in supporting her and other local artists!



Date: Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 16
Location: 744 Alabama St, San Francisco

Menlo Park Landscape - The tall, columnar screening trees visually divide this yard into more intimate spaces. We celebr...
04/11/2023

Menlo Park Landscape - The tall, columnar screening trees visually divide this yard into more intimate spaces. We celebrated the existing tree by planning it as a feature and pruning it to accentuate the new space.

Table: Habitat Barnacle Side Table Round 36 from Janus et Cie

Photography: Cesar Rubio

Studio VARA is pleased to announce that Sister Lillian Murphy Community won the 2023 AIA Housing Award for the Excellenc...
03/24/2023

Studio VARA is pleased to announce that Sister Lillian Murphy Community won the 2023 AIA Housing Award for the Excellence in Affordable Housing Category! It was an honor working with Paulett Taggart Architects, GLS Landscape Architecture, and the whole team. Congratualations!

Client:
Prime Architect:
Associate Architect: Studio VARA
Landscape Architect: .land.arch
Photography:

How does one incorporate a window into primary bathroom cabinetry? These iterations explore the relationship between gla...
03/03/2023

How does one incorporate a window into primary bathroom cabinetry? These iterations explore the relationship between glass, mirror, and storage in a single-family home in the city.

Address

3130 20th Street, Ste 190
San Francisco, CA
94110

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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