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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon35
    Verified architectural services reviews

Top-Rated Architects in San Francisco - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Ogle Design
Ogle Design
4.9(
8
)
Architect - For Business

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was such a great experience working with Will and his team at Ogle Designs. They helped us design a blueprint for creating additions to our house including designs for the inside and patio/landscape design We so impressed with Ogle Design's high level of professionalism, expertise and overall delivery of our project. They completed everything on time and within budget! Thanks for your excellent service."
Modern Deck
Modern Deck 2
Exterior Contemporary
Kitchen Island
Living Room

+14

Response time2 days
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
StudioNorth
4.9(
7
)
Designer - BuildingDraftsperson/CADD

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Customers say: Quick response

"Esther responded quickly to my inquiry, made me feel comfortable in determining what could be done with the space on a limited budget, offered many options and followed through with updates and contacts efficiently so that I had the best solutions and products available to complete the project."
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Evolution Drafting
Evolution Drafting
3.7(
127
)
Draftsperson/CADDDesigner - BuildingArchitect+1 more

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired them to create plans for an apartment building. The process was quick and painless. Cost was good. The plans are full complete abd ready to take to builders for quotes. I will definitly use them again."
Zeal Floor Plan
Charcoal
Palm Floor Plan
Charcoal Floor 2
Charcoal Floor 1

+23

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
66 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Architects FAQs, answered by experts

Start by researching local contractors with experience in cottage construction. Ask for references, check licensing and insurance, and review completed projects. Compare multiple bids, making sure each includes the same scope of work. A good contractor will communicate clearly, provide a detailed contract, and ensure all work meets code and safety standards.

Cathedral ceilings make a statement in your home, but at the cost of your attic space. Normal attics are wide open, which allows warm air to move around and exit your home. Because of this, cathedral ceilings make your home less energy efficient and put your ceiling at risk of venting issues if you’re not careful. They also reduce your attic storage space, potentially cause an echo, and even make it harder to change a light bulb.

Many drafters go on to continue their education and become architects. Drafting is a necessary skill for architects, so learning drafting is often the first step on a path toward becoming a licensed architect. Drafting can also be a career on its own, with plenty of drafters choosing to specialize and focus solely on drafting.

The best way to start designing a house is to know what you want before designing. Making a list of your biggest priorities in a home will help. Designing a house without an idea of what you need or want in a home will lead to many trials and errors that could make it harder to figure out what you need in your design.

In most cases, you should hire a draftsperson for simpler projects like minor home renovations, and you should hire an architect for new construction, structural changes to your home, and large home add-ons. If you’re working on a larger project that demands an architect or structural engineer, your professional will often have a draftsperson on staff and include their services in your estimate.

The San Francisco, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.