Syncopated Architecture was founded by architect Serina Calhoun in 2009. She studied Architecture in her hometown of Fargo, obtaining her Bachelor of Architecture from North Dakota State University. Upon graduation in 2001, she relocated to the Bay Area, working for a small firm in Burlingame; CSS Architecture (now DTA Architects).
Over the course of three and a half years with them, she learned an invaluable amount about how to make buildings thoughtfully and consciously, working primarily on schools and the occasional single-family home. She then moved on to work for Levy Design Partners in San Francisco; transitioning from making schools to multi-family residential projects.
In 2006 she earned her Architectural license in the State of California after completing all 10 of the required exams. She has worked on a wide variety of project types including schools, multi-family housing, commercial renovations, single family residences, and even high rise construction.
Over the course of three and a half years with them, she learned an invaluable amount about how to make buildings thoughtfully and consciously, working primarily on schools and the occasional single-family home. She then moved on to work for Levy Design Partners in San Francisco; transitioning from making schools to multi-family residential projects.
In 2006 she earned her Architectural license in the State of California after completing all 10 of the required exams. She has worked on a wide variety of project types including schools, multi-family housing, commercial renovations, single family residences, and even high rise construction.
Services
I began this project in March of 2008. This project was a renovation of an existing house in the Berkeley hills. The father of one of the clients, Bill Riddle, had completed floor plans and a basic drawing package but was unable to work out the final details, finishes, and on-site coordination. I took over the project in March of 2008.
We were thrilled when a former client called us to do another project at their home. This time, we renovated two of their bathrooms, including their son's shared bathroom and the master bathroom. Their impeccable style resulted in two gorgeous bathrooms done in marbles, glass tiles, and custom mosaics.
Reviews (6)
S. L.
Sep 30, 2016
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Terrible, inexperienced architect - we hired her for a small renovation a couple of years ago. She was, at the time, remodeling her own office. She literally dropped so many balls our general contractor got frustrated as did we, and we eventually fired her. However, she demanded that we still pay her in full. Months after we let her go, I was handling delayed/dropped orders at Floorcraft, etc. (and while pregnant). Beware! There is a warning at the bottom of her Yelp reviews stating that some have been removed (i.e., likely placed by people who are not her actual customers). On an added note, she
Michael C.
Mar 03, 2014
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Serina & Syncopated Architecture has helped me numerous times dealing with sticky issues of City planning, zoning, use permit, change of use and conditional use permits. Working in commercial real estate I rely on her expertise all the time to assist my clients dealing with the red tape and insanely complex bureaucracy to get things done in San Francisco.
When embarking on a commercial RE project, you need to know what you are in store for in terms of timelines, cost and more importantly, likelihood of success in getting approved! In SF, NOTHING IS GUARANTEED, and everything is political and
When embarking on a commercial RE project, you need to know what you are in store for in terms of timelines, cost and more importantly, likelihood of success in getting approved! In SF, NOTHING IS GUARANTEED, and everything is political and
Frances D.
Feb 07, 2014
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As a contractor with close to 30 year's expertise and experience I am acutely aware of the importance of the relationship between the architect, the client and contractor.
Doherty Restoration Inc has worked along side synocopated architecture for 9 years. During this time I have found Serina's design solutions to her client's ideas, goals and budget always creative, original and sustainable.
Communication plays a key role in the relationship between the architect, the client and the contractor. A key feature of Serina's approach to architectural design is her knowledge
Doherty Restoration Inc has worked along side synocopated architecture for 9 years. During this time I have found Serina's design solutions to her client's ideas, goals and budget always creative, original and sustainable.
Communication plays a key role in the relationship between the architect, the client and the contractor. A key feature of Serina's approach to architectural design is her knowledge
John A.
Jan 30, 2014
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I wish everyone was as available and responsive as Serina and Syncopated Architecture. They are my #1, "go-to", call when it comes to architecture,design, and zoning questions. They are reachable and get back to me with an answer, usually within 8 hours. Being a real estate agent, I have referred a number of my clients to Serina and they have all been thrilled with her work. Add Syncopated Architecture to your vendor list. You won't be disappointed.
D. N.
Aug 25, 2010
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Syncopated Architecture did an excellent job of navigating and executing the building permit process for our coffee bar. Despite a couple curve balls from the city, the work was done as fast as it possibly could have been done at very reasonable rates. I would not hesitate to use this company again.
Pete J.
Jul 16, 2010
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It really couldn't get any better. Serina blows you away with detailed functionality considerations, amazing design, and a schedule that she always meets or exceeds. With the first meeting we became very excited to work with her and after a dozen meetings in our excitement still grew. We leave each step in the process more blown away and convinced that we were unbelievably lucky to stumble upon her. Our project has focussed on commercial applications but her sense of the residential is well documented as well. Her rates are MORE than reasonable. What?!?! Yes, all the above exceeding
