MacCracken Robinson Architects

My husband and I are novices when it comes to home renovations. I would not describe us as creative in any way. Rather, we are simple, practical and utilitarian personalities. As such, you can imagine both the excitement and dread we felt as we made the decision to fully gut, remodel and expand our home (built in the 1950s). After interviewing many architects, my husband and I both immediately knew Daniel / MacCracken would be our architect. Daniel is a good listener, knowledgeable, practical and responsive. He listened carefully to our goals and requirements for the project. Through conversations and iterations, we worked together to create a space that married our goals and personalities with MacCracken's expertise and eye for detail that collectively made a big impact to the house. Daniel and his team provided a steady hand through the permitting and construction process. I was pregnant with our second child at the time and cannot imagine how stressful it would have been without Daniel and his team. The general contractor we chose was not one MacCracken had ever worked with before. But that proved to be a non-issue. Daniel and his team were responsive to our GC's questions and worked through unexpected issues (they exist no matter how much planning you do!) professionally, practically and in a timely manner. This home is a goal my husband and I saved for and dreamed of for a long time and we wanted to get it right for us. We were in great hands from day one with Daniel and team.

We had the best experience working with Daniel and Emmanuelle from MacCracken architects! Daniel approached our project with a perfect balance of artistic design, function and practicality, and a sharp vision for the final product. We were so grateful to have Emmanuelle’s eye for design ideas to help us define our style and give us ideas, and Daniel was a LIFESAVER during the actual construction, helping supervise the project and adjust as needed as things arose. What’s more, their prices were fair and they were timely and responsive. We could not recommend them higher, you won’t be disappointed!

As an Interior Designer for very high profile projects we are often faced with vexing architectural questions and have called on MacCracken Architects as collaborators and problem solvers many times. They have always responded impressively and professionally. They have been extremely creative and clever, solving many delicate and sticky detail and construction problems. MacCracken Architects approach always respects the design intent and offers solutions which often save the day. They are an outstanding architectural firm, well published in Northern California and abroad. They offer stunning design work and are lovely people to have on a team or in full control directing any major project. MacCracken Architects come highly recommended. Joszi Meskan, President Joszi Meskan Associates Established 1985

I've had the pleasure of working with the whole team at MacCracken Architects (MA) on several residential and commercial projects, and I highly recommend them. For me, the word that best describes MA is "thoughtful." MA is incredibly thoughtful in understanding client needs (budget, design preferences, schedule) and translating those needs into successful design. They are thoughtful and well-researched when navigating code restrictions, and they are able to devise solutions and easily communicate them to clients. Finally, the team at MA is polished, well-rehearsed, and of course, thoughtful when making presentations to various governing bodies (e.g. city Planning) which may have jurisdiction over a client's project. I am impressed by MA's preparedness for all meetings we hold with them. They are able to stick to timelines they set, and they are to produce and administer beautiful design. If you choose MA, you will be well taken care of throughout the entirety of your project.

I have worked with MacCracken Architects on at least 5 projects including my own residence. All of these projects have taken place between 2013 and the present (Mid 2016). I expect to work with MacCracken for many years to come for all sorts of projects ranging from single family home remodeling to office renovations. MacCracken is a small to medium sized team with incredibly flexibility and experience. While they are able to design efficiently for projects on a budget, they are also able to design your dream home. In my experience, it is difficult to find an architect that can do both. MacCracken's versatility is an asset to any type of project. It has been a real pleasure getting to know everyone at their office over the past few years. They are a tight knit team that function like a big family. Everyone is easy to work with and good at communicating their ideas and understanding yours. When remodeling your home or spending a lot of money on any project, it is especially comforting to have an architect that can walk you through a complicated process or put your mind at ease when you are unsure about something. Lastly, everyone's first concern is having a beautiful and functional building. MacCracken will not disappoint. A simple glance at their projects should be proof enough. Whether you have a condo in the city or a ranch home in the suburbs, you will be happy with the outcome. Give MacCracken a call. Just don't take them away from us!

We hired MacCracken Architechs to lead the design for a "reboot" of our 1991 Oakland Hills spec home. They brought a clean design ethic to the project and were very interested in how we used - and wanted to use - the space. Come construction time, the MA team was very engaged. They focused on details large and small to ensure the construction work reflected the vision in the architect's plans. The project was quite large and accordingly there were a lot of details to ensure came out right. We are very appreciative of their work and would not hesitate to hire the MA team again.

We are in the process of working with MacCracken Architects. We set a goal with MacCracken Architects to obtain design review approvals for our extensive remodeling at the first hearing. They not only achieved that goal but have designed a remodeled home that has garnered compliments from neighbors and professionals alike. Our home is on a hillside and presents many design challenges. They have collaborated with us to explore all feasible options and have incorporated our ideas into an open, sophisticated and elegant design. We are now ready to embark upon the remodel and look forward to working with the MacCracken team to make our ideas a reality.

After a lengthy process of reviewing the work of over 20 architects, interviewing six, and deep reference-checking three, we selected MacCracken Architects for our project: conversion of a 60-year-old SOMA (San Francisco) warehouse to single family residence. We wanted a ‘warm industrial' feel - to honor the industrial history of the building, while making it warm, inviting, and comfortable for us and our many guests. Steve and his team did a magnificent job of not only listening to our strange ideas, but challenging and extending them into what ended up being something much greater. Their use of complex design components transformed a blocky, cubical space into a flowing, fluid experience. Collaboration with our General Contractor and our Interior Designer was professional and respectful. Where appropriate, Steve and his team challenged ideas which were inconsistent with the design goals. His team was with us throughout the construction process, and added great value and comfort as the various twists and turns of zoning, permitting, demolition, subcontractors, inspectors, and vendors played out. We ended up with exactly what we wanted - which was much greater than we could have imagined at the beginning of the project. Steve and his team were the magic that made that happen.

Moroso Construction is in the process of completing a highly designed and meticulously detailed single family residential project in San Francisco with MacCracken Architects. MacCracken Architects are strong advocates for their client while maintaining a professional and collaborative relationship with the General Contractor. Without reservation, we would be thrilled to collaborate with this firm on another custom home project in the future. Ron Bond President Moroso Construction Inc.

MacCracken Architects did an extensive remodel and expansion of an existing 1959 home, including the exterior space design that continued the interior theme. MA used exterior cedar, Douglas fir ceilings, stone floors and wood-framed windows to create a light and airy living space that shows off our primitive furniture and collectables. I particularly like the clean modern lines and use of natural concrete for the patio walls and reflecting pool. Many guests have noted the beauty and simplicity of this house and how it blends into the oak covered hills, creating a peaceful and uplifting experience for ourselves and visitors. After eight years, we have found nothing that we could do to improve the house. We are very happy.

I hired MacCracken Architects after firing another architect who had been dilly dallying for six months without results. MacCracken was able to get a version of my project permitted that some other architects I interviewed said simply couldn't be done -- and on a reasonably tight schedule too. The process was challenging, and MacCracken expertly managed my expectations through it. They didn't make false promises and explained the risks and likely outcomes in detail so that I could make informed decisions. The concept that they came up with for my house is simply dazzling (expensive too, but you get what you pay for). I truly enjoyed working with the entire MacCracken team and would enthusiastically hire them all over again.

MacCracken Architects are motivated, creative and reliable. They are patient and clear communicators who have helped me understand each phase of my project thoroughly and without making me feel like I was asking too many questions or taking up too much of their time. (Did I mention they were patient?) They were respectful of my budget and found innovative solutions to help me reach my design goals without breaking the bank. Overall, I've found their office extremely pleasant to work with and I would definitely recommend them for residential projects.