hb+a Architects

hb+a Architects is a hands-on, tech-savvy design studio focused on delivering high-quality design projects. The firm today consists of design professionals; bringing decades of combined experience. We have a successful history with Planning and Building Departments in numerous counties all over the bay area. We take pride in getting projects entitled and shovel ready and work with our clients during the bidding and construction process for a seamless delivery.

hb+a Architects has been a pioneer of Healthy Buildings and Environmental Sustainability before the terms were industry norms, having been involved in initiating green building ordinances and design standards,  With the current project portfolio ranging from fast-casual restaurant concepts to multifamily dwelling units, the firm takes pride in an experimental approach to varied project types. The firm’s current project portfolio of completed and on boards work spans from Sacramento to Los Altos Hills. Our current client list includes prestigious entities such as San Francisco International Airport, UCSF, Lincoln Property Company, Stonebrae LLC, Warner Brothers, Superfly X and Pacific Urban Residential.

The firm works as trusted advisors, combining localized expertise with a global perspective wherever new opportunities arise. hb+a Architects’ doesn’t just offer “Design services” but instead a full spectrum of services encompassing all aspects of building construction and development. With an extensive knowledge of construction types and methodology combined with financial awareness of the building process; the firm focuses on creating financially viable projects, deeply embedded in innovation with a keen awareness of the building’s environmental footprint and long-term urban impact.

Established in 2006, hb+a Architects operates as an interdisciplinary firm dedicated to rigorous design and research, resulting in groundbreaking architectural creations and dynamic urban landscapes. Under the leadership of founder Hafsa Burt, who serves as design director, the company comprises over a dozen professionals committed to the collaborative nature of architectural practice. Engaged in projects across California, hb+a Architects’ portfolio spans residential, institutional, and transportation structures, as well as expansive urban planning initiatives. The firm experiments to respond to the evolving landscapes of contemporary society, encompassing social, cultural, political, and technological realms as a commentary in our work. We bring the perfect blend of aesthetic and functionality to any project, keeping in mind conservation, reduction, and preservation of resources with a commitment to the practice of architecture as a collaborative and innovative enterprise focused on environmentally conscious and zero energy design and since we’ve worked on over 100 projects all over Northern California.

“We strive to set a high standard for Design, Indoor Air Quality and eco-consciousness in all our projects and work as our clients’ partners. ”
Hafsa Burt, Studio Head at hb+a Architects

See all the press and news media coverage hb+a Architects and Hafsa Burt has received.

Awards

ENR 40 Under 40
AD20 Woman of the Year
AIA Young Architects’ Award
Innovative Architecture Award
California Top Architecture Firms
San Francisco Business Times’ Architecture Firms’ List 2021
Metropolis Magazine Planet Positive Award

Lectures on Indoor Air Quality, Healthy Buildings, Carbon Neutrality and Circular Building Design

Testimonials

“Hafsa of HB+A has been easy to work with: she listens well, brings up pertinent design & code information, has a network of reliable subs and others in the Bay Area. The office also is very fast! It has been a pleasure to work with an excellent designer who is also cost-conscious. Plus, Hafsa seems to have good working relationships with several building departments in the Bay Area, which helps the review and approval process proceed smoothly. Her expertise is valuable. We have used her office for several projects now and have no complaints.”
Joanna Callenbach, VP of Development and Construction at Stonebrae

“Have worked with Hafsa on a very complex project with difficult permit, engineering and historical renovation considerations. A talented and creative architect and amazing, thoughtful partner. No hesitation to recommend.”
John Murray (Owner of 1801 Jones Street Condo Project in San Francisco, CA)

“Hafsa developed an innovative design for my brother’s house. I needed one on a hillside with no steps but plenty of room for dogs. She was indefatigable in her efforts to get the proposal approved by the planning commission and building department. I highly recommend her if you need to get your project approved. Edward Hirshberg (Owner of Broadway Management)

“Hafsa designed a model of my business and she did an amazing job! She understood what I wanted and she helped me with anything that I needed. The interior aspects of my business turned out beautifully. She was very professional and I would recommend her to anyone.” Bobby Meehan (PlayLive Nation)

Leadership

Hafsa Burt
Hafsa BurtStudio Head, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, NCARB
With an undergraduate and Masters Degree in Architecture and a minor in Electronic Design from SCAD, her experience ranges from the (N) proposal for the Guggenheim Museum for NYC at Gehry’s office, 1.1 Million SF mixed-use Development for Microsoft, while at SOM, a Fast-track Design Build Secure Connector for San Francisco Airport to 2000 sf Tenant Improvement Retail projects. She has varied experience in Urban Retail, Institutional, Commercial, Hospitality and Mixed-Use markets. She is involved in all projects, with a commitment to the practice of architecture as a collaborative and innovative enterprise and brings with her years of experience in Commercial, Institutional, Industrial and mixed-use realms.
Paul Cahill
Paul CahillProject Manager
Paul Cahill is originally from the United Kingdom where he studied and attained his BA 1st Class (Hons) Architecture. His architectural career spans over 20 years as a designer/project manager. He has worked in the U.K, Fiji Islands, Kingdom of Tonga and the U.S. During his career Paul has been involved in numerous projects ranging from small residential units to 80 million dollar school projects. His experience also includes commercial, retail, leisure, religious, residential and K-12 school projects. He has a proven ability to work in a managerial position coordinating technical & design staff and has invaluable experience working with local and State Agencies (DSA). At HB+A Architects, he works closely with internal and extended project team to create design and construction documents. Other responsibilities include assisting project architect in developing project documents for bidding and construction.
Malena Nikiten
Malena NikitenLEED AP, BD+C
Malena has over 10 years of experience. Her expertise includes field inspection and performance testing , consultation on green features and incentives; along with professional and effective management of construction projects and subcontractors in a safe and profitable manner. She is extremely skilled as an effective technician, trouble-shooter, evaluator, estimator in multifamily residential and commercial construction specializing in property value assessment, project cost estimating, water leakage, soundproofing, electrical, plumbing, and drainage.
Abdullah Mirza, LEED GA
Abdullah Mirza, LEED GAProject Manager
Abdullah holds a degree in Bachelors of Interior Architecture from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey and brings with him over 22 years of international project management & design experience in interdisciplinary large scale projects.
Miguel Hernández
Miguel HernándezSenior Designer
Miguel brings 20 plus years of experience in the field of architecture and design and is well versed in handling commercial and multi-family projects.
Abraham Teckie
Abraham TeckieDesigner