Actual-Size Architecture

After reading about the "The Twelve Principal Ingredients that I’ve established for designing architecture" on his website I was really impressed when I saw one of Geoffrey Gainer's projects in person. His thoughtful and thorough writings were reflected in the details of his design. He solved a few small-space challenges for me recently. The kitchen he designed was innovative and responded to the limitations and history of the residence. There are so many architects who follow trends -- it's refreshing to find someone who brings raw creativity to the task. The design was efficient and space-saving - perfectly fitting the physical limitations of space. Glass cabinet doors contrasted with wood shelves nicely and put dishes on display without looking cluttered. Graceful touches like unique crown molding abounded. He brings integrity when working with his clients and provides a deep knowledge of San Francisco planning and building rules and regulations - so I have often relied on him to tame the big dreams I come up with!

Geof is a fantastic architect to work with. After an extensive search and multiple on phone, and in-person interviews with multiple firms we picked Geof. Though out the process Geof's knowledge and insight helped guide us to a home we love to live in. We really appreciated his understanding of light and shadow and how to create a welcoming bright home. Geof was willing to meet with us multiple times, to create the floor plans that worked for our lifestyle. We live in a Spanish Revival home in San Francisco. We wanted to change the floor plan and still preserve the original feel of the building. Geof helped us realize our vision. Geof was always available throughout the building process, and we have kept in touch since the project to ask questions and get recommendations.

We worked with Geof at Actual Size Architecture for complete renovation/expansion project. From beginning to end, Geof was a complete and talented professional. He has also become a good friend. At the beginning, Geof presented us with beautiful ideas and options for our budgets. After deciding on a plan, we worked together in securing permits (entirely too long a process in SF) and selecting our GC. Geof held our hands throughout the demolition, construction, and finishing process, as we were doing this for the first time. The actual construction lasted a little over a year and we are so happy with a new home that our kids can grow up in!

Geof is an expert at navigating the labyrinth that is SF planning. He can't make the mess at the planning office go away, but at least he can make it a good deal less painful for the property owner. My project was big and so there were hundreds of aesthetic decisions to make - Geof was able to expertly take charge of many of them, leaving me to look after the parts I cared about most. He was also available nights and weekends when necessary to help accommodate my work schedule. Overall, a great experience.

Geoff helped convert a double garage into a family room. He came with better ideas than we had, made more efficient use of space and the existing structure. He helped us pick the lights, radiator and designed a sweet sliding door that is an efficient use of space. Always with good ideas and integrity, I will always go to Geoff as my first choice as an Architect.

Geof Gainer (Actual-Size Architecture) did an addition of a bedroom and bathroom as well as a deck and laundry. I was a novice at undertaking a project like this and he was great to work with, helping with each step of the project. from conception to completion. He is a master at getting light into rooms which was essential for this addition downstairs. Easy- going, he returned all calls and emails promptly and helped with the construction end as well.

I've worked with Geof for multiple years on multiple projects and always had the same fantastic experience. He has great vision and I love the ideas he brings to my projects: he is phenomenal with light and space and blending architectural styles. He's also a great listener: I always feel that he recognizes my priorities and sense of style (not to mention my budget) and stays true to that. We live in an old house in San Francisco, where renovations can be challenging, but somehow he's always managed to make my ideas work. He has a great rapport with multiple contractors and introduced us to a contractor we had a wonderful experience with. He is punctual and reliable. I highly recommend him!