Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architecture Partner in San Jose, CA
ABA Studios is a full-service architecture, interior design, and strategic planning firm founded in 1984. Our practice is rooted in creating functional, sustainable, and aesthetically meaningful environments that serve communities, educational institutions, and healthcare providers. With offices in San Jose and Claremont, California, we collaborate closely with public and private clients to translate their visions into enduring architectural solutions. Our team excels in stakeholder engagement, master planning, and evidence-based design, prioritizing human, social, and environmental factors.Recognized for award-winning projects like the Martin Luther King Jr. Joint-Use Library and El Gabilan Library, we remain committed to architecture that fosters learning, wellness, and community connection. Our sustainability-driven approach integrates ecological innovation tailored to each project's unique context, ensuring cost-effective, timely delivery of spaces that inspire growth and healing.
Services
Strategic Planning
Architecture
Interiors
Sustainability
Community Projects
Education Facilities
Health + Wellness Design
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of experience in community-focused architecture.
- Our collaborative process ensures stakeholder engagement and project buy-in.
- Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for sustainable design.
- Award-winning projects demonstrate our commitment to excellence.
- We prioritize human, social, and environmental factors in every design.
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- 2030 Commitment
Services
Strategic Planning
Our strategic planning process combines stakeholder engagement with industry trend analysis to create actionable roadmaps for projects. We facilitate interviews and workshops to align organizational goals with community needs, ensuring data-driven decisions that mitigate risks and maximize impact across healthcare, education, and civic sectors.
Architecture
ABA Studios delivers holistic architectural solutions that balance beauty with functionality. From master plans to individual buildings, we translate client visions into spaces that enhance user experiences while adhering to budgetary and environmental constraints through a collaborative, phased design approach.
Interiors
Our evidence-based interior design integrates with architectural planning to create healthy, inspiring environments. By studying client workflows and leveraging sustainable materials, we craft spaces that evolve with user needs while maintaining aesthetic coherence and operational efficiency across all project phases.
Sustainability
Sustainability is embedded in every project through our 2030 Commitment-aligned action plan. We develop context-specific ecological solutions, from energy-efficient systems to site-responsive materials, ensuring long-term environmental stewardship without compromising design integrity or client objectives.
People
Vidya Vemula
Senior Project Manager
Certified project management professional with expertise in overseeing complex architectural projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client goals and regulatory standards.
Katherine Rivard
Community Practice Lead
Specializes in community-driven design, fostering stakeholder collaboration to create inclusive public spaces that address social equity and accessibility requirements.
Krista Nelson
Health & Wellness Practice Lead
Licensed architect with a focus on healthcare environments, integrating evidence-based design principles to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency in clinical settings.
Lee Salin
Education Practice Lead
Award-winning designer specializing in K-12 and higher education facilities, prioritizing flexible learning environments that support pedagogical innovation and student engagement.
Ashly Vineyard
Interior Designer
NCIDQ-certified designer with expertise in creating sustainable, functional interiors that combine wellness-focused materials with cutting-edge spatial solutions for diverse client sectors.
Questions
What types of projects does ABA Studios specialize in?
We focus on community spaces, educational facilities, and healthcare environments, including libraries, schools, hospitals, and civic buildings.
How does ABA Studios incorporate sustainability into designs?
We follow a 2030 Commitment-aligned action plan, integrating energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and site-specific ecological strategies into every project phase.
Can ABA Studios handle large-scale master planning?
Yes, with over 50 years of combined experience in campus planning and urban development projects across education and healthcare sectors.
What is ABA Studios' design philosophy?
We believe in architecture that fosters human connection, balancing functional needs with emotional and cultural considerations to create enduring spaces.
Are ABA Studios' projects limited to California?
While based in California, we've completed projects nationwide, including Virginia Beach and Monterey Peninsula locations.
