Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner in San Francisco
Shatara Architecture is a full-service architectural design firm dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for modern and traditional projects. Founded in 1989 by Suheil Shatara, our firm brings over 30 years of expertise in residential, commercial, and institutional design across the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and the Middle East. Our philosophy centers on creating functional, elegant spaces that enhance human experiences while balancing creativity with practicality. With deep knowledge of local building codes and departmental processes, we efficiently navigate urban development challenges. Our portfolio includes 500+ completed projects, ranging from single-family homes and mixed-use developments to historic restorations and experimental ecosystems.We specialize in preserving cultural heritage through active community engagement, exemplified by Suheil Shatara's 11-year tenure on the San Francisco Landmarks Advisory Board. Our team combines technical mastery with artistic vision to address energy, light, and environmental integration in every project. We maintain transparency in operations while prioritizing client collaboration throughout the design process. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through consistent project delivery and long-term client relationships. As industry leaders, we continuously push architectural boundaries while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Historic Restoration
Mixed-Use Development
Tenant Improvement
Emergency Shelters
Experimental Ecosystems
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural expertise in urban environments
- Our team specializes in historic preservation and code-compliant development
- We maintain a proven track record of 500+ successfully completed projects
- Our design philosophy integrates technical solutions with environmental considerations
- Our principal served 11 years on the San Francisco Landmarks Advisory Board
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with functional living requirements. Our expertise spans single-family homes, multi-family developments, and condominium conversions. Each project incorporates energy-efficient solutions while maintaining compliance with local building regulations. Our team works closely with homeowners to develop personalized living environments that enhance property value and daily living experiences.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial design services cater to diverse business needs including retail spaces, office buildings, and hospitality venues. We specialize in creating functional environments that support business operations while maintaining visual appeal. Our experience includes tenant improvements, boutique developments, and supermarket design projects. We ensure all commercial spaces meet accessibility standards and operational requirements.
Historic Restoration
We specialize in preserving historically significant buildings through careful restoration and adaptive reuse strategies. Our approach maintains architectural integrity while incorporating modern functionality. The firm's principal has deep expertise in this field, gained through 11 years of service on the San Francisco Landmarks Advisory Board. We navigate complex preservation guidelines to protect cultural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.
Mixed-Use Development
We design integrated mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and public spaces in urban environments. Our solutions optimize land use while creating vibrant community spaces. The firm has extensive experience with condominium conversions and new construction projects that blend different functional requirements into cohesive architectural solutions.
Experimental Ecosystems
We develop cutting-edge architectural solutions for emergency shelters and experimental ecosystems. Our approach combines technical innovation with environmental considerations, exploring new materials and construction methods. These projects demonstrate our commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through architectural creativity and problem-solving expertise.
People
Suheil Shatara
Principal Architect
With over 30 years of experience, Suheil founded Shatara Architecture in 1989 after studying at Southern California Institute of Architecture. He led 500+ projects while serving on the San Francisco Landmarks Advisory Board for 11 years. His expertise spans urban design and historic preservation.
Questions
What architectural services does Shatara Architecture offer?
We provide comprehensive architectural design services including residential projects, commercial buildings, historic restorations, mixed-use developments, and experimental ecosystem projects across California and the Middle East.
How long has Shatara Architecture been in business?
Our firm has been operating since 1989, completing over 500 projects with expertise in urban architectural solutions and historic preservation.
What makes Shatara Architecture unique?
Our unique approach combines 30+ years of technical expertise with innovative design solutions, supported by deep knowledge of Bay Area building codes and historic preservation experience.
Where does Shatara Architecture operate?
We primarily work in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, with additional project experience in the Middle East and other urban environments.
What is Shatara Architecture's design philosophy?
We focus on creating functional, elegant spaces that enhance human experiences while balancing innovation with practicality and environmental considerations.
How does Shatara Architecture handle historic preservation?
Our firm specializes in historic restoration through adaptive reuse strategies, maintaining architectural integrity while incorporating modern functionality and compliance.