Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in San Francisco
Gelfand Partners Architects brings innovative, sustainable design and transformative solutions to schools, colleges, housing, community facilities, and social enterprises. Founded in 1997, our firm prioritizes adaptive reuse of existing structures, minimizing environmental impact through reclaimed materials and climate-responsive design. We specialize in creating healthy, energy-efficient spaces that enhance natural light and air quality, with a proven track record in 62 housing communities and 58 school projects.As one of California's 12 Certified B Corporations, we measure success through social and environmental impact alongside financial performance. Our team of experienced architects and designers has delivered 7,300+ housing units and learning spaces for 27,400+ students, maintaining LEED Gold and GreenPoint certifications across multiple developments.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Affordable Housing Design
Community Facility Design
Commercial Space Design
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in sustainable architecture and adaptive reuse
- Our designs prioritize climate-responsive solutions that reduce energy costs
- Certified B Corporation with measurable social and environmental impact
- Proven track record in 62 housing communities and 58 school projects
- Specialized expertise in transforming historic buildings into modern spaces
Associations and certifications
- B Corporation
- San Francisco Green Business
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture creates energy-efficient buildings that maximize natural light and ventilation. We incorporate recycled materials and low-VOC finishes to reduce environmental impact while improving occupant health. With 16 GreenPoint-rated projects and LEED-certified developments, our designs consistently deliver 30%+ energy savings compared to conventional buildings.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving historical elements. Our adaptive reuse approach reduces construction waste by 60%+ and maintains community character. Recent projects include converting a century-old landmark into 172-unit sustainable housing with state-of-the-art systems.
Affordable Housing Design
We design dignified, sustainable housing solutions that address community needs. Our 62 housing projects provide 7,300+ units with energy-efficient systems and communal spaces. We collaborate with local stakeholders to create mixed-income developments that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.
School Architecture
We create inspiring learning environments that enhance student performance through natural light and flexible layouts. Our 58 school projects include 13 CHPS-certified high-performance schools designed to improve test scores and teacher retention through optimized acoustics and air quality.
Community Facilities
We design inclusive community centers that serve diverse populations with multi-functional spaces. Our projects integrate sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting while maintaining accessibility for all users. Recent work includes cultural centers and social service facilities that serve over 10,000 residents annually.
People
Lisa Gelfand
Principal Emeritus
With 42 years of experience, Lisa designed 49 education projects and 6,735 housing units. She authored 'Sustainable School Architecture' and taught at universities in California, Utah, and New Zealand.
Lawrence Schadt
Principal
Licensed architect and landscape architect with 26 years of experience. Specializes in complex campus designs and has led multiple award-winning projects since joining in 2002.
Austen Diliberto
Principal
12-year veteran of the firm with expertise in affordable housing modernizations and educational facilities. Promoted to principal in 2022 for his project management excellence and community-driven designs.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in sustainable design for schools, affordable housing, community facilities, and commercial spaces with expertise in adaptive reuse projects.
Are you certified in green building practices?
Yes, we're a Certified B Corporation with LEED Gold and GreenPoint-rated projects, prioritizing environmentally responsible materials and energy-efficient designs.
What makes your firm different from other architects?
Our unique approach combines social impact focus with technical expertise in transforming existing buildings into modern, sustainable spaces.
Do you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in revitalizing historic structures while incorporating modern sustainability features and code-compliant updates.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve California with notable projects across the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California regions.
