Studio KDA

A vibrant downtown changes and evolves over time, and Berkeley’s downtown is no exception. While the retail environment has faced challenges, one of the positive changes is the addition of a cluster of new buildings that will help to address the need for more housing and draw thousands of new residents to the area. We believe the flow of new residents will help jump-start a growth loop, with new retail, restaurants, and services coming in to support their needs. On this map, you'll find the locations of all the projects we've worked on, some of which are still in the planning phase. These projects will soon house Berkeley residents and contribute to the vitality of downtown. #downtownberkeley #housingdesign

Dramatic transformation is possible on a budget. Here’s how we achieved it on this mixed-use project for Don Tepman in the South Bay. For starters, we worked with the existing building shell, removing dated elements and re-cladding the prominent corners with wood siding and upgraded stucco. We also added square footage by enclosing the front balconies, providing 10% more leasable area. This location became highly sought-after, with new rents far exceeding the previous revenue. We also enhanced the rear of the building by removing the heavy soffits and replacing them with a thin profile deck and open steel and wood trellis. With improvements to the interior lobby and stairs, new landscaping, and custom signage, this 13,000-square-foot building was rehabilitated. #retaildesign #officedesign #mixeduse

We're starting to see the fruits of last year's zoning code changes in Berkeley. Our proposed project at 2372 Ellsworth Street will add 63 housing units just two blocks from the U.C. Berkeley campus. This building is one of a handful of projects recently submitted for the neighborhood that will address the housing shortage for students and faculty. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5WnAQ3B

We are thankful to Assembly Member Buffy Wicks for AB 2243, signed into law last month by Governor Gavin Newsom, which amends and expands the reach of the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022 (AB 2011). Among other things, the new law allows more redevelopment of malls, conversion of offices to housing, and development in existing high-rise districts even if the site is not on a commercial corridor. Most significantly, AB 2243 specifies that all aspects of AB 2011 projects are ministerial and not subject to CEQA and allows that any site remediation can occur after project approval. Great common-sense legislation to respond to the current economic environment.? For a summary of housing bills signed by the Governor last month, read more: https://lnkd.in/g8m28dKJ

Join Studio KDA Associate Principal Austin Springer this Wednesday at Bisnow's Multifamily Annual Conference! Austin will be speaking on a panel on the power of mixed-use development. The discussion will explore ways to enhance multifamily property values by adding live, work, and play environments with more space and quality at lower costs. Register or learn more at https://lnkd.in/d-9D6ZRS #bisnow #multifamilyhousing #mixedusedevelopment #propertyvalues

We are so moved by Nite Yun and the story she tells with her food. Chef’s Table: Noodles is now out on Netflix, and while we had fun watching some of our team members on screen enjoying dinner at Lunette, we were also struck by how poignant Nite’s episode was. Her mission to share Cambodian cuisine and connect with her cultural roots is profound and echoes the dreams of so many chefs. We were honored to help Nite create the vision for Lunette and bring it to fruition. The space pays homage to the bustling street life of Cambodia with an indoor-outdoor feel. Congrats again, Nite and the team at Lunette! We’ll be back soon for more noodles! #lunettecambodia #sfferrybuilding #restaurantdesign #foodhalldesign #chefstable #nyumbai

How do you pull off a major remodel while remaining open? Comforts Cafe & Marketplace is a great example. This project happened in two phases: at first, the Marketplace remained open during the Cafe remodel, and the team timed it so they could switch - even building a hallway through the marketplace remodel site so Cafe customers could still access the bathrooms. By coordinating design time, permits, and construction, we were able to pull off an accelerated construction phase - just 10 weeks to finish the Marketplace. Our contractor, ACI Construction, did some incredible work to pull all the elements together just in time for opening a few weeks ago. The result is a total transformation and a beautiful new marketplace for San Anselmo, featuring tilework by Fireclay Tile and graphics/ signage from Rubber Design! We're excited to stop back in soon. #marketplacedesign #remodel #teamwork

As the designated tenant architect for the San Francisco Ferry Building, we’re delighted to see this iconic landmark at 95% capacity! Five new businesses have opened in the building since June, including several projects that we’ve personally had a hand in. We’re so grateful for the incredible leasing and management team at the Ferry Building and all the hard work they do. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e2VTK7iD #SFferrybuilding #foodhalldesign #retaildesign #bayarearetail?

As students return for the Fall semester we are reminded of the critical need for more affordable student housing, especially in Berkeley, our own community. U.C. Berkeley’s campus houses a lower percentage of undergrads and grad students than any other U.C. campus. While the university is working to rectify the problem, most of the need is addressed by private sector housing developers. To meet the need, and get projects to pencil, we are seeing several programmatic and design trends roll out this year. One example is The Valiant, pictured here, which starts construction this month. The project addresses a greater need for privacy and affordability, with more private bedrooms and larger living spaces. Moving away from larger shared bedrooms with two or three beds to a room, as often found in U.C. Berkeley dorms, is a direct response to student requests. In the case of The Valiant, the building also provides welcoming common spaces to facilitate friendships and community-building. Take, for example, the large roof deck, where residents will be able to enjoy beautiful landscaping as well as clear views of the campus - the perfect place to host gatherings. #studenthousing #ucberkeley #ucberkeleyhousing #uchousing

We're thrilled for Nite Yun and the incredible teams at Lunette and Nyum Bai! Catch the new season of Chef's Table on Netflix this October for a celebration of noodles, culture, and possibly some background shots of our architects and designers enjoying Nite's fabulous Khmer cuisine?at our SF Ferry Building project! https://lnkd.in/e9iYfppi #chefstable #lunettecambodia #khmerfood