Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architects in Emeryville
Founded in 2013 by Principal Brad Gunkel, our firm specializes in creating dynamic architectural environments that prioritize dignity and empowerment for end users. We focus on residential, educational, and mixed-use projects, with a strong commitment to affordable housing as a fundamental human right. Our collaborative process engages diverse stakeholders to transform individual visions into cohesive, inspiring designs. With a team of licensed architects experienced in varied project scales, we provide comprehensive support from initial concept through project completion.Our expertise in community-driven design has earned recognition as a registered Alameda County Small Local & Emerging Business and Women-Business Enterprise. We combine technical precision with advocacy tools to deliver solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and social impact across both private and public sectors.
Services
Multi-Family Housing
Single-Family Homes
ADUs/Second Units
Commercial Projects
Educational Facilities
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Founded in 2013 with specialized expertise in residential and educational architecture
- Committed to housing as a human right through affordable design solutions
- Proven collaborative process engaging diverse community stakeholders
- Licensed architects with experience across varied project scales and types
- Recognized SLEB/WBE status demonstrating local economic commitment
Associations and certifications
- Alameda County Small Local & Emerging Business (SLEB)
- Women-Business Enterprise (WBE)
Services
Multi-Family Housing
We create innovative multi-family housing solutions that balance density with livability. Our designs prioritize community spaces while meeting regulatory requirements. Projects include Redwood Oaks Apartments and Mission Peak Village.
Single-Family Homes
From modern new builds to historic renovations, we craft personalized living spaces. Recent work includes Estates Drive New Home and Mandana Boulevard renovation/addition projects across the Bay Area.
ADUs/Second Units
We specialize in ADU conversions and detached units that maximize property potential. Services cover zoning compliance through construction, including 8th Street New Detached ADU and Shasta Street conversions.
Commercial Projects
Our commercial work includes Native American Health Center and KB Lodge, focusing on functional layouts that reflect organizational missions while meeting accessibility standards.
Educational Facilities
We design inspiring learning environments like Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center, prioritizing safety, adaptability, and spaces that support diverse educational methodologies.
People
Brad Gunkel
Principal
Founder with 12+ years experience leading residential and educational projects, emphasizing community engagement and social equity in architectural solutions across the Bay Area.
Brianne Steinhauser
Principal
Co-leader specializing in complex stakeholder coordination, bringing expertise in transforming challenging sites into functional, community-enhancing developments through innovative design approaches.
Leila Ghazavi
Senior Designer / Project Manager
Licensed architect with extensive experience managing multi-family housing projects, focusing on technical precision and regulatory compliance while maintaining design integrity.
Claire Luo
Senior Project Architect
Specializes in residential renovations and new construction, balancing aesthetic vision with practical considerations to create spaces that evolve with occupants' needs over time.
Czanne Miller
Marketing and Business Development
Manages firm outreach and project documentation, ensuring clear communication of design concepts and maintaining Gunkel Architecture's community-focused business philosophy.
Questions
What architectural services does Gunkel Architecture specialize in?
We specialize in residential projects including single-family homes and ADUs, multi-family housing, and commercial/educational facilities with a focus on community-driven design.
Do you work on affordable housing projects?
Yes, our practice explicitly incorporates affordable housing as a core value, believing access to quality housing constitutes a fundamental human right.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily operating in Emeryville, Berkeley, Oakland, and throughout Alameda County's Bay Area communities.
How does your collaborative design process work?
We engage diverse stakeholders through visualization tools and advocacy frameworks to synthesize individual needs into cohesive, functional designs.
Are you certified as a minority/women-owned business?
Yes, we're registered as both a Small Local & Emerging Business (SLEB) and Women-Business Enterprise (WBE) in Alameda County.
