Business Details
43 Years
experience
Award-Winning Bay Area Architecture Services
Michael Rex Architects has been shaping distinctive residential and commercial spaces in the San Francisco Bay Area for over four decades. Our expertise spans custom single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, mixed-use developments, wineries, and public buildings, with a focus on site planning in Marin and Northern California's wine country. We combine traditional and contemporary architectural styles, prioritizing functionality, aesthetics, and longevity in every project. Our proven ability to navigate complex approval processes stems from decades of community engagement and regulatory agency collaboration, ensuring successful project outcomes.We emphasize clear communication, budget management, and teamwork to balance quality, timing, and costs while maintaining a positive, client-centered approach. Our team's average 15-year tenure reflects our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. We guide clients from initial concept through construction, leveraging technical precision and creative vision to transform ideas into enduring spaces. Our reputation for exceptional service and community leadership has been built through consistent delivery of award-winning designs that respect both client needs and environmental contexts.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Site Planning
Construction Administration
Interior Design
Project Approval
Design Development
Pre-Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of Bay Area architectural expertise
- Our collaborative approach ensures client vision alignment
- Proven success with complex project approvals
- We maintain clear communication throughout all phases
- Team averages 15 years of architectural experience
What people say
Excellent experience
Beautiful designs
Collaborative approach
Technical precision
Successful approvals
Services
Residential Design
Creating custom single-family homes and multi-family dwellings that balance aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces. Our designs adapt to diverse landscapes while maintaining structural integrity and client-specific requirements. We specialize in transforming conceptual ideas into buildable solutions that enhance residents' quality of life through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection.
Commercial Architecture
Designing mixed-use developments, retail spaces, and hospitality environments that optimize commercial functionality while maintaining architectural distinction. Our approach integrates brand identity with practical considerations for public spaces, ensuring compliance with commercial regulations and accessibility standards while creating memorable business environments.
Project Approval
Navigating complex regulatory frameworks to secure project approvals through strategic community engagement and agency collaboration. Our expertise in zoning laws and environmental regulations streamlines the approval process while maintaining design integrity. We represent clients during public hearings and coordinate with stakeholders to resolve potential conflicts before construction begins.
Site Planning
Creating comprehensive site plans that optimize land use while respecting environmental constraints. Our planning process considers topography, existing vegetation, and local regulations to develop efficient layouts for residential communities and commercial developments. We balance aesthetic considerations with practical requirements for access, parking, and infrastructure integration.
Construction Administration
Providing continuous oversight during construction to ensure adherence to design specifications. We conduct site visits to verify workmanship quality, review contractor submittals, and resolve field issues while maintaining project timelines and budgets. Our documentation process ensures all construction activities align with approved plans and client expectations.
People
Michael Rex
Principal Architect
With over 40 years of Bay Area architectural experience, Michael founded the firm in 1983 after studying at UC Berkeley. He leads all projects with a focus on contextual design and community engagement, maintaining active roles in local organizations like the Richardson's Bay Maritime Association.
Michael Matsuura
Senior Associate Architect
Joined MRA in 1992 with UC Berkeley architecture training. Specializes in merging creative design with technical precision, finding fulfillment in transforming conceptual ideas into tangible spaces that improve clients' daily experiences through thoughtful architectural solutions.
Mike Stankus
Senior Associate Architect
LEED-certified architect with MRA since 2004. Combines passion for natural spaces with expressive design principles, bringing expertise from University of Oregon graduate studies. Focuses on creating environments that celebrate craftsmanship while meeting modern sustainability standards.
Nick Dragna
Senior Associate
Rice University-trained architect since 2004. Specializes in tailored design solutions that integrate visual art and functional requirements, emphasizing material selection and construction quality to transform architectural concepts into realized spaces.
Nina Manzo
Senior Associate Architect
Berkeley graduate with dual Stanford degrees in anthropology and history of science. Brings interdisciplinary perspective to client collaboration, excelling at translating diverse client visions into coherent architectural solutions while maintaining NCARB certification standards.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential and commercial design, site planning, and project approvals for the San Francisco Bay Area.
How long has your firm been in business?
Michael Rex Architectss has operated since 1983 with our current team averaging 15+ years of architectural experience.
How do you handle complex project approvals?
We leverage 40+ years of community engagement experience and regulatory knowledge to navigate approvals efficiently while maintaining design integrity.
What makes your firm different?
Our client-focused approach combines technical expertise with creative vision, emphasizing clear communication throughout all project phases.
Can you work with existing construction teams?
Yes, we collaborate with client-selected builders and provide comprehensive construction administration services to ensure project success.
