Gelfand Partners Architect

At Gelfand Partners Architects, we believe that good design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating a positive impact on the people and the planet. As a mid-sized, woman-led firm, we bring a diverse perspective and a humane approach to architecture. With over 42 years of combined experience, our talented and experienced designers have spent decades delivering sustainable, affordable, and practical solutions to schools, housing, community facilities, and commercial spaces.

Our Services

As a full-service firm, we offer a wide range of services, including architecture, landscape architecture, and interiors. Our expertise includes designing and renovating schools, colleges, and community facilities, as well as creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions. We have extensive experience in adaptive reuse, where we breathe new life into old buildings, enhancing their original qualities while meeting the needs of the modern age.

Sustainable Design

At Gelfand Partners Architects, we believe that sustainable design is not just about using eco-friendly materials, it's about creating healthy, green buildings that bring in fresh air and daylight where people live, work, and learn. We incorporate innovative solutions to incorporate natural light and energy-saving systems, which not only reduce utility bills but also lead to better living and learning environments.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a better, smarter, and healthier way to build. We believe that design should make a positive impact on the community and the environment. We take a holistic approach to architecture, considering not only the physical building but also its social and environmental impact.

Our Impact

In the past 23 years, we have made a significant impact in our community, designing and delivering numerous sustainable and affordable projects. Our projects have included housing communities with over 6,735 units and 48 school communities bringing new and renovated classrooms to over 23,100 students.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Gelfand Partners Architects, we are committed to not just talking about sustainability, but also practicing it. We have been recognized as a San Francisco Green Business by the City of San Francisco, and we strive to operate in a way that minimizes our environmental footprint. We believe that our success is directly linked to the well-being of our people, the planet, and the community.

Our Team

Our team of dedicated architects, designers, and staff share a common goal: to bring positive change to people and the planet through transformative design. From our experienced principals to our talented junior designers, we are passionate about creating a better future through innovative and sustainable design solutions.

About Our Leadership

Lisa Gelfand, our principal and managing principal, has over 42 years of experience and has designed or supervised the design of over 49 education projects and 6735 units of affordable housing. She has served on the Green Committee of the Advisory Board to California's Division of the State Architect (DSA) and has taught and lectured at universities.