Business Details
33 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in San Francisco
Gelfand Partners Architects brings innovative, sustainable design to schools, housing, community facilities, and commercial projects. With over 27 years of experience, our full-service firm integrates architecture, landscape architecture, and interiors to deliver affordable, practical solutions for new and existing buildings. We specialize in adaptive reuse, transforming aging structures into modern spaces that prioritize environmental responsibility and community needs. Our commitment to sustainable design incorporates eco-friendly materials, energy-saving systems, and natural light to create healthier environments. Recognized as a Certified B Corporation and San Francisco Green Business, we measure success through social impact alongside financial performance.Our team of award-winning professionals has completed 62 housing communities and 48 school projects, demonstrating that sustainable design is both attainable and cost-effective. We collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure every project aligns with community values and achieves measurable benefits. From concept to completion, our studio system fosters creativity and accountability. Our work has positively impacted 25,000+ students and created 7,300+ housing units while maintaining rigorous environmental standards. This philosophy'impact by design'guides everything we do.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Affordable Housing Design
Community Facility Design
Commercial Project Design
School Architecture
Green Building Certification
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 27 years delivering sustainable architecture with measurable social impact
- Certified B Corporation committed to ethical business practices
- Specialists in adaptive reuse of historic and aging buildings
- LEED-certified professionals on staff for green building expertise
- Proven track record with 48 school communities and 62 housing projects
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
- San Francisco Green Business
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We create eco-conscious buildings using recycled materials and energy-efficient systems. Our approach incorporates natural light and ventilation to reduce costs while improving occupant well-being. This method has been proven to accelerate learning in classrooms and lower utility expenses.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming existing structures into modern, sustainable spaces defines our practice. We preserve architectural heritage while integrating contemporary systems for energy efficiency and functionality. This approach reduces construction waste by up to 75% compared to new builds.
Affordable Housing Design
Our firm has delivered over 7,000 affordable housing units with innovative space optimization. We combine cost-effective materials with durable design to create dignified living environments that meet strict budget parameters without compromising quality.
School Architecture
Specializing in K-12 and higher education spaces, we design stimulating learning environments. Our projects incorporate flexible layouts and natural elements that support diverse teaching methods while achieving 30-40% energy savings.
Community Facility Design
We create inclusive community centers that serve diverse populations. Our participatory design process ensures facilities meet local needs while incorporating sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
People
Lisa Gelfand
Principal Emeritus - FAIA, LEED AP
With 42 years of experience, Lisa has led 49 education projects and 6,735 housing units. She teaches sustainable design at universities and authored 'Sustainable School Architecture'.
Lawrence Schadt
Principal - AIA, ASLA, LEED AP
Architect and landscape designer with 26 years' experience. Specializes in complex campus projects and has led multiple award-winning developments since joining in 2002.
Austen Diliberto
Principal - AIA, LEED AP BD+C
12-year veteran of the firm who leads housing modernizations and educational facilities. Expert in project management from concept through construction completion.
Katie Larson
IIDA
Interior design specialist focusing on creating functional, sustainable spaces for educational and community projects. Brings 8 years of specialized experience to our team.
Bingbin Zhou
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Licensed architect with expertise in sustainable building systems. Contributes technical knowledge to ensure projects meet rigorous environmental certification standards.
Questions
What types of projects does Gelfand Partners Architects specialize in?
We focus on sustainable architecture for schools, affordable housing, community facilities, and commercial projects. Our expertise includes adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
Are you certified in sustainable building practices?
Yes, we're a Certified B Corporation and have multiple LEED-certified professionals on staff. Our office is also a San Francisco Green Business.
How do you approach historic building renovations?
We preserve architectural character while integrating modern systems. Our adaptive reuse strategy prioritizes energy efficiency, material recycling, and functional upgrades for contemporary needs.
Can you handle large-scale housing developments?
We've completed 62 housing communities totaling 6,735 units. Our experience includes both new construction and modernization of existing affordable housing stock.
What makes your school designs unique?
We create flexible learning environments with abundant natural light. Our designs have been shown to improve student performance while achieving significant energy savings.
