Business Details
33 Years
experience
Innovative Architecture & Interior Design Solutions in San Francisco
Studio KDA is a full-service architecture and interior design firm founded in 1993 with a mission to create spaces that foster human connection. Our practice spans commercial, residential, and institutional projects, specializing in restaurant design, multifamily housing, retail environments, and workplace solutions. With over 25 years of experience in the Bay Area, we combine technical expertise with creative vision to deliver spaces that reflect our clients' unique identities and operational needs. Our team prioritizes sustainability, functionality, and community impact across projects ranging from single-family homes to large-scale mixed-use developments.We maintain a client-centric approach, emphasizing collaboration and tailored solutions that address both immediate requirements and long-term goals. Our work has earned recognition for innovation in placemaking, with a portfolio featuring over 100 restaurants and numerous award-winning housing developments. The firm's leadership includes principals actively engaged in urban planning initiatives and industry organizations, reinforcing our commitment to advancing architectural practice while maintaining local community engagement.
Services
Restaurant Design
Retail Environments
Multifamily Housing
Fitness Centers
Workplace Design
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized experience in restaurant and multifamily housing design
- Our client-centric approach prioritizes unique brand identity in every project
- Technical expertise in complex systems for fitness centers and workplace environments
- Proven track record with over 100 successfully completed restaurant projects
- Leadership team actively shapes urban development policies in the Bay Area
Services
Restaurant Design
Our restaurant interior design focuses on creating immersive environments that reflect each establishment's unique identity. We integrate sensory elements like lighting, acoustics, and material selection to enhance dining experiences while optimizing operational efficiency. With over 100 completed projects, our team specializes in balancing aesthetic vision with practical considerations for food service operations.
Multifamily Housing
We design multifamily residential buildings that prioritize livability and community interaction. Our approach combines innovative space planning with sustainable materials to create attractive, functional living environments. Projects range from student housing to luxury condominiums, all emphasizing contextual integration with surrounding neighborhoods and long-term value for property owners.
Retail Environments
Our retail design solutions transform commercial spaces into engaging consumer destinations. By analyzing brand identity and customer behavior patterns, we create environments that enhance shopping experiences while improving operational efficiency. The practice emphasizes contextual design that reflects local culture while maintaining commercial viability for property investors.
Fitness Centers
Specialized fitness facility design incorporating advanced technical systems for optimal workout environments. We integrate acoustic management, specialized flooring, and ventilation systems while creating motivating spatial aesthetics. Our expertise spans from boutique studios to large-scale commercial fitness centers, focusing on both user experience and operational requirements.
Workplace Design
We create adaptive workplace environments that support diverse work styles and company cultures. Our designs incorporate ergonomic principles, flexible spatial configurations, and technology integration to enhance productivity. Services include co-working spaces, corporate offices, and specialized work environments tailored to clients' operational needs and growth objectives.
People
Charles Kahn
Founding Principal
Charles Kahn leads Studio KDA with a focus on community-building through architecture. He chairs Berkeley's Zoning Adjustments Board and hosts developer roundtables while overseeing projects that create gathering spaces for communities.
Keith Morris
Principal
Keith Morris directs the Food & Beverage studio, specializing in restaurant design systems. With over 100 restaurant projects completed, he combines technical expertise in commercial kitchen systems with passion for creating engaging dining environments.
Ann Slobod
Partner
Ann Slobod manages Studio KDA's operations while focusing on strategic growth. As Communications Chair for CREW East Bay, she emphasizes team development and organizational processes that sustain the firm's collaborative culture.
Buddy Williams
Associate Principal
Buddy Williams leads multifamily housing projects with expertise in sustainable design. As Housing Action Coalition board member, he advocates for innovative solutions to Bay Area housing challenges while maintaining design excellence.
Geno Yun
Design Principal
Geno Yun leads Retail & Hospitality design, focusing on integrated mixed-use developments. His placemaking approach emphasizes seamless connections between retail spaces and surrounding communities, reflected in numerous award-winning projects.
Questions
What architectural services does Studio KDA specialize in?
We specialize in restaurant design, multifamily housing, retail environments, fitness centers, and workplace design, creating spaces that foster community connections.
How long has Studio KDA been in business?
Studio KDA has been designing community-focused spaces since 1993, with over 25 years of experience in the architecture and interior design industry.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Napa, and San Jose.
What makes your restaurant design approach unique?
Our restaurant designs integrate sensory elements and operational efficiency while emphasizing each establishment's unique brand identity and customer experience.
Do you handle both architecture and interior design?
Yes, we offer full-service architecture and interior design solutions tailored to each project's specific requirements.
What project types have you completed?
Our portfolio includes over 100 restaurants, multifamily housing developments, retail centers, fitness facilities, and workplace environments across Northern California.
