The Architect Who Speaks
the Language of Business
Founded in 2001, Architects SF was built around a conviction that good architecture isn't just good design — it's projects that get approved, get built, and deliver value.
Principal Francisco J. Matos brings 25 years of architecture experience, a California license (C34078), and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. That combination — design expertise paired with financial and business fluency — is uncommon in the profession and genuinely useful to developers, investors, and owners navigating complex projects.
Our eight person team operates from San Francisco, serving clients across the City and the Bay Area. The principal leads every project directly.
What that means in practice:
Deep fluency in SF Planning Code, Section 317, TPO, and Neighborhood Notifications
Proven track record in adaptive reuse, soft-story retrofits, and entitlements
Architecture aligned with investment goals, not just design ambitions
Why Work With Architects SF?
San Francisco's planning and permitting environment is among the most complex in the country. Choosing the wrong architecture firm costs time, money, and opportunity.
Here's what clients tell us matters most — and what we deliver:
25 Years of SF-Specific Experience
We've navigated SF Planning, DBI, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Zoning Administrator for hundreds of projects. We know the process, the people, and the pressure points.
Business-Minded Architecture
Principal Francisco Matos holds an MBA alongside his California Architect license. We understand pro formas, investment timelines, and the relationship between design decisions and financial outcomes.
Entitlements Expertise Few Firms Match
Section 317, TPO compliance, discretionary review, variance requests — these are not sideline services for us. They are core competencies that protect your project and your investment.
Boutique Firm, Senior Attention
Most firms assign your project to a junior architect after the first meeting. At Architects SF, the principal who assessed your project is the same person managing it through approval.
Ready to move your project forward?
Every great structure begins with a conversation. Whether you have a fully realized vision for a new development or a quiet idea for a custom home, we want to hear the "why" behind your project.
We offer an initial complementary consultation to assess feasibility, entitlements exposure, and project approach — typically 30–45 minutes by phone or video.