San Francisco Architects

SB Architects

Project List

About

In five decades of practice, SB Architects has established a world-wide reputation for excellence in the planning and design of large-scale hotel, resort, vacation ownership, multi-family residential and mixed-use projects. Widely recognized for our highly individual approach to design, our firm has received over 200 awards for design excellence.

With a staff of highly trained, immensely talented and deeply passionate individuals in our San Francisco and Miami offices, we successfully merge fifty years of experience with the energy, drive and dedication of a second generation of partners. With the technical capabilities and the understanding to take even the largest projects from initial concept through construction anywhere in the world, we remain a hands-on, design-oriented practice at heart. Integrity in design, connection to the client and balance in our corporate culture are integral to our identity.

Our vast experience with a wide array of project types, geographic locations, construction techniques and architectural styles gives us a high level of expertise, while our collaborative process and individual approach to each project allow us to be flexible and responsive. Site-sensitive design has been a hallmark of our practice.

We strive to honor the site with design solutions inspired by the regional vernacular, local materials and the sense of place inherent within each site, and we are dedicated to advocating sustainable design and construction methods on all of our projects. All five of our principals, and over 30% of our staff, are LEED Accredited Professionals, with a firm-wide goal of 100% accreditation.

Contact

Website: http://www.sb-architects.com/
Email: ContactSF@sb-architects.com
Address: One Beach Street, Suite 301
San Francisco , CA
94133 Map
Phone: 415-673-8990

People

Scott A. Lee, AIA, LEED AP
Principal

Scott brings a singular passion to SB Architects. His favorite phrase is, "it's all architecture, all the time," which comes as
no surprise to anyone who knows him. "Passionate" and "driven" are the two words most often used to describe him,
and architecture is woven into every aspect
of his life.

Although he has always loved to draw and build, it wasn't until the ripe age of 10 that Scott settled on architecture as a profession. Growing up in Foster City, California, everything was under construction. Scott's mother used to take Scott and his brother James to construction sites to collect building debris, which they would bring home and use to create their own projects.

Although he has always loved to draw and build, it wasn't until the ripe age of 10 that Scott settled on architecture as a profession. Growing up in Foster City, California, everything was under construction. Scott's mother used to take Scott and his brother James to construction sites to collect building debris, which they would bring home and use to create their own projects.

"The best part of the design process, for me, is 'wowing' the client - listening to his or her goals, ideas and aspirations and then exceeding them. With every project, we have the opportunity to come up with a solution to their program that is above and beyond anything the client had considered, expanding everyone's horizons."

With over 20 years of design experience, Scott provides the firm with senior leadership and design talent, specializing in hotel, resort, recreational and mixed-use projects. As president and principal, he plays a leading role in determining the firm's long-term mission, direction and goals. Scott's active role in business development and marketing has been a driving force in the company's successes and its emergence as a force in the hospitality industry.

"I am an entrepreneur at heart and enjoy the way that we can quickly react to opportunities as they present themselves. I also derive great satisfaction from the fact that architecture really is a team sport. One of my favorite aspects of this profession is building a team and surrounding myself with highly motivated, talented people who can accomplish great things together."

Extensive travel informs every aspect of Scott's approach to design. "I'm consumed by experiencing architecture." With resort and residential projects across the United States, throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and in locations as diverse as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, a strong focus on site and context is a consistent theme. "It's all about the site, taking what nature has given us making it our project's best amenity or, in the urban context, building upon the fabric that has been laid down by those who have come before us."

"As the world becomes more complex, and the spaces we use become more specialized, the profession of architecture becomes more challenging. It's a blend of art and science, beauty and function that requires we know a lot - about everything. Consequently, we are always learning and always growing."

Scott plays an active role in the hospitality and design industries, speaking at hotel development conferences and contributing to articles in industry publications. An active member of the Urban Land Institute, he sits on the organization's council on Recreational Development.

He travels the world, and through life, with his wife Tracy. Never one to turn away from a challenge, Scott has completed all 5 passes of the cycling "death ride" - a 129-mile, 15,000-vertical-foot ride through the Sierra Mountain Range - for three years in a row.
Joseph A. Andriola, AIA, LEED AP
Principal

If you ask Joe what excites him most about architecture, he will invariably mention the creativity, the energy and the experience of collaborating with a team to come up with something greater than the sum of the parts. "It is moving to see a strong idea fall into place in a way that a whole group of people can take ownership."

When Joe Andriola joined SB Architects as a senior designer over 10 years ago, it was immediately clear that he would be a driving force in the company's future. His breadth of experience and well-rounded skill set have given him a strong voice in the direction of the firm it has evolved and expanded. As a vice president and principal of SB Architects, he plays an integral role in the overall management of the firm, and is responsible for running the firm's Miami office.

"I love the variety of opportunities for creativity that our profession affords, but truly the aspect I am most passionate about is creating a vision. Some of my most exciting experiences have occurred during on-site charettes where the initial ideas of project take shape. It is the collaborative effort that makes these experiences so fulfilling."

With over a decade of architectural experience in a variety of project types, including the design of residential, resort, recreational, educational, office and retail developments, Joe provides expertise and design talent across a multitude of project types, architectural styles and geographic locations. He guides the design process for some the firm's largest and most significant resort and residential condominium projects, both in the United States and abroad, working on projects throughout the Caribbean, in Eastern Europe and China.

Joe is quick to point out his preference for a practice with a wide variety of stylistic voices, focused on quality more than on a signature style or category of design - undoubtedly the result of his broad range of experience. He cites undergraduate studies for giving him the fundamentals for everyday practice, and graduate studies at Columbia University for the providing a broad understanding of architecture, its nuances and history, as well as sharpening his theoretical thinking. Nearly a decade practicing with Robert A.M. Stern in New York City "profoundly shaped my approach to architecture as a practice," as well as providing a strong understanding of traditional and regional architectural styles.

"Joining SB Architects was significant in that it gave me the opportunity and the responsibility to find my own voice in architectural design."

As a member of the Coral Gables Historic Homeowner's Association, and through the extensive renovation of his own home, Joe plays an active role in celebrating and preserving Miami's unique architectural history. He also has a special connection to the Caribbean, where he frequently travels with his wife and two children.
Kevin P. Dunn, AIA, LEED AP
Principal

Growing up in Long Island, New York, Kevin saw the island transform from primarily farmland to primarily housing.
As a young boy, Kevin was intrigued by construction. He and his friends would spend afternoons watching the construction workers building new homes. Then in the evening, after the workers went home for the day, they would climb through the new structures, exploring and learning as they went. Thus began a life-long interest in the nuts and bolts of architecture and construction.

For over 20 years with SB Architects, Kevin has dedicated most of his time to developing a focused expertise in the design and construction of resort, residential and high-rise mixed-use projects. During this period, he has been involved in the design of over 85 projects, with construction supervision of nearly two-thirds of those projects.

"I enjoy working with clients to create solutions for their design program, but in all honesty, I must say I am most passionate about the technical side of architecture. Once the design is in place, I truly enjoy working with our team of architects and engineers to develop the project documents, and take part in the construction phase, to help ensure that our design becomes a reality."

Kevin has gained significant design, production and construction experience during his 12 years working on the Fisher Island development, a world-renowned resort community off the coast of Miami, Florida. On the island, he has worked on a variety of project types, including mid-rise condominiums, clubhouse facilities and a mixed-use commercial center.

"In both hospitality and residential design, I see a close connection between the architect and the end user. Whatever our cultural background, we all want to feel comfortable in our environment. That's why we as architects spend a great deal of time listening to and understanding not only a project's program requirements, but also the more subtle cultural and societal cues that will allow us to create spaces where people feel comfortable."

As a vice president and co-manager of the firm's Miami office, Kevin also is responsible for the long-term vision and goals of the firm and employees, particularly from the perspective of those practicing in Miami. He has been a registered architect, certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, for over 20 years, and is an active member of the American Institute of Architects. Kevin acts as a mentor for the intermediate and junior staff members in the firm particularly on technical and project management aspects of the practice or architecture.

"Our greatest opportunity is to build something that will exist long after we are gone. Centuries from now, I hope society will look back upon our era and say that, as architects, we cared about environments we created and about the people we created them for."
Bruce Wright, AIA, LEED AP
Principal

Bruce's childhood memories include a steady stream of projects inspired by his mother, an elementary school teacher, in which he and his sister spent hours painting, drawing and developing their creative skills. Those creative roots formed the basis for a life-long interest in architecture and the built environment.

"My mother taught us to use our imaginations, and believe in what we created. We turned old appliance boxes into cardboard fantasies that, in our minds, raced around the track at the Indianapolis 500 or took to the sky defending the world from space invaders."

An early survey course in Architectural History, which included a three-day field trip to San Francisco, piqued Bruce's interest in pursuing architecture as a profession. As part of his professional degree from the University of Arizona, a year abroad in Europe allowed him to study classical architecture alongside some of the most modern expressions of the built environment, and solidify his dedication to the profession.

"This was a very influential period in my architectural education. It was through those buildings that I came to understand the breadth and variety of the architectural vocabulary, and how the language of those buildings impacts the users and the built environment as a whole. Architecture has a huge impact on shaping peoples' lives - in the present, decades from now, even centuries from now."

With over 15 years of experience designing hotels, resorts and mixed-use environments, Bruce has worked on a large number of high-profile projects in some of the world's most beautiful destinations, working with many of the world's most prestigious hotel companies to influence how people spend their leisure time. As a principal at SB Architects, Bruce brings a sense of balance to the team, providing strong leadership throughout the project cycle, and shepherding projects from initial concept through to completion.

"I'm a generalist, and I'm very goal-oriented. I truly enjoy seeing a project from start to finish. For me, nothing in architecture is more exciting than creating a shared vision with our clients, exceeding their expectations, and then ultimately celebrating that vision in its built form."

As a young architect, Bruce sought out inspiring role models and mentors. As a leader, he searches for ways to inspire his team and his clients. "We learn from mentors, are inspired by fresh ideas from even the youngest members of our teams, and expand our understanding through collaboration and a constant exchange of knowledge with our peers. One of the most exciting things about having seven principals is the ability to build upon each other's strengths."

As a principal of SB Architects, Bruce is dedicated to contextually-appropriate design, in which the needs of the program are balanced by attention to regional architecture and the surrounding environment.

"There are always multiple design solutions that can achieve this balance, and there is no one right answer - that is what is so exciting. One of my favorite things about architecture is that it is always evolving. We are constantly challenged to adapt, learn and think in new ways."

On a personal level, Bruce seeks out big challenges, finding the journey as rewarding as the goal. His love of competition, athletics and the outdoors has lead him to complete the Trans-Tahoe race, the Death Ride (three times), the San Francisco Marathon (twice), numerous triathlons, and two Ironman distance races. Bruce and his wife, Kelly, live in San Francisco.
Mark Sopp, LEED AP
Principal

Mark grew up in a household that was full of creativity - his mother, a professional artist, illustrated for Mark the appreciation and understanding of the fine arts, while his father and brother - both scientists, modeled inventive problem-solving. Initially drawn to painting, Mark considered pursuing his art professionally but was equally as passionate about the way objects related to their environment. The pursuit of architecture allowed Mark to make use of his natural artistic abilities while exploring his analytical side by solving real-world challenges and thinking "outside of the box".

One of SB Architects' leading design voices, Mark contributes to the firm nearly 20 years of experience as an active participant in growing global practices. This experience gives him a valuable sense of perspective.

"I've had the good fortune to design projects in every major market in the world, and it has helped me look at projects from a perspective of global impact. Although we design regionally, we may source globally. Cultures, aesthetics, technological trends, end-user expectations - these increasingly overlap as the world becomes more and more connected. The need to create and sustain a balance between local relevance and global responsibility is something I think about every day, with every project."

A LEED-Accredited Professional, Mark is an advocate for sustainable design and development strategies, citing the importance of "green" design to the long-term value of any project while effectively creating a legacy for future generations by laying emphasis on the significance of sustainable design and building.

"As early players in the development process, we as architects need to continue to take the time to influence and educate the decision-makers about the true value of a sustainable design approach."

Mark is passionate about many aspects of the design practice, but the key element in the design process for him is "place-making," transcending style to align each project with the culture and environment that surrounds it. The mixed-use resort, in particular, presents exciting opportunities for him as a designer.

"This is one of the most important things we are doing right in our practice. We start with place-making, envisioning a certain sense of place, then resolve the program and structures around that ultimate goal, rather than the other way around. This is an important distinction, and it is part of what makes us different from many other practices."

As part of SB Architects' new generation of leadership, Mark sees enormous opportunity within the firm and the design profession at large.

"We are at a very exciting point - our new generation of leadership provides a connection between an astounding amount of new technology and innovation, and the traditions and practices of the industry. As a profession, we have an opportunity to be the bridge that connects tradition and new knowledge, which should allow us to build the world in a whole new way."
John F. Eller, AIA, President Emeritus
Principal

John was first exposed to architecture at the age of 10, while visiting a friend whose father was an architect. "When my friend's father let us 'design' homes for one of his projects, I was thrilled. I thought, 'what an exciting and wonderful life this man had made for himself.' I was hooked."

In 1977, he joined SB Architects as a junior designer. In the ensuing three decades, he has participated in every aspect of the firm's practice and growth. In the process, he has grown along with it. He served as the firm's first CEO, then became the first shareholder other than the founding partners. He successfully led the company through its transition to a second generation of leadership, and now leads a group of four talented principals, all of whom came from within the company. John's thirty-year history with SB Architects illustrates not only his passion for architecture, but his singular dedication to SB Architects.

"Obviously, I love all aspects of the architectural profession, but I have to say that I am most passionate about the people. I work for some of the most interesting and inspiring clients from all corners of the world. I collaborate with some of the most enthusiastic, dedicated and competent consultants in the industry. I lead a talented group of designers toward new and interesting challenges in the projects they undertake, and along career paths that inspire and fulfill them. What could be better than that?"

Throughout his career, John has pursued his interest in the design and development of multi-family housing projects as a means to building community. Over the past several decades, John has built upon his expertise in the design of multi-family and residential resort communities, leading the firm into new practice areas. As a result, SB Architects is now one of the country's leading designers of vacation ownership properties and urban mixed-use projects. John also lends a strong voice in support of integrated mixed-use design as a means to re-vitalize cities and suburbs across the country, serving as a speaker at industry conferences and a contributing author to national and regional publications.

"We shape environments that profoundly affect the lives of people around the world - this is a tremendous opportunity and a huge responsibility. I view the relationship of our designs and the end users as akin to that of an author and his reader. Without even knowing it, they will experience the enthusiasm with which we envisioned their project. In their daily lives, they'll perceive the detailed relationships we considered and the design decisions that shaped their environment."

Never one to miss an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, John is a key player on the firm's softball team, when he is not out hiking, biking or kayaking around the Bay. John and his wife of thirty years have two grown sons, who are off pursuing their own passions.