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Who We Are and What We Do
Thayer Hopkins Architects is a multi-disciplinary studio residing in a converted industrial loft space in the historic design district of San Francisco. Founded in 1990 by Thayer Hopkins, a 5th generation San Franciscan, the studio has always blended an innovative approach to design with a respect for historical and environmental context. Thanks to our training and real-world engagement we bring visual and practical expertise as well as hands-on collective field experience. When you hire Thayer Hopkins Architects you get a team-oriented, creative collaboration to develop your project with you.
We remain an intentionally small firm in order to maintain direct contact with our clients and to stay directly engaged in the process of architecture. This allows us to provide a consistently high level of personal service from project inception through realization of the vision.
Every project is viewed with an open mind because every project and every client are different. All projects are started with a clean slate, without pre-conceived design solutions. We are known for our creativity and imagination, satisfying the individual needs of our clients within the constraints of time and economics, solving design challenges with beauty and functionality.
Thayer Hopkins Architects’ relationships with contractors, interior designers, structural engineers has led to lasting partnerships. We draw upon the collective wisdom and experience of the entire team to the ultimate benefit of client and project. Our call to architecture lies in embarking on an adventurous path of discovery, finding unexpected serendipity along the way, and engaging in a process of thoughtful consideration to produce works of lasting value.
Founding member of the
San Francisco Architecture Club
Lifelong Trustee for Cathedral School for Boys & Liaison with Grace Cathedral
Member of the Rhode Island School of Design Architectural Advisory Council
Member of the Board of the California Tennis Club
Town School For Boys
What We Do And How We Do It
Thayer Hopkins Architects’ portfolio includes a variety of projects that include residential, commercial, educational, and institutional buildings, outdoor spaces, furniture, hardware and building product design.
Thayer and team connect attentively and fully with clients from the very beginning of each project. We listen carefully to our client’s stated needs, as well as what they don’t say, to gain insight into what our clients really care about. We listen as clients re-think and shift their priorities and budget, guiding them through the process and assisting them in making informed decisions. We continue to be responsive and flexible, and keeping cost and timing in sight. Thayer’s clients often become lifelong friends, as he is extremely generous with his time, humor, and creativity, creating a mutually satisfying relationship.
Every design process begins with research, analysis and asking thoughtful questions that form the background for the evolution of the design. It is an iterative process, almost like a conversation, that eventually drives the project from early stages through completion. It is our job to take the information provided to us in words and translate that into physical reality. The first stage of this process begins when we meet with clients initially to understand the project goals. We ideate with them and then those concepts become ideas that become sketches, upon which a design emerges. Next, we consider many environmental factors including landscape and siting, climate, geology, solar orientation and shading, regional vernacular and historical context, and energy use. Once the design is formalized, we begin to reach out to our collaborators, including engineers, consultants, landscape architects, interior designers, and contractors to engage them in the project. We and our extended team produce the drawings and documents necessary to see the project through approvals and construction. We stay fully involved during construction, until the realization of the original vision is complete.
Environment & Ethos
Thayer Hopkins has been engaged in the analysis and design of environmentally responsive buildings since the energy crisis of the 1970s, originally inspired to investigate how global vernacular architectural traditions have adapted to local climate. This early interest evolved into practice, and now projects typically employ four distinct areas of study and design:
Typical project analysis begins with a review of climatological data, geologic reports, solar path diagrams, landscape shading, wind and air movement over the site, and the surrounding context.
The initial development of a site plan is based on the results of the research and data analysis, which then influences the building location, orientation, geometry, fenestration, and exterior solar control. We draw from many resources and tools in this process such as the heliodon at the PG&E Energy Center, which can model diurnal and annual solar exposure and shading.
Once the building form is determined, energy efficient strategies for insulation, air and moisture control are incorporated into the design and detailing of the building envelope. Interior spaces are considered in terms of comfort, balanced natural light, energy use and health.
Through ongoing partnerships with consultants, envelope and environmental design strategies can be reviewed during the development stage and implemented during construction using testing equipment, analysis, site training and quality control support.
Active energy systems, which we review with the client and appropriate consultants for cost benefit and improved efficiency, include space and water heating systems, radiant floor hydronics, whole house ventilation, photovoltaics, solar thermal and advanced high efficiency water heating.
In a field defined by continually evolving environmental response systems and rapid technological developments, we remain committed to ongoing education and research to bring improved efficiency and sustained longevity to each individual project.
Where the former logo was derived from a classic image of an Ionic capital, the new logo describes a geometry of growth and natural evolution of form, with the mathematics of the Fibonacci series in the background. As shown in the diagram below, the volute in the new logo mimics the Fibonacci sequence, in which each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. Fibonacci numbers are strongly related to the Golden ratio, often found in nature and believed to be aesthetically pleasing by artists and architects throughout history.
When we first launched Thayer Hopkins Architects, we were inspired by the classical geometry of the Ionic volute that defines the capital of Ionic columns in Greek architecture. The detail and artistry of the spiral is timeless in its beauty and perfection, therefore we thought of it a symbol representing the tradition of architecture.
From that inspiration we drew a graphical element to lock up with the type face that was an obvious homage to the Greek capitals while making it our own original work. The icon served us well for many years and was an artifact of the way we defined our purpose and built the firm.
The original Thayer Hopkins logo type face was locked up with the icon in a way we felt conveyed a recognizable historic symbol and an approachable brand. The color palette at the time of the original design sought to express warmth, strength, and creative range.
We sought a new iconography that still reflected the historic geometry of our previous logo. We were mesmerized by the perfect natural symmetry that is inherent in the chambered nautilus, and its relation to the Fibonacci series. It is symbolic of an organic type of perfect mathematics that occur in the natural world. We hope our new logo reflects a similarly organic perfection with symmetry and wonder.
Looking for graphical treatment that illustrated the chambered nautilus in an authentic way, we designed an icon that incorporates the mathematics underlying the growth and form of a spiraling nautilus with hand drawn lines. This represents the precision of science and the evolution of natural organic processes.
The new logo design we feel is a modern reflection of the inspiration, values, and quality standards we want Thayer Hopkins to represent with a single visual expression. The stacked type face in midnight blue presents a structural depth on a solid foundation of architecture rooted in principals of math and emotive design.
Logo and website developed in collaboration with Tresbu Digital https://tresbudigital.com/
Licensed Architect, State of California No. C14664
1000 Brannan Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103
Thayer Hopkins Architects is a multi-disciplinary studio residing in a converted industrial loft space in the historic design district of San Francisco.
Founded in 1990 by Thayer Hopkins, a 5th generation San Franciscan, the studio has always blended an innovative approach to design with a respect for historical and environmental context.
© 2024 Thayer Hopkins. All Rights Reserved.
As the daughter of a contractor from small-town Pennsylvania, Tiffany was exposed at an early age to construction sites and developed an affinity for fine details and home design. After graduating from Pratt Institute in New York with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture, with its own custom cabinet shop, and then apprenticed for eight years under an architect specializing in custom residential design. Tiffany’s untiring dedication and adventurous spirit brought her to San Francisco for a project in 2008. Tiffany absolutely loves what she does, and it shows. When not working, she enjoys escaping the city; camping, backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, diving in remote undersea landscapes, or rappelling through the canyons of Southern Utah.
Thayer Hopkins is an architect and designer with over 40 years of experience in architecture, interiors, and furniture design. Thayer is a 5th generation San Franciscan who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with degrees in Architecture and Fine Arts.
Thayer has expertise in climate-responsive sustainable regional architecture and has completed hundreds residential projects, mostly located in the Bay Area. The practice also includes buildings for corporate, professional, commercial, office, retail and educational clients. His award-winning furniture designs are seen in many showrooms and publications, and have been selected for hotels, resorts, residences and cruise ships. Additionally, his creativity has led to designs for theater and opera sets, interior spaces on an aircraft carrier, exhibit design and graphic identity projects.
Thayer has been a long-time volunteer and has offered his time and skills as lifelong Trustee & Chair of Cathedral School for Boys Buildings & Grounds Committee and liaison with Grace Cathedral, member of the Rhode Island School of Design Architectural Advisory Council, Director and Treasurer of the San Francisco Architectural Club, President of the Alumni Council and member of the Board of Town School for Boys, Director of the Board and member of the Committee for the Renovation of the California Tennis Club.
Rosemary Brito started her career as an Architect in Brazil after receiving her degree in a five year in Architecture and Urban Design program from the Pontifical Catholic University of Goias. After graduating she worked in Brazil designing and supervising large scale projects. Rosemary moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1991 and worked on the design and project management of residential high-end projects. The scope of her work includes a diverse portfolio ranging from residences, offices, retail and restaurants, custom furniture design to yacht refits, both locally and internationally. Rosemary brings a personal approach to her work and experience as a homeowner, landlord and property investor. Rosemary is a keen listener with attention to detail and an eye for quality. She brings her international experience to any project, with a focus on her clients’ objectives, transforming thoughts into reality. She enjoys a collaborative teamwork approach with clients, colleagues and builders and is passionate about her work. She supports academic programs and has volunteered her time for high schools in Marin County, where she resides with her husband and two sons.
Bilquis Ayar is an Architecturally trained designer specializing in custom homes with experience in commercial office buildings. She has practiced as a designer and design manager for projects ranging from residential bathroom renovations to 30,000 sq.ft. commercial office TIs. Bilquis graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a degree in Architecture. She has also worked in Real Estate for over 10 years and holds a California Real Estate Agent License. Bilquis is intrigued by tiny homes and compartmental living solutions. She enjoys trying new restaurants and new cuisines and is a big sports fan and a loyal follower of the SF 49ers and the SF Giants. Her favorite activity is relaxing at home with a cup of tea and watching a show or reading a good book.
Lindsey Harris is a highly skilled architect with a diverse background spanning across several cities, including San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles. Her passion for architecture and design began at a young age, which inspired her to pursue a degree in Architecture from the University of San Francisco.
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Lindsey has worked on a wide range of projects, from residential and public elementary school projects in California to international retail projects all over Asia. This experience has given her a unique perspective and expertise in innovative design approaches, which she brings to every project she works on. Lindsey’s commitment to quality design, attention to detail, and dedication to her clients has made her highly respected in the industry.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lindsey enjoys traveling and immersing herself in different cultures.
Ellen Rothstein has been an exhibiting artist, a color consultant and has studied interior design. She applied her training and artistic vision to the field of advertising, collaborating with creative teams and managing clients. This experience segued perfectly to becoming a project manager and client services & marketing manager on the client side. Additionally, Ellen is a certified Life Transition Coach and author.
Ellen has leveraged the breadth of her experience to be a management & marketing consultant for Thayer Hopkins Architects, bringing the sum of her art background, acquired business acumen and understanding of human interaction to the benefit of the practice. Ellen received her B.A. Practice of Art, from U.C. Berkeley. She studied Interior Design in the Certificate Program at U.C. Berkeley Extension, and is CAA Certified International Life Coach. See Ellen’s designs @ ellenbrodydesigns.com
