Craig O'Connell Architecture

Craig O'Connell Architecture Improving lives through design
Architecture | New Construction and Large Scale Remodels
http://www We have been named Best of Houzz every year since 2014.

Craig O’Connell Architecture will skillfully guide your vision from design to build. Our goal is to strike the right balance between your aesthetic, your functional needs and the natural environment. The true reward is creating a space that improves your life. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, we believe architecture and construction must work together harmoniously. We have strong relationships with builders, structural engineers, interior designers, permit expeditors and more and can help curate a whole team to ensure your architectural dreams come to life. Celebrating over ten years in business, we bring a sustainable, modern approach to elevate every remodel, renovation, commercial building and new construction project. Apartment Therapy, Marin Magazine and Luxe have featured our work. A licensed architect with a Master’s degree from Montana State University, Craig O’Connell has nearly 20 years experience designing and managing residential and commercial projects. Prior to starting COA, Craig was a project architect at Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates.

An ADU may be small, like this modern art studio we designed for our clients’ Pacific Heights backyard, but it still req...
09/29/2026

An ADU may be small, like this modern art studio we designed for our clients’ Pacific Heights backyard, but it still requires the same careful attention to safety, permitting, plumbing, electrical systems, natural light, and access as any other residential project. 💡

Working with an architect from the beginning helps ensure the space is not only well-designed, but properly planned, permitted, and comfortable for whoever will ultimately use it.

Thinking about adding an ADU to your property? Learn more: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2020/6/11/why-now-is-the-time-to-build-an-in-law-unit

Designing a smaller space is a great exercise in making every square foot count. Clean layouts, natural light, efficient...
09/22/2026

Designing a smaller space is a great exercise in making every square foot count. Clean layouts, natural light, efficient storage, and fewer unnecessary details can make an ADU feel surprisingly spacious and comfortable. 📐

For me, the challenge is finding that balance between efficiency and creating a space that still feels like a home.

Explore more of our residential work: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2020/6/11/why-now-is-the-time-to-build-an-in-law-unit

Not every ADU needs to start from the ground up. Detached garages, basements, storage areas, and other underused spaces ...
09/15/2026

Not every ADU needs to start from the ground up. Detached garages, basements, storage areas, and other underused spaces can sometimes be reimagined as comfortable, functional living spaces with thoughtful planning. 🔨

The key is finding a layout that makes the most of the available square footage while addressing light, privacy, access, and everyday function.

For example, this modern poolhouse in Novato, CA, was transformed from an existing garage—giving an underused structure an entirely new purpose, adding function, flexibility, and a touch of luxury to the pool area.

Learn more about our approach to ADU design: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2020/6/11/why-now-is-the-time-to-build-an-in-law-unit

Before & after: A mid-century modern transformation in Fairfax.We took this 1950s ranch home down to the studs, rethinki...
09/03/2026

Before & after: A mid-century modern transformation in Fairfax.

We took this 1950s ranch home down to the studs, rethinking the layout to create a home that feels open, bright and connected—while staying true to its mid-century roots.

The once-dark, divided kitchen and living spaces are now a warm, streamlined hub for a young family of four. Natural wood cabinetry, clean lines, a generous island and abundant natural light bring a fresh California feel to the home, while a new open floor plan creates an easy flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas.

See more images the full transformation here: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

Before: compartmentalized rooms with little natural light.After: an open, light-filled living space designed around fami...
08/27/2026

Before: compartmentalized rooms with little natural light.

After: an open, light-filled living space designed around family life.

Many of the homes we work on throughout the Bay Area were built decades ago—some more than a century ago. Renovations are an opportunity to improve safety, update infrastructure, and bring these homes up to today's building standards while respecting their original character. 🏠

Explore more of our work: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

Before: a home with great bones but an outdated layout and design.After: a modern home with updated design that feels br...
08/18/2026

Before: a home with great bones but an outdated layout and design.

After: a modern home with updated design that feels brighter, more functional, and uniquely personal.

While a project is being reviewed by the building department, there's still plenty happening behind the scenes. We continue refining cabinetry, tile selections, stone details, finishes, and other design elements so the project is ready to move forward once permits are approved. ✨

Learn more about our process: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

Before: an underutilized backyard with untapped potential.After: a seamless indoor-outdoor living space where the dining...
08/11/2026

Before: an underutilized backyard with untapped potential.

After: a seamless indoor-outdoor living space where the dining room flows naturally onto a welcoming patio designed for entertaining.

One advantage of working with an experienced architect is understanding how the permit process works. Every city has its own procedures, review timelines, and requirements. Knowing how to prepare complete drawings and communicate with plan reviewers helps keep projects moving efficiently. 🏛️

See how we guide projects from concept to construction: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

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1592 Union Street, Suite 133
San Francisco, CA

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