Bay Area ADU Architect
Make room for the way you want to live
An accessory dwelling unit can create space for family, an independent household, or a long-term rental. The right approach starts with your goals and the property itself.
Creates Cool is a San Francisco architecture and design studio working on ADUs throughout the Bay Area. We help property owners explore options, develop thoughtful designs, and coordinate the drawings and reviews needed to move a project forward.
Our work includes detached ADUs, garage conversions, conversions within existing homes, and junior accessory dwelling units where appropriate for the property.
Start with what is possible
Before settling on a floor plan, we look at the conditions that shape your options. These can include existing buildings, site access, topography, utility information, available records, and applicable approval requirements.
We also talk about who will use the unit. A home for an aging parent may call for different choices than a rental or a space designed around changing family needs.
The goal is to establish a useful direction before investing in detailed drawings.
Small homes deserve careful design
In a compact home, a few well-considered decisions can make a substantial difference. We focus on usable rooms, daylight, privacy, storage, circulation, and connections to outdoor space.
For conversions, we consider how the existing structure supports the proposed layout. For detached units, we look at the relationship to the main house, neighboring properties, and the rest of the site.
ADU design services
Depending on your project, our services can include:
Site and existing-building feasibility studies.
Layout options and schematic design.
Architectural design and material selections.
Coordination with surveyors, structural engineers, and other consultants.
Coordination of energy documentation and building-system information.
Permit drawings, submissions, and responses to review comments.
Construction support and design clarifications.
We identify the required services and consultant responsibilities in a project-specific proposal.
A clear process from the beginning
We start with the property address, photos, available plans or surveys, and a discussion of your goals and budget.
We then develop design options to help you compare approaches. Once a direction is selected, we refine the architecture, coordinate consultant information, and prepare the agreed permit documentation.
We work through agency review comments and provide construction support as defined in the proposal.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help me compare a garage conversion and a detached ADU?
Yes. We can compare approaches based on your goals, existing building, site conditions, and available property information. A conversion is not automatically the simplest option; feasibility helps clarify the tradeoffs.
Can you design an ADU for a family member?
Yes. We discuss privacy, access, storage, and everyday routines so the design responds to the person who will live there.
What should I send for an initial conversation?
Send the property address, photos, any existing plans or survey, and a short description of what you hope to build. Include a target budget or schedule if you have one.
Will I need consultants in addition to the architect?
The consultant team depends on the property and scope. We identify anticipated needs early and coordinate the relevant information as the project develops.
How much do architectural services cost?
We prepare a proposal after reviewing the project. Fees reflect the design scope, existing conditions, documentation, and coordination required. Construction costs, consultant fees, and agency fees are addressed separately.
Explore what your property could become
Creates Cool is based in San Francisco and works throughout the Bay Area.
Tell us who the ADU is for and what you want it to make possible. We’ll help you understand the next step.