Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Emeryville
Gunkel Architecture was founded in 2013 by Principal Brad Gunkel with a vision to create dynamic environments that empower end users and foster dignity. Our firm specializes in residential, educational, and mixed-use projects, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders to transform individual needs into cohesive designs. We bring over a decade of experience in affordable housing, believing housing is a fundamental human right.Our team of licensed architects combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver high-quality, detail-oriented solutions from initial design through project completion. As a registered Alameda County Small Local & Emerging Business (SLEB) and Women-Business Enterprise (WBE), we prioritize advocacy, visualization tools, and inclusive processes to realize inspiring architectural outcomes.
Services
Residential Architecture
Educational Facilities
Mixed-Use Development
Affordable Housing
Renovation & Addition
Cohousing Projects
Performing Arts Centers
Preschool Additions
Senior Housing
Community Apartments
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Founded in 2013 with a focus on affordable housing as a human right
- Collaborative process unites diverse stakeholder visions into cohesive designs
- Licensed architects with expertise in residential, educational, and mixed-use projects
- Registered Alameda County Small Local & Emerging Business (SLEB)
- Women-Business Enterprise (WBE) certified for inclusive practices
Associations and certifications
- Small Local & Emerging Business (SLEB)
- Women-Business Enterprise (WBE)
Services
Residential Architecture
We create functional, aesthetically pleasing residential spaces tailored to client needs. Our expertise spans single-family homes, multi-family housing, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Projects emphasize sustainable materials, spatial efficiency, and seamless integration with surrounding communities while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary and regulatory requirements.
Educational Facilities
Our educational architecture focuses on creating inspiring learning environments. We specialize in preschool additions, performing arts centers, and campus renovations that enhance pedagogical effectiveness. Designs prioritize accessibility, safety, and flexible spaces that support evolving educational methodologies while meeting stringent institutional standards.
Affordable Housing
We advocate for housing as a human right through innovative affordable housing solutions. Our projects include community apartments, tiny house villages, and transitional housing that balance cost-effectiveness with dignified living conditions. We collaborate with social service organizations to create sustainable, inclusive communities that address systemic housing challenges.
Renovation & Addition
We transform existing structures through thoughtful renovations and expansions. Our approach preserves architectural integrity while modernizing functionality. Services include historic preservation, space reconfiguration, and adaptive reuse projects that extend building lifespans while meeting contemporary needs and energy efficiency standards.
Mixed-Use Development
We design integrated mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial, and community spaces. Our projects optimize land use while fostering walkable, sustainable neighborhoods. Expertise includes zoning compliance, stakeholder coordination, and creating versatile spaces that support economic vitality and social interaction in urban environments.
People
Brad Gunkel
Principal
Brad Gunkel founded the firm in 2013 with a vision for architecture that empowers communities. He leads design teams in creating dignified, functional spaces across residential, educational, and mixed-use projects while maintaining a strong commitment to affordable housing advocacy.
Brianne Steinhauser
Principal
As Principal, Brianne Steinhauser oversees project execution and client relations. She brings extensive experience in complex architectural projects, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to regulatory standards while maintaining the firm's collaborative design philosophy.
Leila Ghazavi
Senior Designer / Project Manager
Leila Ghazavi manages project workflows from concept to completion. Her expertise in architectural design and project coordination ensures seamless transitions between design phases while maintaining attention to detail and client-specific requirements.
Questions
What architectural services does Gunkel Architecture offer?
We specialize in residential, educational, and mixed-use projects including affordable housing, renovations, ADUs, and community-focused developments.
Do you work on affordable housing projects?
Yes, we actively pursue affordable housing as we believe housing is a human right, creating dignified solutions for diverse communities.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily work in Emeryville, Berkeley, Oakland, Palo Alto, Sacramento, and other Alameda County locations.
Are you certified as a minority/women-owned business?
Yes, we're registered as a Women-Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Local & Emerging Business (SLEB) in Alameda County.
How do you approach collaborative design?
We facilitate stakeholder workshops to unify diverse perspectives, using visualization tools to translate community input into cohesive architectural solutions.
