Business Details
28 Years
experience
Innovative Architecture & Interior Design Solutions
Studio KDA is a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm dedicated to creating spaces that foster community, connection, and functionality. With over 25 years of experience in the Bay Area, we specialize in commercial, residential, retail, and hospitality design, prioritizing client needs through tailored solutions. Our team of architects, designers, and project managers collaborates to solve complex challenges, blending technical expertise with creative vision. We emphasize sustainability, innovation, and contextual sensitivity across projects ranging from restaurants and multifamily housing to fitness centers and workplace environments.Our commitment to enhancing the built environment is reflected in our partnerships with award-winning chefs, developers, and community-focused clients. By integrating art, science, and technology, we deliver spaces that resonate with users and stand the test of time. Our practice is rooted in the belief that architecture should reflect the unique identity and values of each client while addressing practical demands. This philosophy has driven our growth and success in diverse markets, including Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and beyond.
Services
Restaurant Design
Retail Environments
Multifamily Housing
Fitness Centers
Workplace Design
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in Bay Area architecture and design.
- Our tailored solutions prioritize client identity and community impact.
- We integrate technical expertise with creative problem-solving for complex projects.
- Our team includes specialists in restaurant, housing, and retail design.
- We emphasize sustainability and contextual sensitivity in every project.
Services
Restaurant Design
Studio KDA creates immersive restaurant interiors that reflect brand identity and enhance customer experience. Our designs focus on sensory elements like lighting, acoustics, and materiality while optimizing functionality for staff and diners. We collaborate with award-winning chefs to craft spaces that balance aesthetics with operational efficiency, fostering community engagement through thoughtful layouts and ambiance.
Multifamily Housing
We specialize in multifamily housing solutions that prioritize livability, sustainability, and contextual integration. Our projects range from student housing to high-end condominiums, incorporating innovative layouts, communal spaces, and eco-conscious materials. By addressing diverse economic levels, we contribute to solving housing challenges while creating vibrant, community-oriented environments in urban settings.
Retail Environments
Our retail design approach transforms spaces into engaging social hubs through cultural storytelling and functional innovation. We analyze site history and context to create authentic environments that drive customer interaction and brand loyalty. By combining aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like traffic flow and merchandising, we deliver retail spaces that balance commercial success with community appeal.
Fitness Centers
Studio KDA designs fitness facilities tailored to specific workout philosophies, integrating technical systems with motivational aesthetics. We coordinate specialized elements like acoustic treatments, ventilation, and equipment anchoring while creating atmospheres that enhance user experience through lighting, color, and spatial dynamics for diverse fitness concepts.
Workplace Design
We craft adaptable workplace environments that support productivity and company culture. Our designs incorporate ergonomic workstations, flexible layouts, and branding elements to reflect organizational identity. By balancing private and collaborative spaces, we create offices that foster employee satisfaction while accommodating evolving business needs across co-working, startup, and corporate settings.
People
Charles Kahn
Founding Principal
Charles Kahn founded Studio KDA with a focus on community-driven architecture. He advocates for housing development and serves on Berkeley's Zoning Adjustments Board. His work spans restaurants, housing, and public spaces, emphasizing social connection through design.
Keith Morris
Principal
Keith Morris leads the Food & Beverage studio, designing over 100 restaurants and bars. He specializes in technical systems integration and operational efficiency while maintaining a passion for architectural detail and restaurant flow.
Ann Slobod
Partner
Ann Slobod manages Studio KDA's strategic operations and team development. With expertise in landscape architecture and communications, she focuses on firm growth and serves as Communications Chair for CREW East Bay.
Buddy Williams
Associate Principal
Buddy Williams leads multifamily projects emphasizing community-building and sustainable design. He serves on the Housing Action Coalition board and specializes in optimizing building performance across Bay Area housing developments.
Geno Yun
Design Principal
Geno Yun directs the Retail & Hospitality studio, focusing on experience-driven spaces that integrate with urban environments. He serves on the ICSC Global Design Awards jury and emphasizes holistic placemaking strategies.
Questions
What types of projects does Studio KDA specialize in?
Studio KDA specializes in restaurant interiors, multifamily housing, retail environments, fitness centers, and workplace design across the Bay Area.
How long has Studio KDA been in business?
Studio KDA has over 25 years of experience in architecture and design since its founding in 1998.
What sets Studio KDA apart from other architecture firms?
We prioritize client-specific solutions, community impact, and technical innovation while maintaining sustainability and contextual sensitivity.
Do you work with clients outside the Bay Area?
While based in the Bay Area, we collaborate with clients in Northern California and beyond through remote consultations and partnerships.
What is Studio KDA's approach to sustainable design?
We integrate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and site-specific strategies to minimize environmental impact across all project types.
