Business Details
11 Years
experience
Creative Architecture Solutions in San Francisco
Studio BANAA is a San Francisco-based architecture firm dedicated to creating spaces that foster community, creativity, and growth. Founded in 2015 by Dane Bunton and Nastaran Mousavi, we approach each project with curiosity and a commitment to purposeful design. Our work spans hospitality, creative housing solutions, and non-profit architecture, driven by a belief that spaces should reflect the unique stories of those who inhabit them. With a nimble, collaborative team, we prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring intimate involvement in every project phase from concept to completion. Our expertise in navigating complex building codes and feasibility studies allows us to transform challenging spaces into opportunities for innovation.We specialize in listening to clients' visions and translating them into meaningful, human-centered designs that elevate experiences of gathering. Our team's diverse perspectives and technical skills enable us to tackle projects of varying scales and complexities, from cultural and commercial spaces to institutional developments. We maintain transparency throughout our process, setting realistic goals and fostering trust through open communication. Whether designing for for-profit businesses or community-driven non-profits, our mission remains to create architecture that inspires joy, belonging, and lasting impact.
Services
Hospitality Architecture
Creative Housing Solutions
Non-Profit Architecture
Feasibility Studies
Community Space Design
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We specialize in hospitality architecture and creative housing solutions with a human-centered approach
- Our team includes certified architects with deep local knowledge of Bay Area development challenges
- We offer fixed-fee feasibility packages for low-commitment project exploration
- Our collaborative process emphasizes transparency and client involvement at every stage
- We maintain a proven track record of transforming complex spaces into functional, inspiring environments
What people say
Incredibly talented
Hard working
Beautiful designs
Unique solutions
Collaborative process
Services
Hospitality Architecture
We create immersive hospitality spaces that elevate dining and social experiences. Our designs blend authentic character with functional excellence, transforming restaurants, cafes, and bars into destinations that encourage connection. From initial feasibility studies to final construction, we help clients realize spaces that reflect their brand identity while optimizing guest experiences through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection.
Creative Housing Solutions
Our team specializes in developing housing solutions that maximize underutilized spaces while addressing community needs. We combine creative design with technical expertise to transform challenging sites into functional living environments. Through adaptive reuse strategies and modern construction methods, we deliver housing projects that balance affordability, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal across various scales and complexities.
Non-Profit Architecture
We partner with non-profits to create spaces that advance their missions and serve public good. Our approach emphasizes understanding organizational goals to develop functional, inspiring environments. From cultural centers to community facilities, we prioritize designs that foster inclusivity and accessibility while maintaining fiscal responsibility through efficient space planning and material choices.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate project viability before development begins. Our studies include site analysis, zoning reviews, preliminary design concepts, and budget projections. This early-stage evaluation helps clients understand potential challenges and opportunities, enabling informed decision-making while minimizing risks through data-driven recommendations and practical solutions.
Community Space Design
Our practice focuses on creating gathering spaces that strengthen social connections and cultural identity. We design institutional facilities and public areas that balance functionality with emotional resonance. Through collaborative workshops and stakeholder engagement, we develop spaces that reflect community values while meeting technical requirements for accessibility, safety, and long-term usability.
People
Nastaran Mousavi
Co-Founder/Design Director
As Design Director, Nastaran leads creative vision development, guiding teams to uncover meaningful project narratives. With experience in cultural architecture from northern Iran, she brings a deep understanding of how design shapes community identity and human experiences through thoughtful spatial storytelling.
Dane Bunton
Co-Founder/Managing Principal
Dane oversees operations and construction management, ensuring seamless project execution from concept to completion. His background in business economics and family architecture practice in California informs his practical approach to balancing creative vision with technical feasibility and budget constraints.
Leanne Brown
Senior Designer
Leanne contributes expertise in refining design details and solving complex permitting challenges. Her technical skills and attention to detail ensure that creative concepts translate into buildable, code-compliant solutions while maintaining the integrity of the original design vision.
Sara Duffin
Project Architect
Sara specializes in transforming conceptual designs into detailed construction documents. Her proficiency in architectural technology ensures precise technical execution while maintaining design intent throughout the building process.
Alex Fellous
Intermediate Designer
Alex contributes to both design development and visualization, helping translate client visions into compelling spatial solutions. His dual expertise in design and technical documentation supports efficient project progression through various development stages.
Questions
What types of architecture projects does Studio BANAA specialize in?
We focus on hospitality spaces, creative housing solutions, and non-profit architecture, with expertise in transforming challenging sites into functional, inspiring environments.
How does Studio BANAA approach the design process?
We begin by understanding your vision through listening and research, then develop creative concepts while maintaining technical feasibility and budget considerations throughout the project lifecycle.
What makes Studio BANAA different from other architecture firms?
Our intentionally small team allows for direct client collaboration and personalized attention, combining creative vision with practical execution expertise to deliver meaningful, buildable solutions.
Do you work with non-profit organizations?
Yes, we offer special programs for non-profits and community organizations, creating spaces that advance their missions while maintaining fiscal responsibility through efficient design solutions.
Can you help with project feasibility assessments?
We provide fixed-fee feasibility packages that include site analysis, zoning reviews, and preliminary budgeting to help evaluate project viability before committing to full design.
