GCD is an award winning San Francisco Bay Area design firm specializing in custom home renovation, new house construction and sustainable home design. Gustave Carlson, principal, has more than two decades of experience in residential and commercial design projects in the Western states and the East coast. Holding a Masters of Architecture from the Graduate School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, he is an associate with the American Institute of Architects, a member of National Trust for Historic Preservation, a member of Build It Green and the National Association of Remodeler’s Industry.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Each project is to be designed around the specific needs of the client, site specifications, and if applicable the original or new architectural form. We believe the best design solution involves close collaboration with the client. We investigate the clients use of space, lifestyle and aesthetic. The design of schemes will reflect this understanding. Attention is given to the relationship between the interior and the exterior of the house and its balance within the landscape. Our practice supports the use of green and sustainable materials and technologies of which we stay informed of the new products and leading industries. Our goal is to create a unique and well detailed home that will support your lifestyle and you may enjoy for generations.
ABOUT US
GUSTAVE CARLSON founded Gustave Carlson Design in Berkeley, California in 1999 following a decade of design work in New York, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Carlson’s career began at the celebrated firm of Peter Marino Architects in 1989. He served as project architect for retail projects for Barney’s and designed major additions to historic homes in East Hampton, Westport, Connecticut and New York City. Since moving to the Bay Area in 1997, Gustave Carlson has designed renovations, additions and new construction projects for more than 30 private homes, ranging from craftsman to contemporary styles in San Francisco, Marin County, the Peninsula, and Sonoma County. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, The National Trust of Historic Preservation, and Build It Green. Carlson is a Certified Green Building Professional. Carlson lives with his wife and two children in Berkeley.
JOAN KIANG has worked in the field of residential design for over fifteen years, much of this time in association with Gustave Carlson Design. She was educated at MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning. Early in her career she gained experience working on different building types from libraries and schools, to office towers and hotels. Ultimately, her love of small scale projects brought her to her current path and she has never looked back.
DAN TIRASCHI is a Bay Area native, graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2007 with his Bachelors in Architecture. Dan has experience working in Electrical Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Architecture firms.
He received his LEED AP Certification. Dan has enjoyed working on a wide range of projects from small bathroom remodels to major historic renovations. He is highly organized and has a great attention to detail.