Bay Area architecture firms

Now we’ve rated the very best 50 San Francisco Bay Area architecture firms by 2013 gross revenue for architectural services.

At the very top, the main firm is Gensler. These were then Skidmore Owings and Merrill, that was No. 2 and increased from No. 4 this past year. HOK was third, then SmithGroup JJR at No. 4 and MBH Designers Corporation. at No. 5.

There have been 12 new firms about this year’s list: Solomon Cordwell Buenz (No. 13), Hibser Yamauchi Designers Corporation. (No. 15), Handel Designers (No. 27), TEF (No. 34), Lionakis (No. 35), Butler Armsden Designers (No. 36), MSA Planning + Design Consultants Corporation. (No. 42), Leddy Maytum Stacy Designers (No. 43), Harley Ellis Devereaux (No. 44), Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning Corporation. (No. 47), Steinberg (No. 48) and FME Architecture + Design (No. 50).

When interviewed, designers were requested to list out the 3 most in-demand features. From sun light to bike parking, their email list of specifications asked for from designers is lengthy — and rather eco-friendly. Here what's on clients' wish lists:

1. Eco-friendly roofs and walls
2. Speech privacy and seem hiding
3. Brought lighting
4. Community gardens
5. Bike parking, lockers and showers
6. Sustainable and recycled building materials
7. User-controlled and-performance building systems
8. Sun light, high roofs
9. Accessible, functional outside space
10. Elevators with destination control
11. Roof view balconies
12. Electric vehicle charging stations
13. More shared amenities (for example fitness gyms and conference spaces)
14. Certification (GreenPoint or LEED)
15. Ease of access upgrades
16. Rainscreen facades
17. Solar sections
18. Sun shading
19. Site drainage/water claiming back
20. Drought-tolerant plants