About Larson Shores Architects
Larson Shores Architects is a San Francisco-based architecture and interior design firm offering multi-disciplinary design services across residential and commercial sectors. Founded by Josh Larson, a licensed architect with over 23 years of architectural design experience and an additional 5 years in construction project management, the firm has been operating since 2007. In 2024, Josh retained full ownership and future direction of the practice.
The team at Larson Shores Architects includes a range of experienced professionals: Robin Page as Associate Designer and Project Manager, Jessica Wilson as Senior Manager and Project Manager with over 20 years of construction experience, and intermediate designers Peter Hope and Paul Balko, supported by office coordination from Rita Evans.
The firm recently relocated its office to San Francisco after 17 years based in the Berkeley and Oakland area. Their work spans projects across the Bay Area, including Sonoma, Napa, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Burlingame, Berkeley, and Oakland.
Residential and ADU Design Services
Larson Shores Architects provides residential architecture services focused on translating a client's vision into functional, livable spaces. Their approach considers the balance between privacy, social interaction, and daily practicality. Projects range from new home construction to reimagining existing structures, with attention to versatile layouts, storage solutions, and indoor-outdoor connections.
Their residential work includes a focus on energy efficiency and long-term sustainability, making them a relevant option for homeowners exploring accessory dwelling unit options such as detached ADU construction, garage conversions, in-law suites, and backyard cottage designs. As an experienced ADU builder and design firm, Larson Shores Architects brings architectural expertise to the full scope of residential additions and secondary units.
Their full-service capabilities in the residential space include:
- Pre-Design and Master Planning
- Concept Design
- Interior Design and Space Planning
- Developed Design
- Permit Drawings and Submission
- Technical Design and Construction Details
- Construction Administration and Project Management
- Post Completion Services
This end-to-end service offering means they can guide a project from initial concept through to completed construction, which is particularly relevant for homeowners pursuing accessory dwelling unit projects that require both design expertise and permit navigation.
Commercial Design and Interior Services
Beyond residential work, Larson Shores Architects also offers commercial design services. Their commercial projects focus on functional layouts that support business operations, traffic flow, and customer comfort, while also addressing cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. The firm aims to create adaptable spaces that can evolve alongside a business's changing needs.
Their interior design services extend across residential, commercial, and hospitality environments. The firm approaches interior design as more than an aesthetic exercise — they consider how spaces influence the well-being and daily experience of the people who use them.
A notable example of their work includes a standalone sauna in Napa Valley, designed in collaboration with Redhorse Constructors in San Rafael. The structure incorporated three natural boulders from the site, corner skylights, standing-seam metal siding, and a custom cantilevered foundation — reflecting the firm's attention to site-specific design and material detail.
Larson Shores Architects takes a deliberate, methodical approach to project delivery. They emphasize thorough planning from the outset to avoid duplicated efforts and unnecessary setbacks, with careful resourcing and realistic timelines. This steady approach is intended to support both quality and consistency throughout the design and construction process.
