Our Team

Geoffrey Holton & Associates (GHA) is a small Berkeley, California architecture firm with a diverse portfolio that focuses on single-family and multi-family residential design. Formed in 1995, we bring as of this writing a 24 year track record of success in the practice of architecture. We are committed to that practice as a broad based discipline and have also provided services ranging from visionary ecological urban design to fabrication of custom furniture and fixtures.

Principal Architect Geoffrey Holton received an M.Arch degree in 1989 from U.C Berkeley and has practiced architecture since 1984. In addition, Geoff taught for more than ten years at U.C. Berkeley, California College of the Arts and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Associate Architect Gretchen Ross received a B.Arch from Carnegie Mellon University in 2001, and has been with the firm since 2005. She has been licensed since 2012 and is integrally involved in all aspects of the work of the firm, from design, through technical production to construction administration.

Our Approach

GHA strives to make work of functional beauty which expresses the unique character of our clients and their programs. We take pride in providing thorough, thoughtful service and delivering high quality, innovative work within time and budget constraints.

Our work is based on careful understanding of site and context, and seeks an active partnership between building and landscape. We approach every project with ecological materials and practices in the forefront of our thinking; within project constraints we optimize daylighting, natural ventilation, water conservation, energy performance and carbon footprint. Our detailing and materials specifications draw upon renewable resources and reliable building science.

Knowledge of and respect for construction methods and trades also characterizes our work. We cultivate collaboration among client, contractor and consultants to assure the success of the design and construction process. Based on years of experience, we bring to bear on each project an understanding of materials and attention to detail, from the technical and pragmatic to the tactile and sensual, regardless of scale and budget.

GHA is a Bay Area Certified Green Business and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council