Our search for an innovative, green and sustainable architect led us to GHA. We are first time homeowners, and had limited experience of house remodeling or additions. Geoff Holton and Gretchen Ross were amazing to work with from first contact to the end of our project. We felt very comfortable working with them throughout the project due to their professionalism, competence, creativity and kindness. We really liked that their design was not only highly creative, but also incorporated sustainable practices and products. They took time to listen to our ideas and concerns, which led to great outcomes for our project. They patiently guided us through the construction process with our great builder, also recommended by GHA. We were very happy with the completed project and we have received lots of compliments from friends and neighbors on the transformation of our house. We enjoyed working with Geoff and Gretchen so much that we recommended them to our close friends who are now also happily working with them on a remodel project.
-Huw L., El Cerrito, September 2022
I am a general contractor and when I decided to build my own home, my search for a local architect brought me to GHA. Geoff and Gretchen were great to work with, listened thoughtfully to all of our requests and helped us to design a modern home that we constantly get compliments on! Being a builder and client made for a unique experience and it could not have gone smoother. I was so happy with GHA’s work on our home, I just recently hired them to design a “modern barn” workshop/garage for another property. I’d recommend their services to anyone considering an architect in the Bay Area!
-Gidon R. / Relin Construction, Sebastopol, January 2020
I have only rave reviews for Geoffrey Holton and his colleague Gretchen Ross. It was a complex project -- a major renovation and addition to a home that was deemed historic by the city. I now have a gorgeous, comfortable, eco-home with fantastic indoor-outdoor flow. Friends and neighbors are utterly flabbergasted by the transformation. There were many logistical hoops and restrictions placed by the city because of its historical status. Geoff's design was incredibly creative, and he helped me navigate the sometimes treacherous permit approval process. Geoff and Gretchen listened to my preferences and needs and incorporated them willingly into the design, including some unusual requests like the ability to hang circus equipment from rafters ;) They were also very conscious of my financial constraints and helped me choose materials that were Earth-friendly and affordable. I also really appreciate the work they do for Habitat for Humanity and like both of them as people. They are both kind, grounded, approachable, flexible, and creative. In summary, I recommend Geoff and Gretchen enthusiastically and without reservation. Good luck with your project.
-Deborah C., Berkeley, January 2020
We worked with Geoff Holton and his team on a large house remodel and appreciated his experience, professionalism, and aesthetic. His firm worked with us on all phases of our project from drawings and permits, to construction and collaboration with our contractor. He had great advice for materials and finishes. Geoff worked well with our contractor, was a collaborative problem solver, and helped keep the project moving. His firm is committed to green building practices and helped us include greywater and rainwater in our project. Finally, we appreciate his creative and efficient use of small spaces to create an extremely warm and livable home.
-Keira A., Berkeley, July 2019
Geoff and his team were a pleasure to work with on this project. The final results exceeded expectations and the project is one we are quite glad to have in our portfolio. The partially vaulted ceiling was particularly challenging detail to pull-off given the age of the house. Geoff stayed creative throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend him, especially if you are looking for someone that understands sustainability and building performance.
-Kimmich Construction, Berkeley, July 2019
We hired Geoff for an extensive remodel of a non-descript, very plain one story home built in the 70’s, which was transformed into a beautiful, open modern space. We have many friends that are involved in real estate and they have commented that our remodel is one of the nicest that they have ever seen. Geoff and his team were a great fit for our project. Besides having a great modern design aesthetic, they were always professional and honest. The project was a fruitful creative partnership, with no budget surprises. They were pragmatic in guiding us and made excellent suggestions that allowed us to design and build the type of house we wanted within our budget. Geoff partnered really well with the builder; the builder commented that the architectural drawings were some of the best and most thorough he had ever worked with. Geoff was super reliable throughout the project and a real pleasure to work with. We have stayed in contact since the project and I would definitely use GHA again and have recommended him to numerous friends and co-workers.
-Michael W., Orinda, October 2017
We worked with Geoffrey Holton and Associates on a remodel to transform the majority of the public spaces in our single story ranch home. We really appreciated Geoff's collaborative approach which made us feel like we were a big part of the team, and not just on the receiving end of an architect's vision. We found Geoff's style, thoughtful green design, and knowledge of sustainable building practices to be key to our project's success. Our "collaboration" resulted in a transformation of our cramped, dark, compartmentalized house into an open and inviting modernized home with new and satisfying connections to the outdoors. It was a pleasure working with Geoff and his team and we would not hesitate to work with him again on any project.
-Mark G., Danville, October 2017