About: Charles Kahn, founding principal, came to California from the deep south for the Master's in Architecture program at U.C. Berkeley and immediately knew he was here to stay. Enamored with the style, culture and landscape of the Bay Area, Charles began designing and building homes that reflected the values that drew him to the region - openness, importance of community and appreciation for the outdoors.

After several years creating customized single-family homes, Charles expanded the firm into the commercial sector and began offering the same high-quality, personalized service to restaurateurs, shopping center owners and developers of mixed-use buildings. For the past two decades Kahn Design Associates (KDA) has focused on creating memorable and engaging buildings that celebrate the human spirit, are cost effective to realize, and are welcome additions to their communities.

KDA is known for working in a variety of architectural styles. From contemporary to traditional, what makes our projects similar is that each responds to our clients' goals with warmth, liveliness and sensitivity to context.

Our process is based on inclusiveness and collaboration. We actively engage our clients in the design process. We partner with stakeholders, community groups and city officials to get potentially contentious projects built in difficult political environments. And we work hand-in-hand with contractors, making use of their on-site experience to ensure efficient construction.

Since the firm's inception, KDA has grown to include a staff of 12 architects, project managers and interior designers. While diverse in terms of expertise, the studio is united by a shared passion for integrity, ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Services: KDA provides a full range of architectural services including:

Pre-Design Assistance
Feasibility Analysis
Site Planning & Programming
Conceptual Design
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Bid Assistance
Construction Administration
Interior Design
Prototype/Identity Development
Graphic Design
Post Occupancy Assistance

People:

Charles Kahn, LEED AP, principal
Todd Poliskin, CGBP, LEED AP, assoc. principal
Ann Slobod, business/marketing manager
Tiffany Rose Leichter, CGBP, interiors manager
Darshan Amrit, designer
Jennifer Downing, LEED AP, designer
Erin Duncan, LEED AP, designer
Sarah Emery, designer
Nicole Everett, intern
Georgia Smith, office manager
Viet Truong, LEED AP, designer
Jack Verdon, project manager