Hello.

Studio KDA is an award-winning, multidisciplinary architecture and interior design firm based in Berkeley. Founded in 2015, the practice is dedicated to creating welcoming, community-focused environments where people gather to eat, shop, live, and work. Our diverse portfolio spans multifamily housing, mixed-use and retail developments, hospitality and food-and-beverage venues, and workplace and community-oriented projects.

Known for thoughtful, context-driven design and a highly collaborative process, we approach each project through the lens of client goals, site conditions, and community impact. Our work emphasizes warmth, functionality, and social connection, supported by deep technical expertise and proven strategies for navigating complex approvals and construction processes.

With a reputation for exceptional client service and long-standing relationships, Studio KDA delivers innovative, cost-effective solutions that bring complex projects to life while strengthening the communities they serve.

We are people people. We care deeply about using design to shape meaningful experiences, strengthen communities, and enhance everyday life. Our focus on places where people come together—restaurants, housing, retail spaces—is no accident. It’s rooted in our passion for connection, for creating spaces that foster belonging, spark interaction, and reflect the values of those who inhabit them.

Context is meaning. We believe that every project is part of a larger story. Whether it’s the physical setting of a building, the cultural core of a restaurant, or the political landscape of a community, we dive deep to understand the forces at play. By listening closely and observing carefully, we uncover the nuances that shape each place. This layered understanding allows us to craft design solutions that are not only practical, but also responsive, rooted, and resonant with the people they serve.   

Strategy is essential.  A strong financial foundation is what transforms vision and brings a project to life. We understand the financial requirements and think strategically about the factors that foster success – efficient city approvals, control of construction costs, meeting long-term performance goals and designing unforgettable experiences that keep people coming back. 

Health, wellness and a world worth living in. We are committed to the well-being of those who inhabit the spaces we design. Sustainability is embedded into every design decision– from maximizing the power of natural light to selection of low-impact materials to resource-efficient  energy systems, we design buildings that are resilient, efficient, and support vibrant, healthy lives.

Collaboration and craft. Collaboration is at the heart of our process—we listen closely to clients, communities, and consultants to shape a shared vision into architectural form, but we don’t stop there — we also tap into the deep well of talented artisans, craftspeople, builders and fabricators in our orbit to bring our projects to life with their skill and artistry. It’s in this fusion of ideas and hands-on craft that our designs find their soul.