Klopf Architecture - Shelter, Connection, and Light

Developing Each Client’s Vision
Our clients can expect a custom design developed specifically for each project. They can expect Klopf Architecture to embrace their ideas and their vision while we help them realize their desired outcome in a professional and expert manner. Before we sit down at the drawing board, our clients can expect us to assist them in exploring possibilities and developing achievable goals for their unique situation.

Past clients have appreciated our sincere listening, our thoughtful pondering of what an architecture project is going to mean for their lives, our ability to keep projects on track, and our expertise at combining the client's abstract ideas with our design knowledge to create unique solutions. When our clients love their buildings on many levels – perhaps more than they had anticipated – we count the project as a success.

“Full Service”
Our clients have other demands on their time and resources besides their architecture project. We appreciate this, so we make the most efficient use of their time from day to day and respond promptly to client questions and concerns. We welcome client involvement in the design process – in fact it is necessary to create a custom design. But our clients don't have to worry about the technicalities. Klopf Architecture will work behind-the-scenes to create appropriate documentation; represent our clients to planning review boards, building departments, and contractors; and assist the client whenever and wherever it's appropriate. We stand by our clients from the initial visit until the end of construction.

Connection
Clients have told us they feel more connected to nature in our buildings than in others. Connection can mean more than capturing views; it can also mean admitting natural light, feeling the mood of the sky, bringing in desirable breezes, hearing the natural sounds of the site, and/or providing physical connection between inside and out.

How much of the outside world to allow into a building depends on many factors including our clients' goals and lifestyles; we search for an appropriate level of exposure for each client's project.

Context
Clients usually tell us why they picked their project site. Besides listening to the stated reasons, Klopf Architecture studies the chosen site to discover underlying goals that might not be easily put into words. We consider issues like scale, orientation, views, climate, nature, neighborhoods, cities, and the surrounding built environment to help hatch a custom design strategy that varies from project to project and for each specific client.

Sustainability
Sustainability is not a part of architectural practice. Architecture is a part of sustainable practice! Our clients typically demand intelligent design that provides for their needs and wants in the most elegant way. Klopf Architecture has expertise in working within a "green" framework so that our clients will not have to sacrifice amenities to achieve sustainability. On the contrary, they appreciate our help with fulfilling their goals in an environmentally-sensitive way.

In designing energy-efficient, healthier spaces, we always remember primary goal: creating spaces people love to inhabit. Sometimes this requires an up front investment that will save our clients money in the long run; other times the "green" solution costs no more (or even less than) the "typical" solution.

Firm History
John Klopf has over 14 years of experience in the field of architecture. He started Klopf Architecture in 2001 and has completed numerous projects of various types for architectural clients since then. Please view Klopf Architecture's portfolio to see highlights of what we have done for our past clients.

Memberships
AIA - The American Institue of Architects
ADPSR - Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility
SPUR - San Francisco Planning and Urban Research
Eichler Network
Better Business Bureau