Mason Miller Architect

Wanted to meet Mason Miller based on other reviews. Spoke with him and set up an appointment for today during the work day. Drove home and waited. At about 10 minutes past the scheduled time, I called to make sure he was on his way. Was told that he had totally forgotten about the appointment, and he asked if I was «already there?»
Won’t be rescheduling. Perhaps too quick to judge, but writing down appointments and showing up on time is a pretty fundamental requirement in my book. Understand that mistakes happen, but I was disappointed in his response to missing the appointment and I was frustrated to have wasted time.
Sounds like he’s a great architect, wish we could have met him.

We interviewed several architects and design-​build firms to fully renovate and add on to our mid century modern home. Ultimately we were looking for someone who appreciated the style and would provide comprehensive architectural and design services. As full time working professionals, it was important to have a team that could guide the process and provide technical expertise. Mason clicked right away and not only provided vision but also was a joy to work with. He ultimately created full architectural plans, redesigned the floor plan completely, sourced contractor and millworker, guided permit process and selected and purchased finishes. The entire process from plans to move was about a year and he was flexible in terms of meeting during evenings or electronically and was super responsive to bring contractor questions or building issues to resolution.
Given scale of project, most people ask about the process (and then lead in with their horror story) and I’m so thankful to have found Mason as we had a great experience which was relatively stress free. Mason’s calm demeanor and responsiveness was a major contributing factor in this regard.
We have now moved in and continue to appreciate all the small and large design choices driven by Mason. He created a home which is modern yet extremely functional and I would recommend Mason for small or large scale projects to create a beautiful space with a worry free design /​build process.

Perhaps the best thing that happened for me, my wife, and my Mid-​Century ranch was that Mason and his wife relocated from San Francisco to the Chicago area. We could not be happier with the design and architectural assistance that Mason provided for us.
Extremely professional.
Strong design aesthetic but not overbearing — i.e., respectful of client aesthetics.
Great with design finish choices.
Wide variety of services beyond just design layout and drawings — extremely helpful in a variety of areas.
Creative in approaches.
Super easy to work with.
I’ve got friends who have (wisely) hired him based on my recommendation, I’ve got others who are sad that he’s not local to them.
I am a horrible client — lots of changes, tendencies to micromanage, etc. By the end of our project, I had developed so much confidence in him that I stopped micromanaging and caught myself saying (repeatedly) «lets just go with what Mason recommends.»
In terms of what he did:
Mason did design consulting and brainstorming on layout and renovation ideas. He sketched NUMEROUS alternatives for us to consider. He executed all permitting plans. He assisted with our selection of GCs. He interfaces with our GC to see that his /​our vision is executed. He’s shopped with me on numerous occasions for finishes (flooring, ceiling, cabinets, tile, etc.)
We’re nearing completion of «Phase I» as we call it. We’ll have other phases and I would not hesitate at all to hire him again (if he’s available). Indeed, we have every intention of hiring him for Phases II, IIII, and IV when we get to them! Having recently relocated, Mason is like your favorite «unknown band» who you secretly hope doesn’t get popular because it will harder to get «tickets to his show,» but who you also hope has great commercial success.
To Unilocal readers, please don’t make him TOO popular so that he’s still available to me to hire for that other work!
You can see photos of what he did here:
If you’d like to see the hideous «before» photos, check them out (as of October 27, 2015) here:

Wow! Mason was able to help the vision I had for our Union Square salon become a success. I had almost no idea what went into setting up and designing an interior space. Mason was able to see what needed to be done and executed it quickly. We ran into all sorts of structural issues too. Lighting, plumbing, creating a front desk, you name it. I’m not sure we would have been able to open our doors on time if it weren’t for him! He went above and beyond what we asked of him. This project wouldn’t have happened without Mason’s keen eye. Thank You!

When we set out to remodel our mid-​century home in Noe Valley, we knew we had quite a puzzle on our hands. We had very clear objectives in our minds (add a master BR w/​ensuite bath, open up the floor plan to take best advantage of the views and add a half bath) but no idea how to make them all work at the same time, or if it was even possible. Especially given the cost-​saving constraints we had set: keep kitchen and existing staircase in place. So after a relatively short exploration exercise, we were THRILLED and AMAZED with the creative and beautiful solution that Mason came up with that met each and every one of our objectives and then some!
At the end of the project, we have a smart and stunning new kitchen, a master suite that makes efficient use of limited square footage, an open floor plan that makes the most of breathtaking views, abundant natural light and the most charming half bathroom EVER. We honestly could not be happier with the results.
In addition to his fantastic vision and creativity, Mason is also a joy to work with! And not just from the client POV — our contractor and his subs thought so as well.
Highly recommended!

Our business used Mason Miller to completely redesign and expand our commercial offices in the 300 Broadway building in San Francisco. Mason was a fantastic resource for us from beginning to end. Before we started the project, Mason talked us through issues like natural lighting, sound-​proofing, and office sizing so we’d have a better background as we came up with initial designs. During the design and building process Mason frequently spoke directly with the building owner, his support staff, as well as with our company at the same time; communication was flawless and the build-​out proceeded smoothly.
We love our new office. Mason’s design made use of large glass panels in most employee offices, so we all have a sense of privacy, but not that barricaded-​in-​a-​private-​office feel. Mason’s design also completely separated our operations area from the sales department, which helps keep the right people focused on the right work. It’s a well-​executed concept that we’re very pleased with.
I definitely recommend Mason for any architecture or design project, large or small. He listened to all of our needs, worked quickly and affordably, and was just a great person to work with.