NATURE
IS
WATERSHED
COMMUNITY. HABITAT
BIODIVERSITY
ENGAGED
WONDER
WANDER LONG-NOW LISTENING RECIPROCITY CARE
INTELLECTUAL
REFUGE
VISTA
HOPE
FUTURE EXPERIMENTAL BIOPHILIC SHADOW LIGHT
MEANING
GATHERING
NOURISHMENT
COMPLEX SIMPLE CONNECTION PHILOSOPHY RELATION LAND
SITING
AND
PROGRESS
SKY
PLACE
WIND
HARMONIOUS
INNOVATION
JOY
WATER CULTURE
EXPERIENTIAL
REMEMBERING QUALITY CREATURES NATURAL BEAUTY
DAYLIGHT
CIRCULAR
SUBLIME
ABUNDANCE
WELLBEING
PEACE
THOUGHTFUL
MATERIALITY
NATURE
IS
LIFE HOME.
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CREDENTIALS
Red Dot Studio is an architecture practice that believes when
Established 2005 you listen, watch and learn the making comes naturally. Together Duns: 04.725.4124 Hispanic Woman Owned SBE we can nourish the future by building well. CONTACT
415.513.0629 info@reddotstudio.com www.reddotstudio.com
We are adept at asking the right questions so that we design the right answers. Our concept and design thinking is a strength. We understand siting, daylight, space, materials and proportions.
PROJECT PROFILES
Urban and Rural 900 SF - 1,800 acres $500,000 - $145 mm Shelter for people and community, bespoke residences and estates, housing, agriculture sites, animal care facilities, historic sites, community centers, museums, daycares and private workplaces
We are committed to regenerative design and approach project delivery creatively.
01. PROCESS
PAGE 6 -13
02. PEOPLE
PAGE 14-23
03. PLACE
PAGE 24-129
CHARITIES SUPPORTED
Arts: Southern Exposure & Fog Forum Environment: The ARO (Ohlone) & San Mateo Resource Conservation District & Red Dot Ranch Youth: Enterprise for Youth & Slide Ranch
PHOTO LEFT JOE FLETCHER PHOTO PREVIOUS ARGUS CURTISS
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01. PROCESS “They are a studio that you can have honest conversations with, that’s responsive, that cares deeply about you as a client, deeply about your project and deeply about the environment, all with a high design standard.” Nicasio Client
PHOTO OFFICE DESIGN CHARETTE
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LISTENING DUE DILIGENCE
Understand place, program and parameters. CONCEPT DESIGN
Define guiding principles.
We listen, we spend time on-site, we learn and only then do we design. Our Due Diligence and Concept Phases go well beyond a code review and description of rooms, sizes, adjacencies and a napkin sketch. We take time to understand people and place, knowing that shape has meaning, we establish collaborative guiding principles and concepts.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Client centered understanding of spatial layouts, volumes, proportions and materiality.
Just the right amount of clear coordinated documentation for review.
“Learning place starts with listening. Listening to the rhythms of the land, attentive to soil, wind and water. Listening to the stories and songs people sing until they are your friends. Listening until you can feel the place, until you know it deep inside. Then you can make and the making flows freely, quickly and true.”
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Karen Curtiss, Principal
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Systems, assemblies and team integration, often paired with an early phase estimate and contractor selection. PERMIT DOCUMENTS
Documentation of design with details and specifications suitable for execution. CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION
We develop shared values and support the construction team to deliver high quality builds that are well executed examples of their craft.
RIGHT PENINSULA NEW HOME EARLY RENDER PHOTO LESLIE WILLIAMSON
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Since we invest in thoughtful inquiry early on, when we begin Design Phases we are not guessing, we are building on a shared understanding. Our designs tend to be “right” early on, emerging from a process that values humility before imposing ideas.
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CARE Design meaning is embedded into decisions at every stage of project development and execution. Our drawing sets and specifications are thorough communication tools.
“Update and kudos. We just got BLDG approval over the counter in one session. The plan-checker noted how good these plans are....The plans were so clear and easy to use, he was able to not just review it over the counter but approve on the first pass.” email from GBA Permit Consultant
QUIET COTTAGE, PALO ALTO PHOTOS HENRY GAO
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PARTIAL COLLABORATOR LIST: CONTRACTOR
EB Homes FORMA Construction Guild Craft Builders Jeff King & Co Larkspur Construction Saturn Construction
COLLABORATION We work with not on. We bring expertise to complex projects while working with dedicated consultants, craftspeople and construction teams.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
BKG Engineers Daedelus GFDS Semco Engineers Strandberg Engineers Thornton Tomasetti INTERIOR DESIGN
Catherine Kwong Design Cusp Interiors FQ Design Saffron + Poe LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Arterra ORCA Sculpt Studio Mala
“Red Dot Studio is a forward thinking collaborative office. We always enjoy working with them. The design team is detail oriented and thorough which results in clear design directives. There is a cooperative ethos at RDS which fosters interdisciplinary coordination, and more importantly, higher quality builds.” Sean Moynahan, SEMCO Engineers
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS
Adobe & Associates Murray Engineers Romig Engineers SURVEYOR
Foresight Land Surveying Lea and Braze Engineers Westover Land Surveying CIVIL ENGINEERS
Munselle Civil Engineers Tarnoff Engineering Sherwood Design Engineers MEP ENGINEERS
Beyond Efficiency MHC Engineers Philip Neumann LIGHTING DESIGN
David Patton Lighting Techlinea Tucci Lighting
“We have had the pleasure of working with Karen and the Red Dot Studio team on four projects, including one selected for the AIA Home Tours. The entire team is incredibly collaborative, creative, and detail-oriented, and we are always eager to work with them again.” Victor Mezhvinsky, FORMA Construction Principal
AV CONSULTANT
MWA Partners and Sense Sound Vision PHOTO SITE PREP PRESIDIO WALL
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02. PEOPLE We are confident designers who guard the collaboratively defined heart of each project. There are no small decisions. How we do anything is how we do everything.
PHOTO GAEL JAFFREZIC
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KAREN CURTISS, AIA FOUNDER, PRINCIPAL
“Anytime you connect people to each other and create community firmly rooted in place, specific to a land, you are doing something that transcends mere structure or landscape. The built environment affects how we live, gather and flourish as a community.”
SELECT HONORS
GAA Foundation Venice Biennale Rethinking the Future Institutional Concept CA Home+Design Woman @ Forefront Architecture Professional Builder Design Award Dwell Top 10 Renovations Dwell Top 10 Design Pros AIA San Francisco Home Tours AIA Silicon Valley Home Tours EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
MA Philosophy, St Andrews Scotland 1992 MA Interior Architecture, AAU, CA 1996 California, No. C-31453 Maine, No. 5191 NCARB Certificate LEED Green Associate AFFILIATIONS
Center for Architecture + Design Board Co-Chair 2025 Ember Ridge Equestrian Center Board Member GFDA Board Member Red Dot Ranch Co-founder
RED DOT RANCH 501C3, PESCADERO CA PHOTO ARGUS CURTISS
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Karen’s cultural explorations and intellectual pursuits inform her understanding that the built environment holds embedded meaning. She explores the why before creating the place through daylight, siting, volumes and materials that are equal parts approachable and sublime.
SELECT EXPERIENCE
– Shaker Long Range Plan, New Gloucester, ME: 1,800 acres – Shaker Herb House (Community Center), New Gloucester, ME: 6,500 SF – Hillsborough Town Center Master Plan, CA: 6.2 acres (in progress with EHDD) – Slide Ranch Goat Barn, Muir Beach, CA (Pro-bono) – Studio Montessori Urban Pre School, San Francisco, CA: 3,000 SF – Build Back Green Study, Lehaina, HI, USA – Nopa Preschool and Indoor Playground, San Francisco CA: 4,500 SF – Multi Unit Artist Housing Glen Park, San Francisco, CA: 3,800 SF – Multi Unit Cottages Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA: 3,000 SF – Multi Unit Housing Mint Hill, San Francisco, CA: 3,200 SF – Pet Camp Various Facilities, San Francisco, CA – Zoe Workplace, San Francisco, CA: 6,400 SF – Banks St Residence, San Francisco, CA: 1,200 SF – Dogpatch Cottage, San Francisco, CA: 1,600 SF – Laidley Cottage, San Francisco, CA: 1,800 SF – House Social, San Francisco, CA: 3,600 SF – Jewel Box Residence, Redwood City, CA: 5,000 SF – Presidio Speakeasy Residence, San Francisco, CA: 6,300 SF – Sundial Home, San Francisco, CA: 4,500 SF – Surf House, San Francisco CA: 3,250 SF
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MARK MYERS SENIOR ARCHITECT
“Thoughtful design is an opportunity to provide a sense of humanity to our daily rituals. These opportunities exist from the urban scale to the scale that fits in the palm of our hands. The best design gesture doesn’t seek attention for itself rather that it amplifies the connection to the world and the people around us.”
SELECT HONORS
Rethinking the Future Institutional Concept AIA San Francisco Home Tours AIA Silicon Valley Home Tours Portland Living Smart Housing Honorable Mention ASCA DuPont Corcoran School of Art Honorable Mention AIA Honolulu Design Award of Excellence Northwest & Pacific Region Design Award AIA New York Merit Award Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Architecture Boston Architecture College 1998 California, No. 30499
SHAKER HERB HOUSE EAST WEST SECTION
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Mark was raised in suburban Kansas and later moved to metropolitan Boston before settling in San Francisco. Mark is drawn to the possibilities of the man-made environment and committed to understanding how the physical world interacts with our emotional well-being.
SELECT EXPERIENCE
– Shaker Long Range Plan, New Gloucester, ME: 1,800 acres – Shaker Herb House (Community Center), New Gloucester, ME: 6,500 SF – Hillsborough Town Center Master Plan, CA: 6.2 acres (in progress with EHDD) – Build Back Green Study, Lehaina, HI, USA – Multi Unit Housing Mint Hill, San Francisco, CA: 3,200 SF – Pet Camp Ranger Station, San Francisco, CA: 12,000 SF – Slide Ranch Goat Barn, Muir Beach, CA (Pro Bono) – Jewel Box Residence, Redwood City, CA: 5,000 SF – Homestead Farm, Nicasio, CA: 70 acres – House Social, San Francisco, CA: 3,600 SF – Modular Home, San Anselmo, CA: 3,000 SF – Strawbale Workshop, Sonoma, CA: 400 SF – Academy of Art Adjunct Professor
MN LUMN LINE LINE A A
B B
C C
FIREFIRE RATED RATED GLASS GLASS SKYLIGHT, SKYLIGHT, PROVIDE PROVIDE BLOCKING BLOCKING AS REQ'D AS REQ'D
NEWNEW EASTERN EASTERN WHITE WHITE CEDAR CEDAR SHAKE SHAKE ROOFING ROOFING W/ 5" W/EXPOSURE 5" EXPOSURE TRI-FLEX TRI-FLEX XT XT SYNTHETIC SYNTHETIC UNDERLAYMENT UNDERLAYMENT
INSTALL INSTALL EXISTING EXISTING DECKING DECKING OVER OVER 4" 4" RIGID RIGID INSUL., INSUL., OVER OVER (2) LAYERS (2) LAYERS 5/8"5/8" TYPETYPE X GWB X GWB
red reddod NEWNEW EASTERN EASTERN WHITE WHITE CEDAR CEDAR SHAKES SHAKES
@THE @T 498 498 ALAB A SANSAN FRANCI FRA 415.5 4
MINERAL MINERAL WOOL WOOL INSULATION INSULATION ABOVE ABOVE ENTRY ENTRY VESTIBULE VESTIBULE
D D
ROLLER ROLLER SHADE SHADE
NEWNEW EASTERN EASTERN WHITE WHITE CEDAR CEDAR SHAKE SHAKE ROOFING ROOFING W/ 5" W/EXPOSURE 5" EXPOSURE TRI-FLEX TRI-FLEX XT XT SYNTHETIC SYNTHETIC UNDERLAYMENT UNDERLAYMENT
3" 3"
1/2"1/2" FIXED FIXED TEMPERED TEMPERED GLASS GLASS IN WOOD IN WOOD FRAME FRAME
LINELINE OF (E) OF DIAGONAL (E) DIAGONAL BRACE BRACE
5" RIGID 5" RIGID INSULATION INSULATION SMART SMART VAPOR VAPOR BARRIER BARRIER FLASHING, FLASHING, LAP LAP OVER OVER BARN BARN DOOR DOOR SLIDER SLIDER TRACK TRACK
1x6 1x6 T>&G SHEATHING SHEATHING (N) HEMLOCK (N) HEMLOCK FLOORING FLOORING
2x122x12 RAFTERS, RAFTERS, S.S.D. S.S.D.
(E) WOOD (E) WOOD BEAM BEAM
MINERAL MINERAL WOOL WOOL INSULATION INSULATION BENEATH BENEATH ENTRY ENTRY VESTIBULE VESTIBULE
(N) W8x31, (N) W8x31, S.S.D. S.S.D.
ROLLER ROLLER SCREEN SCREEN AT BEAM AT BEAM LOCATION LOCATION
CONT. CONT. W8x31, W8x31, S.S.D. S.S.D.
KLEIN KLEIN WOOD WOOD SLIDER, SLIDER, ANCHOR ANCHOR TO BLOCKING TO BLOCKING ATTACHED ATTACHED AT BEAM, AT BEAM, ALIGN ALIGN W/ FLANGE W/ FLANGE EDGE EDGE
2" POLYISO 2" POLYISO LINELINE OF SMART OF SMART VAPOR VAPOR BARRIER BARRIER
SHAKER SHAKEH
6x126x12 WOOD WOOD BEAM, BEAM, S.S.D. S.S.D.
SHAKE SH 707 707 SHA NEWNEW GL ME
FIXED FIXED INSUL. INSUL. GLAZING, GLAZING, SEE SEE SCHED. SCHED.
WOOD WOOD SILLSILL
ELEC. ELEC. BASEBOARD BASEBOARD RADIATOR RADIATOR GRANITE GRANITE CURB CURB ANCHOR ANCHOR TO TO FOUNDATION, FOUNDATION, S.S.D. S.S.D.
1
LINELINE OF SLIDING OF SLIDING BARN BARN DOOR DOOR
1
4"
4" CONC. 4" CONC. SLAB, SLAB, S.S.D. S.S.D.
4"
CONC. CONC. FOUNDATION FOUNDATION WALL, WALL, S.S.D. S.S.D.
SITESITE PLANPLA RE PERMIT PERMIT REVIR PERMIT PERMIT PERMIT PERMIT REV R1 1 Sec 106 106 REVIR 1 Sec
1" POLYISO 1" POLYISO BOARD BOARD FORM FORM CONC. CONC. STEM STEM WALL, WALL, S.S.D. S.S.D.
ENLA E BULDING BULD
VAPOR VAPOR RETARDER RETARDER
UNDERSLAB UNDERSLAB INSULATION INSULATION
FILTER FILTER FABRIC FABRIC
SECTION DETAIL DETAIL COLUMN COLUMN LINE LINE B B 7 7 SECTION
= 1'-0" = 1'-0" A5.08A5.081-1/2"1-1/2"
SECTION DETAIL DETAIL COLUMN COLUMN LINE LINE C C 5 5 SECTION
= 1'-0" = 1'-0" A5.08A5.081-1/2"1-1/2"
SECTION DETAIL DETAIL COLUMN COLUMN LINE LINE D D 3 3 SECTION
= 1'-0" = 1'-0" A5.08A5.081-1/2"1-1/2"
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1 1/2 1
WATERPROOF WATERPROOF MEMBRANE MEMBRANE
A5 A5
CAMILLE PEIGNET SENIOR DESIGNER
“Designing for and with different people and places teaches us to pause to listen and understand before suggesting and creating.”
SELECT HONORS
GAA Foundation Venice Biennale Rethinking the Future Institutional Concept Professional Builder Design Award AIA San Francisco Home Tours Trophees du Design FSC EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
MA “Mutation of the Built Environment” L’École de design Nantes Atlantique 2017 BA Interior Architecture L’École de design Nantes Atlantique 2015 LEED Green Associate Living Future Accredited LANGUAGES
Fluent French and English
ZOE WORKPLACE PHOTO HELYNN OSPINA
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To make meaningful spaces, Camille has learned to analyze and think through projects at the scale of the inhabitants both human and nonhuman, applying her sustainable city design and interior architecture background.
SELECT EXPERIENCE
– Shaker Long Range Plan, New Gloucester, ME: 1,800 acres – Shaker Herb House (Community Center), New Gloucester, ME: 6,500 SF – Hillsborough Town Center Master Plan, CA: 6.2 acres (in progress with EHDD) – Studio Montessori Urban PreSchool, San Francisco, CA: 3,000 SF – Nopa Preschool and Indoor Playground, San Francisco CA: 4,500 SF – Sweet Peas Preschool, San Francisco, CA: 1,600 SF – House Social, San Francisco, CA: 3,200 SF – Laidley Cottage, San Francisco, CA: 1,800 SF – Mill Valley Cottage, Mill Valley CA: 6,650 SF – Quiet Cottage, Palo Alto, CA: 938 SF – Surf House, Ocean Beach, CA: 3,250 SF – Waterfall House, Yosemite, CA: 2,600 SF – Zoe Workplace, San Francisco, CA: 6,400 SF
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JACKIE ADAMS OPERATIONS MANAGER
“Designing the invisible structures that shape how people work, connect, and feel requires the same attentiveness as designing space: pausing to listen, clarifying intention, and building systems that can hold growth with care.”
SELECT VOLUNTEER WORK
Marine Mammal Center Red Dot Ranch EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
BFA, San Francisco State University AA, San Diego Community College Deltek Ajera Certification
RED DOT STUDIO WORKPLACE PHOTO THOMAS HEISNER
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Informed by her lifelong practice of dance, Jackie’s approach values rhythm, timing, and collective movement. Jackie works at the human scale of the practice, shaping employee experience, studio culture, and the firm’s public voice, bridging internal operations and outward communication so that daily practice, financial stewardship, and storytelling reflect the firm’s values with clarity and consistency.
SELECT EXPERIENCE
– Fine Arts & Non-Profit Development – Bookkeeping – Change Management – Client Invoices and Fee Tracking – Human Resources – Social Media – Studio Operations – Studio Culture
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03. PLACE We honour the resources we use and choose forms, systems, sizes and materials that create quality places shaped by light and land, quietly generous spaces of shelter for people and community.
MILL VALLEY COTTAGE PHOTO JOHN LEE
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PLACEMAKING & PLACEKEEPING Working with the Shakers in Maine has reinforced for us that just as there is a time for placemaking in the built environment there is also a time for placekeeping. This has informed our approach to significant ecological, cultural and historic sites where we take care of the past and build respectfully into the future.
SHAKER VILLAGE HABS SURVEY
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PLACEKEEPING - SHAKER VILLAGE A National Historic Landmark and State Conservation Easement, Shaker Village is also living community. Other Shaker communities have had their stories told by historians but our job was to work alongside the living Shakers and learn from the past to build a Shaker future. LOCATION
New Gloucester, Maine, USA CLIENT
United Society of Shakers SIZE
18,000 Acres and 17 Buildings VALUE
The project entailed a comprehensive assessment of historic buildings and their surroundings, creating a quantitative and qualitative framework for planning. The long-range vision involved the sensitive integration of new components into the existing historic Village fabric, alongside improvements to infrastructure, access, and public accommodation. By serving as trusted allies, managers and community advocates we helped the Village build capacity and position itself for a range of local, state, and national grants and awards.
$45 mm COMPLETION
2019 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Master Planning, Project Management, Stakeholder, Donor & Community Engagement PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Mark Myers, Project Architect Camille Peignet, Project Manager ENVIRONMENTAL THORNTON TOMASETTI STRUCTURAL THORNTON TOMASETTI PRESERVATION SCATTERGOOD LANDSCAPE RICHARDSON & ASSOC. GEOTECH SW COLE MEP SALAS O’BRIAN GRANTS
NPS Save America’s Treasures Maine Community Foundation Maine Preservation NEH Capacity Building Congressional Funding Roux Family Foundation Norway Savings Davis Family Fund RECOGNITION
NY Times
“The team at Red Dot Studio embraced the Shakers and my team as part of their professional family in ways that ensured that our voices and concerns were heard and valued, and diverse opinions were respected and considered. They recognized that our needs and goals were interconnected with the broader needs of Maine’s community and a much larger society. Their holistic approach and process involved bringing together diverse perspectives across sectors of our audiences, ranging from preservation experts and visitors to adults with autism/ intellectual uniqueness, to foster a shared understanding and develop innovative solutions that supported our shared goals.” Michael S. Graham, Director The United Society of Shakers, Inc.
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PLACEKEEPING - SHAKER HERB HOUSE There is a practical utility to the construction of the Herb House, both existing and proposed. Sculptor Wharton Esherick who applied his craft to utilitarian objects, employed an aphorism, “How would a farmer do it?”. Since the Shakers are farmers, we relied on this question to evaluate our decisions. The starting point of the design was the timber frame. New stairs and elevator are located at old openings, even when widened for current codes the timber bays and partitions were respected and reused. LOCATION
New Gloucester, Maine, USA CLIENT
United Society of Shakers SIZE
8,060 GSF VALUE
$4.4 mm COMPLETION
In Construction DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management, Stakeholder, Donor & Community Engagement PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Mark Myers, Project Architect Camille Peignet, Project Manager CONTRACTOR PRESERVATION TIMBER FRAMING STRUCTURAL THORTON TOMASETTI CIVIL GORILL PALMER MEP SALAS O’BRIAN ALARM JOHNSON CONTROLS RECOGNITION
Rethinking the Future Institutional Concept NY Times
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PLACEKEEPING - PRESIDIO SPEAKEASY Built in 1912 by architect Edward T. Foulkes for a prominent rancher, the house had a history long before our client’s became caretakers. That realization led to decisions that were in the best interest of their today and it’s tomorrow. Located on the Presidio Wall, the lower floor held an officer’s speakeasy during prohibition, which we kept in tact with minimal intervention, while renovating the spaces around including a complex seismic upgrade with 45’ hand dug piers.
LOCATION
Presidio, San Francisco, CA CLIENT
Undisclosed SIZE
6,300 SF VALUE
Undisclosed COMPLETION
2021 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Camille Peignet, Designer CONTRACTOR JEFF KING & CO. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER BKG INTERIORS CATHERINE KWONG LANDSCAPE SCULPT HISTORIC ANNA ROSE GEOTECH MURRAY ENGINEERS SURVEYOR VARA LIGHTING DAVID PATTON AV MWA METAL CHRIS FRENCH RECOGNITION
Luxe Magazine Cover Feature
PHOTOS MATTHEW MILLMAN
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The main floor was finely detailed, but the other levels retained vestiges of servants’ quarters, indicative of their quality of life, including a Chinese cook. For our client, a child of Chinese immigrants, the act of moving upstairs and reclaiming all levels for the family was poignant. The previously undecorated space became a theoretical portal from old to new.
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Rumor has it that there were eleven speakeasies in San Francisco. We’ve redesigned three.
SPEAKYEASY PHOTO HENRY GAO SKYLINE PHOTO ARGUS CURTISS
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LOCATION
Twin Peaks, San Francisco CA,
PLACEMAKING - SUNDIAL HOME
CLIENT
Undisclosed SIZE
4,500 SF VALUE
Undisclosed COMPLETION
2024 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Barbora Bei, Project Designer CONTRACTOR OAKLEAF STRUCTURAL ENG. TOWNSEND BROWN INTERIOR DESIGN FQ LANDSCAPE ORCA HISTORIC ANNA ROSE GEOTECH ROMIG SURVEYOR FORESIGHT CIVIL TARNOFF MEP HEALTHIER DWELLING WATER REUSE DIG COOPERATIVE LIGHTING TUCCI AV MWA METAL LUST RECOGNITION
Coming Soon
PHOTOS HENRY GAO
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Sundial House earns its name from the movement of light that shapes its spaces, tracing time and setting the quiet rhythm of daily life. Light and shadow hold equal presence here, one revealing, the other retreating, creating moments of calm, contrast, and ritual. One of our clients, with his MIT architecture background, brought deep curiosity to every conversation. Together, we developed a rigorous conceptual framework grounded in the emotional experience of home. The stair and circulation spine became the project’s anchor: a vertical sundial marking the passage of light through the center of the house.
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The primary suite is on the top floor, with the children’s rooms two floors below, so we added this small interior window to help parents hear them at night.
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COLOR Speaking at the Center for Architecture + Design, I was asked a question about color and I answered the standard architect spiel I don’t think of color I think of the material and let the integrity of the material be what it is blah blah blah …. But then Old San Juan But then Barragán But then any home we have ever designed for an artist or art collector. What other paradigms do we forget to question?
PHOTO BARRAGÁN GESTALTEN
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COLOR - JEWEL BOX Our mandate was to create a new and daring addition to the home while maintaining the integrity of the original architect’s vision. Brick columns were retained or re-built and the new structure was knitted into old in the roof plane. Skylights changed the daylight profile of the home and views were linked to create a cohesive home in nature. The home became all electric, insulated, laundry filters microplastics and sustainable woods such as Sassafras were used. Client’s taste in color, art and light completed the vision. LOCATION
Redwood City, CA CLIENT
Undisclosed SIZE
5,000 SF VALUE
Undisclosed COMPLETION
2024 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Mark Myers, Project Architect Henry Gao, Project Designer CONTRACTOR GUILD CRAFT STRUCTURAL ENG. STRANDBERG SURVEYOR LEA AND BRAZE LIGHTING TUCCI GLAZING COLLIER RECOGNITION
Wallpaper Magazine AIA HomeTour
PHOTOS HENRY GAO
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The renovation involved the removal and replacement of some of the iconic brick columns. Guild Craft Builders helped search high and low for perfectly matching replacements bricks.
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COLOR - HOUSE SOCIAL BEFORE Located in the heart of the Mission District, this building was once an Italian grocery that hosted ice cream socials for a community church. In the 1970’s, the building was converted to a residence for an artist. The building was a wonderful, ramshackle, colorful, creative mess that took a pretty brave client to embrace both the past and the potential. We spent time photo documenting the building so we could reference back to it’s Zeitgeist in concept development.
BEFORE PHOTOS ARGUS CURTISS & REAL ESTATE
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LIGHT
GARDEN
ICE CREAM SOCIAL COLORS
LAYERS AND LIGHT
LOFT
EMBEDDED SOCIAL SPIRIT OF FOOD
“They can take in and understand the goals and the needs, and then have this artistic vision that is ecologically light on the land and on our use of resources.” House Social Client
CONCEPT COLLAGE AND DESIGN ETHOS
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COLOR - HOUSE SOCIAL AFTER LOCATION
Mission District, San Francisco CA CLIENT
Undisclosed SIZE
3,600 SF VALUE
Undisclosed COMPLETION
2024 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Camille Peignet, PM & Designer Mark Myers, Project Architect CONTRACTOR SATURN STRUCTURAL ENGINEER SMITHWORKS LANDSCAPE STUDIO MALA GEOTECH ROMIG MEP HEALTHIER DWELLING WATER REUSE WATERCHAMPIONS METAL UPPER STORY KITCHEN ISLAND YVONNE MOUSSER RECOGNITION
AIA Home Tour
PHOTOS HELYNN OSPINA
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This building needed everything while not losing the something that made it special. The design embraces a riot of color surrounded by white space, creating an eclectic backdrop for art and daily life. The new floor plan is orientated around the main warehouse volume, creating a social core for a very social family. Our clients report that the family spends more time together in the shared spaces then they did in their previous home.
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In homage to the old garage door we designed in a new more energy-efficient garage door, but with any garage door air leaks remain, keeping the project just shy of net zero energy. Working with the GFDA we specified low carbon materials throughout. The old floor became the new powder room wall. The design team and client spent an afternoon onsite laying out the boards. Our client had the best idea for the pattern.
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The home is located on the Mission Creek watershed. Plants are mostly native creating an onsite seep for heavy rains. Rain water is harvested for earthquakes and other emergencies. A graywater system saves approximately 1,000 gallons a month. Low-flow fixtures are used throughout. There is a laundry microplastic filter and the exterior facade is 3/4 paintless to limit plastic run off.
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DOOR EDGE PHOTOS ARGUS CURTISS BATHROOM PHOTOS HELYNN OSPINA
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COLOR - ARTIST TWO UNIT LOCATION
Glen Park, San Francisco, CA CLIENT
Undisclosed SIZE
3,900 SF VALUE
$2.2 mm COMPLETION
2023 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Henry Gao, Project Designer CONTRACTOR CLONDUFF STRUCTURAL ENGINEER SEMCO GEOTECH ROMIG
PHOTOS HENRY GAO
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Near transit, two homes created for artists. Sited on a through block, one unit is orientated towards the main street while the other faces the alley. Each apartment has multiple floors and a street presence making each feel like a private dwelling, while creating community outdoor and common space.
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SMALL WORKS, BIG THINKING Early in our studio’s history, we became known for a series of award-winning, widely published small homes that lived large. These projects taught us that every decision matters, flow, proportion, light, materials, and transitions are always in view. That discipline continues to inform our work, from guest houses and outbuildings to increasingly larger commissions. What follows are a few of those formative projects and the commissions they led to.
BANKS STREET PHOTO JOE FLETCHER DOGPATCH COTTAGE PHOTO JOE FLETCHER
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LAIDLEY COTTAGE PHOTO JOHN LEE
MILL VALLEY COTTAGE PHOTO JOHN LEE
WATERFALL HOUSE PHOTO HENRY GAO
MINT HILL DUPLEX PHOTO LESLIE WILLIAMSON
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BIG THINKING - SURF HOUSE The project is guided by a Wabi Sabi sensibility, embracing imperfection and allowing materials to age naturally over time. The result is a home that feels considered without being precious, remaining closely tied to its surroundings. At its heart, the project demonstrates how thoughtful decision making, clear spatial organization, and attention to craft can come together to create a home that works well with its environment and feels good to inhabit.
LOCATION
Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA CLIENT
Undisclosed SIZE
3,250 SF VALUE
Undisclosed COMPLETION
2023 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Camille Peignet, PM & Designer Henry Gao, Project Designer CONTRACTOR SATURN STRUCTURAL ENGINEER SEMCO INTERIORS SAFFRON + POE LANDSCAPE EDGELANDS GEOTECH ROMIG CIVIL GREEN CIVIL ENG. MEP HEALTHIER DWELLING WATER REUSE DIG COOPERATIVE METAL UPPER STORY RECOGNITION
The Panafold Magazine
PHOTOS MARGARET AUSTIN
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We chose Western Red Cedar siding to age and used exterior cork insulation as rainscreen. Both materials have low embodied carbon and limit microplastic run off into the ocean across the street.
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The owner’s dog likes to watch the waves from this window. One day, we received a note from another surfer client whose home we designed in 2016, saying hello and sharing how much they still love their own home, and this one too. They also sent a photo of the dog in this window, taken on their way out to surf.
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The ground floor was purposely designed with fewer fixtures and finishes, allowing future king tides to wash through with minimal damage. The space functions well for gathering and for post surf showers and board maintenance.
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BIG THINKING - NICASIO HOMESTEAD CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS
The homestead is 70 acres of rural farmland and outbuildings. Due to existing regulations we needed to remodel an existing 1970’s rancher to be the primary residence, carving 4 bedrooms and a generous living space out of the structure. We connected the home to the hillside with new access and circulation putting the living space under the peaked roof with private space for bedrooms below. Every room has a view and outdoor access.
LOCATION
Nicasio, Marin, CA CLIENT
Undisclosed SIZE
70 acres VALUE
Undisclosed COMPLETION
2025 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Mark Myers, Project Architect CONTRACTOR LARKSPUR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER SMITHWORKS INTERIORS KAMA ROTHBARD LANDSCAPE ARTERRA GEOTECH MILLER PACIFIC CIVIL MUNSELLE SURVEY CLARK ENGINEERING SEPTIC QUESTA
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“We have had the distinct pleasure to work with Red Dot Studio on a very unique and complicated project deep in West Marin. We felt completely supported, respected and considered throughout the process.” Josh Grout, Larkspur Builders
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Wood was sourced from salvaged oak trees for the stairs and built-in bench. Existing ipe decking was reused, and recycled oldgrowth redwood was selected for cladding. All newly milled wood was FSC certified. Composite materials were avoided in favor of solid wood plank cabinets and boxes.
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DESIGN FOR HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN There are many ways of knowing. Water knows how to flow; wind, how to blow. Projects move by clock time—deadlines, schedules, submittals. The ones that move us leave room for wonder. Children and animals remind us to design for event time.
PHOTO SHAKER SHEEP
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SLIDE RANCH GOAT BARN & PASTURE SITE STUDY
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“We have done a series of major commercial projects with Red Dot Studio. They spend the time to get to understand you and the project. They are creative problem solvers who work well with contractors, building officials and budgets. They get things done.” Mark Klaiman, Founder Pet Camp
NON-HUMAN - PET CAMP We have been working with Pet Camp for decades. In 2005 we designed their cattery with a greenhouse safari garden. In 2014 we remodelled portions of their main building to add ventilation and operation functions. In 2020 we opened up a 50’ x 100’ interior play space with a retractable roof and added dog care areas. In 2023 we created a new dog training facility. In 2025 we re-vamped their office space.
LOCATION
San Francisco, CA CLIENT
Pet Camp SIZE
15,000+ VALUE
Undisclosed COMPLETION
Multiple Projects DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture, Project Management PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Barbora Bei, Project Architect CONTRACTOR DMC & CARROLL CONSTR. STRUCTURAL TOWNSEND BROWN SURVEYOR VARA LIGHTING TECHLINEA MEP MHC ACOUSTIC SM&W
This dog was named Lucky. In a nice coincidence he was both our photoshoot star and a dog owned by one of our residential clients. PHOTOS CESAR RUBIO
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Karen owns a few horses. A number of children of clients and colleagues have come to spend time with Spudd, her very patient pony. Red Dot Studio also provided pro-bono roof repair plans for the Ember Ridge Equestrian Center timber frame horse barn located on Golden Gate National Recreation Area land.
PHOTO ABOVE EMBER RIDGE PHOTO RIGHT LEN SCHNEYDER
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HUMAN - STUDIO MONTESSORI The founder of Studio Montessori believes that beauty needs to be accessible at the earliest age. The space creates an elegant and creative atmosphere where children can experiment and learn as part of the community. Given this, it comes as no surprise that the school has a welcoming public face in the heart of the design district.
LOCATION
San Francisco, CA, USA CLIENT
Studio Montessori SIZE
2,304 SF VALUE
$500k COMPLETION
2020 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Architecture PROJECT TEAM
Karen Curtiss, Principal in Charge Camille Peignet, Project Designer CONTRACTOR BALI
PHOTOS HENRY GAO
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This photo was taken moments before the little girl on the right spilled the washing. You can see our client - ever vigilant - seeing what is about to happen and rushing in.
PHOTO HELYNN OSPINA
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PHOTO HENRY GAO
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ZOE WORKPLACE PHOTO HELYNN OSPINA
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We genuinely like people and the planet. We want to work with you.
CONTACT
415.513.0629 info@reddotstudio.com www.reddotstudio.com
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Red Dot Studio is located on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone. We wish to recognize Indigenous knowledge and pay our respects to the Ancestors and community of the Ohlone, and to affirm their sovereign rights as First Peoples