About Richard Janzen
A Bay Area residential architect with over 40 years of experience
designing thoughtful, site-specific homes.
Meet the Architect
Experience Rooted in Thoughtful Design
Richard Janzen is a licensed architect based in Oakland, California, with more than 40 years of experience designing custom residential homes throughout the Bay Area. His work spans ground-up residences, renovations, and technically demanding hillside projects that require both creative vision and careful precision. Early studies in architecture at U.C. Berkeley shaped his belief that meaningful design comes from balancing aesthetics, function, budget, building codes, and site constraints in a way that feels seamless and liberating.
After school, Richard worked closely with East Bay building contractors, gaining hands-on experience both in the drafting office and on active residential job sites. That foundation continues to inform his collaborative approach today. By maintaining clear communication with clients, consultants, and builders—and by giving homeowners the time and space to fully share their ideas from the outset—each project evolves into a home that feels natural, enduring, and deeply connected to the way people live.
Why Choose Us
Why Homeowners Choose Richard Janzen
Decades of Experience in Residential Architecture
Over 40 years of experience designing custom homes across the Bay Area, including complex hillside and site-specific projects.
A Collaborative and Client-Focused Design Process
Every project is shaped through clear communication and close collaboration, ensuring the final design reflects both your vision and practical needs.
Thoughtful and Site-Specific Residential Design
Each home is designed in response to its surroundings, maximizing light, views, and how the space feels within its environment.