Hafsa Burt, Studio Head at hb+a Architects, holds undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Architecture with a minor in Electronic Design from SCAD. Her impressive career spans high-profile projects such as the proposal for the Guggenheim Museum in NYC at Gehry’s office, and a 1.1 million square foot mixed-use development for Microsoft while at SOM. Her expertise also extends to a fast-track design-build Secure Connector for San Francisco Airport and various retail projects, showcasing her versatile experience across Urban Retail, Institutional, Commercial, Hospitality, and Mixed-Use markets. Hafsa’s leadership is defined by her commitment to collaborative and innovative architectural practices, making significant impacts in both commercial and institutional spheres.
hb+a Architects is a hands-on, tech-savvy design studio focused on delivering high-quality design projects. The firm today consists of design professionals; bringing decades of combined experience. We have a successful history with Planning and Building Departments in numerous counties all over the bay area. We take pride in getting projects entitled and shovel ready and work with our clients during the bidding and construction process for a seamless delivery.
hb+a Architects has been a pioneer of Healthy Buildings and Environmental Sustainability before the terms were industry norms, having been involved in initiating green building ordinances and design standards, With the current project portfolio ranging from fast-casual restaurant concepts to multifamily dwelling units, the firm takes pride in an experimental approach to varied project types. The firm’s current project portfolio of completed and on boards work spans from Sacramento to Los Altos Hills. Our current client list includes prestigious entities such as San Francisco International Airport, UCSF, Lincoln Property Company, Stonebrae LLC, Warner Brothers, Superfly X and Pacific Urban Residential.
The firm works as trusted advisors, combining localized expertise with a global perspective wherever new opportunities arise. hb+a Architects’ doesn’t just offer “Design services” but instead a full spectrum of services encompassing all aspects of building construction and development. With an extensive knowledge of construction types and methodology combined with financial awareness of the building process; the firm focuses on creating financially viable projects, deeply embedded in innovation with a keen awareness of the building’s environmental footprint and long-term urban impact.
Established in 2006, hb+a Architects operates as an interdisciplinary firm dedicated to rigorous design and research, resulting in groundbreaking architectural creations and dynamic urban landscapes. Under the leadership of founder Hafsa Burt, who serves as design director, the company comprises over a dozen professionals committed to the collaborative nature of architectural practice. Engaged in projects across California, hb+a Architects’ portfolio spans residential, institutional, and transportation structures, as well as expansive urban planning initiatives. The firm experiments to respond to the evolving landscapes of contemporary society, encompassing social, cultural, political, and technological realms as a commentary in our work. We bring the perfect blend of aesthetic and functionality to any project, keeping in mind conservation, reduction, and preservation of resources with a commitment to the practice of architecture as a collaborative and innovative enterprise focused on environmentally conscious and zero energy design and since we’ve worked on over 100 projects all over Northern California.