Business Details
31 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services
Cary Bernstein Architect is a progressive design firm dedicated to architectural excellence through craft, clarity, and light. Founded in 1995 by principal Cary Bernstein, the practice develops tailored solutions for residential, commercial, arts-related, and healthcare projects across California, New York, Russia, and Taiwan. With over 25 years of experience, the firm combines deep expertise in design and construction phases with a commitment to professional integrity and sustainability. Cary Bernstein holds advanced degrees from Dartmouth College and Yale School of Architecture, bringing academic rigor to every project. The firms work has earned numerous awards and recognition in international publications and exhibitions.As a licensed architect in California and New York, Cary maintains affiliations with prestigious organizations including AIA California and NCARB. Her background includes teaching roles at Dartmouth College, Yale University, and UC Berkeley, reinforcing the firms emphasis on innovation and education. Public service remains central to the practice, with active participation in AIA committees and the 1% Solution initiative. Clients benefit from a collaborative approach that prioritizes unique site and client needs while adhering to the highest standards of design excellence. The firms global perspective and technical proficiency ensure solutions that balance aesthetic vision with functional requirements.
Services
Residential
Cultural
Studio Office
Healthcare
In Progress
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in architectural design and construction.
- Our projects have won numerous awards for architecture and interiors.
- We maintain LEED AP and CGBP certifications for sustainable design expertise.
- Our principal holds teaching positions at top-tier academic institutions.
- We serve clients across four global locations with tailored solutions.
Associations and certifications
- FAIA
- LEED AP
- CGBP
- NCARB
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential spaces that balance modern aesthetics with functional living requirements. Our approach prioritizes natural light integration and material craftsmanship while addressing site-specific challenges. Projects range from single-family homes to multi-unit developments across urban and rural settings.
Cultural Projects
Our cultural project designs emphasize public engagement and contextual relevance. We specialize in museums, galleries, and community spaces that enhance artistic expression while meeting technical requirements for preservation and accessibility. Recent work includes exhibition spaces in international venues.
Healthcare Facilities
We develop healthcare environments that prioritize patient comfort and operational efficiency. Our designs incorporate evidence-based practices to create healing spaces that meet strict regulatory standards while maintaining aesthetic integrity across clinics and specialized treatment centers.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial projects focus on creating productive workspaces that reflect brand identity. We specialize in adaptive reuse of industrial buildings and sustainable office environments that meet LEED certification requirements while optimizing spatial functionality for diverse business needs.
Studio Office
The firm maintains a full-service design studio offering concept development through construction documentation. Our team provides technical expertise in building systems integration, material selection, and project management coordination for all project types and scales.
People
Cary Bernstein
Principal Architect
Cary Bernstein leads the firm with expertise in modern design and construction. She holds architecture licenses in California and New York, along with LEED AP and NCARB certifications. Her academic background includes teaching at Yale and UC Berkeley.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
Our work emphasizes modernist principles with a focus on clean lines, natural light integration, and material honesty while adapting to each project's unique requirements.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we offer comprehensive design services for residential, commercial, healthcare, and cultural projects across multiple international locations.
Are you certified in sustainable design practices?
The firm maintains LEED AP and Certified Green Building Professional credentials to ensure environmentally responsible design solutions.
How long have you been in practice?
Cary Bernstein Architect has operated in San Francisco since 1995, with the principal architect having practiced in New York previously.
What areas do you serve?
We work across California, New York, Moscow, Russia, and Taipei, Taiwan, with project experience in diverse climatic and cultural contexts.
Can you assist with historic preservation projects?
While not our primary focus, our design approach respects historical context and can incorporate preservation elements when required by site conditions.
