Blecher Building + Urban Design I BBUD

05/16/2026

27th Avenue House: Recomposition
San Francisco, CA

Reallocation rather than expansion.
For a young couple planning for a growing family, this remodel reworked the third floor of a 1923 Edwardian to make the existing spaces more useful, more comfortable, and more beautiful.

Key moves:
• room-sized closet + small office to primary suite
• new bath and walk-in closet within the existing footprint
• improved closet space for an adjacent bedroom
• excess hall area absorbed into usable rooms
• bearing walls replaced with consolidated beam lines
• skylights illuminating the third floor and connecting it to the second floor through the stair

The before and after shows the transformation. The plan and section show the architecture behind it: a focused, intricate intervention where structure, circulation, and light work together to support daily life.

Architecture / planning:
Interior design:
Structural engineering: BASE Design
Contractor:
Photography:

03/08/2026

Welcome to the page for Blecher Building + Urban Design | BBUD.

Blecher Building + Urban Design | BBUD is a San Francisco–based architecture practice working on residential, commercial, and community projects throughout California.

The studio focuses on carefully crafted buildings and interiors that respond to their urban context, regulatory environment, and long-term performance. Projects range from residential renovations and multifamily housing to retail spaces and small civic environments.

Blecher Building + Urban Design | BBUD works closely with clients, consultants, and public agencies to guide projects from concept through construction, navigating complex permitting and regulatory processes while maintaining clarity of design intent.

Areas of focus include:

• Residential architecture and multifamily housing
• Commercial interiors and retail environments
• Urban infill and adaptive reuse
• Sustainable building strategies
• Permitting and regulatory navigation

Website:
bbudesign.com

03/08/2026

Good design comes from a strong sense of stewardship — care for the places we shape and inhabit — and culminates in environments formed through attention and vision.
Two recent writeups about Thomas Keller illustrate to me how that stewardship can manifest in different contexts and at different scales.
In one, following her recent experience at The French Laundry, a restaurant critic paints a portrait of Keller as the designer of a whole experience shaped by his vision and executed through service and visceral impact. The meticulous conversation, plating, and the tour through the grounds all reflect that design skill.
Fast-forward to Keller’s recent participation in community discussions over proposed workforce housing in his town. The description of his arrival in chef’s whites signals the strong thoughts and suggestions he brings about how development could affect his staff and operation. In doing so, he participates in shaping how the region develops.

In many communities, the most impactful residents, business owners, and institutions help shape both their own places and the broader neighborhood.
As architects, we channel those passions through a holistic approach — evaluating places at multiple scales and shaping built environments responsive to both individual vision and the broader community.

Two interesting reads:
- Thomas Keller asked me to leave the French Laundry. It turned into my most extraordinary night as a critic https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/thomas-keller-french-laundry-20290670.php
- Chef Thomas Keller Asks City Council to Gather More Public Opinion on Proposed Workforce Housing
https://sf.eater.com/restaurant-news/211585/thomas-keller-yountville-commons-housing

In a city council appearance, the chef reiterates his support for Yountville Commons, but wants more discussion before the plan moves forward

03/30/2024

We designed this new juice bar to highlight the natural vibrancy of the healthy ingredients served with care and to provide a bright and welcoming local spot for the neighborhood. From layout design to consults; from material selection to equipment ordering, Blecher Building + Urban Design | BBUD worked with the business owner and the builder every step of the way. We are very proud of this opportunity to support a and help them thrive!

“Better Than Sweet” juice bar by Blecher Building + Urban Design | BBUD.

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12/19/2023

Construction continues rain or shine!

One of our projects under construction! A 5,000 sq ft complete remodel and addition in San Francisco!

11/19/2022

The Marin County Civic Center is a masterpiece building by Frank Lloyd Wright. The warm wood finishes and expansive skylights are retro-futuristic in combination and the level changes are inspiring.
Visiting here for project business and enjoying the architecture is a win-win!

10/25/2022

BBUD is a proud sponsor of Mission Housing's 50th Anniversary Celebration: "Built in the Mission."

Congratulations Mission Housing Development Corporation! Here's to 50+ more years of housing and community support!

Thursday 10/27, 2pm-7pm
https://www.builtinthemission.org/

06/24/2022

We’re thrilled to share a behind-the-scenes look at our cutting-edge project with Mission Housing Development Corporation and Nibbi Brothers General Contractors The brand new cozy and beautifully renovated existing apartments are all with innovative and ultra-efficient electric appliances and equipment. Today, Friday June 24 10am-12pm in San Francisco’s Mission District!

3434 18th Street, San Francisco

ZFA Structural Engineers
MHC Engineers, Inc.
Association for Energy Affordability
Walker Consultants






https://www.instagram.com/p/CfKBUGlpvlG/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

06/10/2022

Working napkin sketch

05/10/2022

Our team at walked one of our projects with the building owner Mission Housing Development Corporation and the contractor
Nibbi Brothers General Contractors to provide valuable feedback on the construction work so far. More to come on this exciting project!

ZFA Structural Engineers
MHC Engineers, Inc.
Association for Energy Affordability
Walker Consultants