Welcome to Knorr Architecture …
a group of architects passionate about creating an exciting space for our clients!
Specializing in residential and hospitality projects for discerning clients, Knorr Architecture is a small boutique firm focused on providing full architectural services from schematic design thru final construction. Our client-centered approach to design results in imaginative, functionally planned living spaces with aesthetic solutions that respond directly to your individual vision and reflect the distinctive environment of your project site.
We handle each project individually with careful attention to detail, to required time schedules, and to your budget. In order to ensure quality service, we take on only 2 to 3 new homes a year.
Our History …
Knorr Architecture was founded in 1951 in San Francisco by Don Knorr, FAIA, and is now headed by Torin Knorr who joined the firm in 1995 and in 2000 located the office in downtown San Mateo to better serve the greater Bay Area.
Over the course of 58 years, the firm has received many prestigious awards, such as the Golden Nugget and Sunset Awards for Home of the Year, the AIASMC 20-Year Firm Award and numerous others. Torin’s experience includes over 20 years of architectural services in the restaurant industry where he developed prototype restaurants around the country.
While working in Southern California in Montecito, Torin also designed and developed large estates for such Hollywood celebrities as James Brolin, Kenny Loggins and Paul Williams. Today, Knorr Architecture concentrates primarily on new traditional residential projects and on some residential remodels.
And – a Philosophy of Sailing …
As Torin puts it, “One of the reasons I love both architecture and sailing is that they have so much in common. The solution for winning a sailboat regatta involves more than having a quick boat, but having a team working together with unison, accuracy, talent and leadership. The same applies to designing a successful project.”
“Each project, like each race, has a unique set of parameters – a challenging site, a challenging course, a unique style of home, a unique course, but the process for resolving each condition is the same. As the team leader I must understand the program or the course and communicate clearly to the team the tasks ahead. “
“Throughout the design process or race course you are constantly refining your position and strategies for the quickest and best results. Races are lost and projects fail when mistakes are made, period. I prepare for each project as if it were a race – understand the client’s needs, know the limits, but push the creative limits to an end result that surpasses the original vision and goal.”
This is why I always ask…” Want to go for a sail?”