Six Leading Architects and the Historic Visionaries Who Inspire Them

“Julia Morgan practiced for 50 years and completed nearly 700 buildings—she was extraordinarily accomplished. After earning her degree at Berkeley, she was the first female architect admitted to the prestigious architectural program at L’École des Beaux-Arts. She left us a legacy of treasures that were as revered when she created them as they are cherished today.”–Barbara Chambers, Chambers + Chambers Architects

“In my current work, I draw more inspiration from natural forms than historic Bay Area architecture. For me, the beach provides a model for contemporary architecture in its complexity, mutability and range of scales."–Luke Ogrydziak, Ogrydziak Prillinger Architects

“I admire Bernard Maybeck’s idiosyncratic blend of classicism with the modernism of his day. His work is quirky, witty; he willfully manipulated scale, and the play of light and shadow, to great architectural effect.”–Grant F. Marani, Partner, Robert A.M. Stern Architects

“As drawn as I am to the simplicity of modern architecture, I’m a romantic at heart and love the richness of classical buildings. Arthur Brown Jr. graced San Francisco with many treasured landmarks; the homes that he designed were sublime and somehow seemed to capture classical elegance in a spirit that was modern for the day.”–Ken Linsteadt, Ken Linsteadt Architects

“I love the shingle style work of turn-of-the-century Bay Area architects, particularly Ernest Coxhead. Scattered around San Francisco, Coxhead’s shingled buildings are constant sources of inspiration—spare and beautifully proportioned, with the occasional flourish of classical detail.”–Thomas A. Kligerman, Ike Kligerman Barkley

“I greatly admire Gardner Dailey’s work. The volumes of his structures are always a perfect response to their sites, which enables seamless transitions from interior spaces to gardens beyond. His detailing and sense of materials are also exquisite—truly inspirational!”–Mary Ann Schicketanz, Studio Schicketanz

A version of this article appeared in the February 2015 issue of San Francisco Cottages & Gardens with the headline: Design Across Time.