Who We Are
Kava Massih Architects is a full service architecture firm with offices in Berkeley and San Francisco. Since its founding in 1996, the firm has completed a wide range of innovative architectural designs in the Bay Area. We are dedicated to working collaboratively in the development of unique, project-specific design solutions that exceed the expectations of our clients.
The firm’s organization is
characterized by an open and collaborative spirit that extends to its clients
and communities. Our long list of repeat clients is testament to our
creativity, dedication and flexibility. We have earned a reputation as a
firm capable of delivering innovative design within time and budget constraints.
Our professional services include feasibility studies, programming, space planning, architecture, interior architecture, construction documentation and administration through occupancy.
Our office has completed a wide variety of project types including market rate and affordable housing, public institutions, commercial buildings, restaurants, and highly specialized medical facilities. This project range benefits our clients, allowing us to transpose innovative solutions and problem-solving across project types. The firm’s practice is broadened and strengthened by design concepts that maximize each project’s potential.
Nearly all of our projects go
through a public design review process, requiring extensive city, committee and
neighborhood interaction. We find ways to embrace that involvement, weaving it
into our building designs which ultimately become a source of pride for the entire
community. By listening and responding to concerns, we widen the circle
of ownership using the project to help reinforce communities.
We believe in a holistic approach
to design which allows a balance between the current needs of our clients and a
respect for the future needs of the planet. We understand that
sustainable development is an integrated process involving all members of the
project team. A successful collaboration results in a high quality product with minimal impact on the
environment and maximum return on investment.
Kava Massih - principal
Since founding Kava Massih Architects in 1996, Kava has guided its steady growth, built its strong reputation, and garnered the respect of many repeat clients. Kava brings to all projects clear, innovative, and inspiring designs. He leads the firm’s design initiatives and his personal involvement in each phase results in a consistent quality for all projects.
In an article published in Diablo Magazine, Kava was described as a “visionary” who is “on the frontier of East Bay architecture…reshaping our world…Kava Massih’s buildings stand out.” Under his leadership, the firm has received numerous awards and jury invitations, including recognition as an “Emerging Talent Firm” by the California Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Kava’s philosophy is to approach each project without preconceived ideas in order to find the best design solution for that project. His environmentalist views and dedication to public service are also reflected in the values of the firm. Through his service as a member of the Emeryville Planning Commission, he brings an in-depth understanding of how cities approach the planning and approval process.
Kava works extensively with project stakeholders, keeping them interested and involved, ensuring that their concerns are addressed, and integrating their vision for the project into the design. He is regarded as a master consensus builder, able to satisfy the needs of various constituencies. Through his ability to listen and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders, he ensures that all participants are on board with a design.
Jerry Mastora - principal
As a founding partner of Kava Massih Architects in 1996, Jerry has been directly involved with many of the firm’s significant projects and long term clients. With over 25 years of architectural experience, Jerry has effectively directed complex, large-scale projects, coordinating input from a wide range of stakeholders to develop architectural programs that set the course to reach client’s goals. He has extensive experience in feasibility studies, programming, and master planning, with a proven ability to balance client objectives with project budgets. Jerry is also skilled in construction technology and directing construction administration for complex institutional projects.
Jerry has designed and managed the projects of several prominent Bay Area hospitals, including UC San Francisco, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Alameda County Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital Oakland. One of his more notable projects was the re-design of the Emergency Department for the Summit Campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, including 25 treatment and resuscitation rooms. The project included careful construction staging so that emergency services could continue without interruption. He also designed the Health Sciences Building for Children’s Hospital Oakland. Because the building houses a sophisticated diagnostic tool known as a Ferritometer, it had to meet sensitive magnetic and vibration requirements, while also being cost effective, child friendly, and responsive to the historic context of the hospital’s Research Institute campus.
J. Jarrell Conner - principal
Since joining Kava Massih Architects in 2000, J. has been an indispensable asset to the firm. In his over eighteen years of architectural experience J. has successfully overseen numerous projects through all stages of development—from contributing to the initial design efforts to managing the project through completion and close-out.
J's expertise spans a wide variety of project types including market-rate and affordable housing, restaurants, tenant improvements, new construction, renovations, commercial, retail, and institutional. He is especially well-versed in project management and construction administration. He has successfully guided many projects through the entitlement process, skillfully negotiating with user groups, neighborhood groups, consultants, and regulatory agencies in order to gain consensus and keep these projects on schedule. He is flexible in his approach, easily accessible to clients, and an excellent communicator with the entire project team, insuring projects move forward successfully.
J is a LEED accredited professional. He is currently overseeing a large market rate housing project in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco.
Mark Schlientz - principal
After completing a master’s degree program at the University of Texas in Austin in 1997, Mark returned to the Bay Area where he joined the newly formed firm of Kava Massih Architects. Mark is responsible for the successful completion of a wide range of project types, including several institutional projects, as well as adaptive reuse, commercial, multi-family housing and healthcare. He played a key role in planning and designing of several large projects including, Rosa Parks Elementary School in Berkeley, the Bentley School in Lafayette, and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s headquarters in Martinez, taking these projects from early stage programming through construction. Mark excels in project team communication and maintains positive on-going relationships with clients, consultants and contractors through project completion and beyond. He was invited to become Senior Associate in 2010 and Principal in July of 2016.
Mark is currently working on a 150 unit affordable housing project in San Francisco, and a 30,000 sq ft tenant improvement in Emeryville.
Mary Young-Williams - associate
Mary’s architectural experience spans a wide range of project types including healthcare, institutional, commercial, education, and multi-family housing. She is involved in every aspect of the architectural process from early planning/schematic design to code review to construction and client move-in. Mary has been especially involved in tenant improvements, coordinating with the building owner, the tenant, and the contractor to arrive at the final product. Having experience with design-build, she has worked closely with both the owner and the contractor to arrive at the final product. She also specializes in all aspects of interior architecture—from space planning and interior design to the selection of color palettes and furniture. Since joining the firm in 2008 she has been an invaluable team member. Mary was invited to become an associate in June 2012.
One of Mary's current projects is the interior design of communal spaces for the new L Seven Apartments in San Francisco.
2016 Awards + Publications
Office SnapShots, officesnapshots.com, Published July 21, 2016, SVS Group Headquarters Tenant Improvement, Oakland, CA
2014 Awards + Publications
2013 Awards + Publications
People’s Choice Award for “Distinguished Architecture” sponsored by the Action for Beauty Council in Walnut Creek, Rossmoor Table Tennis Facility, Walnut Creek, CA
Healthcare Design Magazine, October 2013, pages 36-39, “Give Me Strength”, Pain and Rehabilitative Consultants Medical Group Outpatient Clinic, Emeryville, CA
Healthcare Design Magazine, March 2013, “New Faces of Senior Care”, pg. 28, Golden Valley Health Center’s Senior Health & Wellness Center, Merced, CA
AIA East Bay Design Awards Program - Citation Award for Architecture, SE Division Street. Portland, OR
AIA East Bay Design Awards Program - Merit Award for Architecture, Berkeley Bowl West. Berkeley, CA
Illumination Awards - Award of Merit, The Illumination Engineering Society of North America, Pat Brown's Grill, University of California, Berkeley.
2012 Awards + Publications
AIA
Design for Aging Review, 11th Edition, Publish Award
Building - pages 118-123. “Agesong
at Bayside Park”, Emeryville, CA
2011 Awards + Publications
Semi-Finalist,
International Competition, Bangladesh Cyclone Center. Selected as 1 of 4
semi-finalist invited to site in late March.
Focus
on Healthcare Foodservice, Spring 2011,
featured projects - cover + pages 10-12, 14, 16. Janice Cha, “UCSF’s Mission
Impossible,” UC San Francisco Medical Center Parnassus Campus - Moffitt Cafe,
San Francisco, CA
2010 Awards + Publications
California Home & Design,
February/March, page 56, “A Warm Welcome,” Ashby Lofts, Berkeley, CA
East Bay Monthly, April, pages 7-9,
Lauri Puchall, “Bowled Over Again,” Berkeley Bowl West, Berkeley, CA
Grocery Headquarters, April, pages
31-38, Richard Turcsik, “Perfect Game,” Berkeley Bowl West, Berkeley, CA
Design
through Dialogue, by Karen A Franck and Teresa von Summaruga
Howard, J.W. Wiley & Sons. Ltd., pages 31, 64, 79, 95, 101, 122, 124, 150.
Merced Sun-Star, November 15, 2010, “Services for senior care to be offered under one roof” Golden Valley Health Center, Merced, CA
Award
for Design Excellence, Berkeley Design Advocates,
West Berkeley Bowl, 920 Heinz Avenue, Building Types - Commercial, Berkeley, CA
2009 Awards + Publications
San Francisco Chronicle, June 9, John King, “Postcards from the edge of Emeryville,”
page E-1, Glasshaus, Emeryville, CA
Oakland City Council,
Resolution recognizing Kava Massih Architects for their commitment to
sustainability and green building, congratulating Zephyr Gate on its GreenPoint
rating through the Build It Green certification
program.
San Francisco Business Times, May 8, p.
8, “AgeSong to wrap up Emeryville facility” AgeSong Assisted Living.
Emeryville, CA
2008 Awards + Publications
Archnews, February issue, p. 8, “Firm
Profile: Kava Massih Architects” Bentley
School, UC Berkeley Public Health Library, and The Sierra. Lafayette, Berkeley,
and Oakland, CA
San Francisco Chronicle, February 12,
“Place: West Berkeley builds community,” page E-1, Activspace, Berkeley, CA
San Francisco Business Times, June 6,
“Retail development planned for Southeast Division,” 3103 S.E. Division,
Portland, OR
East Bay Business Times, September 19, “SF firm to
build $29M senior residence,” AgeSong Emeryville, Emeryville, CA
Inside Bay Area, May 13, “Casa Verde opens in San Leandro,” Casa Verde,
San Leandro, CA
The HayWord, July 28,
“Celebration officially begins for Casa Verde,” Casa Verde, San Leandro, CA
Contra Costa Times, July 22 “District
Attorney’s Office opens new headquarters,” Contra Costa County District
Attorney’s Office, Martinez, CA
2007 Awards + Publications
National Association of Home
Builders - Pillars of the Industry Awards Finalist,
Best Garden/Small Scale
Condo Community, City Limits. Emeryville, CA
Architecture of the San Francisco Bay: A History & Guide by Mitchell Schwarzer, 2007 © William Stout Publishers. The Sierra p. 148 and Bentley School Gymnasium p. 158.
Oak and Octavia Invitational
Competition, Invitational competition to design a
mixed-use residential building in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood.
arcCA, February issue, p. 26–27, “Design
Review in San Francisco: Three Perspectives”, Elephant Pharmacy and The Sierra.
Berkeley and Oakland, CA
2007 Educational Interiors Awards, Bronze Citation, University of California Berkeley, Cafe 3, Berkeley, CA
Berkeley Daily Californian, January
17, p. 5, “Dining Uncommon”, University of California Dining Commons. Berkeley,
CA
2006 Awards + Publications
San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, p.
CM15, “T-Rex Still Evolving”, T-Rex Barbeque. Berkeley, CA
PG&E Savings by Design
Award, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Martinez,
CA
Greenstop Design Competition,
Competition Finalist. Tulare County, San Joaquin Valley, CA
Contra Costa Times, January 6, “BBQ
Buzzes with Brontosaurus-Size Bones” T-Rex Barbeque. Berkeley, CA
Diablo Magazine, November issue,
p. 96, “Chow House: Berkeley Architect Kava Massih is Master of Tastefull
Design”, Epicurious Gardens, Nation’s Giant Hamburger and T-Rex Barbecue, all
in Berkeley, CA
San Francisco Chronicle, July 18, p. D3, “Humble Burger Bistro Gets
Stylish Treatment” Nation’s Giant Hamburger. Berkeley, CA
Charles L. Edson Tax Credit
Excellence Awards Special Needs Housing, Honorable Mention,
University Neighborhood Apartments, Berkeley, CA
Oakland Tribune, February 8, p. Living 1, “Gourmet To-go”
Epicurious Garden. Berkeley, CA
2005 Awards + Publications
AIArchitect This Week, August 1, Project
Watch,“Unique Partnership Produces Nation’s First Affordable, Universal-Design
Apartment Complex”, University Neighborhood Apartments. Berkeley, CA
Access by Design, Winter issue,
#105, p. 14–17,
“University Neighborhood Apartments–A Case Study from the USA”, University
Neighborhood Apartments. Berkeley, CA
Business Week, November 28, p.
108–109, “Home is Where the Factory Is” City Limits. Emeryville, CA
San Francisco Chronicle, November
10, p. E1, “Don’t Let Architectural Snobbery Interfere with Your Enjoyment of
These Five Ugly Duckling Bay Area Buildings”, Chevron Station. Emeryville, CA
Multi-Housing News, September issue, “The
Nation’s Top 100 Multi-Housing Architects”
Builder Magazine, December issue, p. 154–156, “The Starter Set”, City Limits. Emeryville, CA
Multi-Housing News, August issue, p.
13, “Universally Designed AH Opens in Berkeley,” University Neighborhood
Apartments. Berkeley, CA
Architecture, April issue, p.
72–73, “Stair-Case Studies”, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA
Competitions Magazine, Winter issue, p. 20–27, “Learning to Love the
Freeway, MOCA at the Luther Burbank Center”
Invitational
Competition, Finalist. Luther Burbank Center. Santa Rosa, CA
San Francisco Chronicle, September 15, p.
E1, “Plans for new D.A.’s office in Martinez offer a smart step forward”, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
Martinez, CA
West Berkeley Foundation Award,
West Berkeley Foundation. Berkeley, CA
2004 Awards + Publications
Contra Costa Center for Jewish
Education, Winner, Invitational Competition, Campus
Masterplan and Expansion. Walnut Creek, CA
Museum of Contemporary Art,
Finalist, Invitational Competition. One of three top firms invited to final
stage of competition. Luther Burbank Center. Santa Rosa, CA
Architectural League of New
York Finalist, Invitational Competition
San Francisco Chronicle, February 22, p.
G1–G12, “The Name Game”, Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA
Architectural Record, March issue on
website – Bentley School. Lafayette, CA
Affordable
Housing Finance, Volume
12, No. 3 “Pioneering ‘Universal Design’ project gets under way.”, University
Neighborhood Apartments. Berkeley, CA.
Oakland, July/August issue, p. 86–91, “Living
Aloft”, The Sierra. Oakland, CA
Architectural Record, July issue,
cover, p. 9–12, Review: “Small Schools, No Small Effort”, Bentley School.
Lafayette, CA
Gold Nugget Awards, Award of
Merit - Residential Project of the Year—Attached,
Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA
Gold Nugget Awards, Award of
Merit - Best Attached
Project—30 dwelling units/acre, Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA
McGeorge School of Law, Finalist, Invitational
Competition, Sacramento, CA
2003 Awards + Publications
Arch•Tech, January/February
issue, p. 16 “Integral Lighting–Office Design”, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA
East Bay AIA Design Awards
Program - Merit Award
Silver—Out of the Box, Sliver
Project. Emeryville, CA.
East Bay AIA Design Awards
Program - Merit Award for
Architecture, Bentley
School Gymnasium. Lafayette, CA.
East Bay AIA Design Awards
Program - Merit Award for
Interior, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA
National Home Builder Association
Awards Finalist, Attached
Community of the Year, Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA
National Home Builder
Association Awards - Best Interior
Merchandising, Western United States Regional Winner. Liquid 2.
Emeryville, CA
Oakland Heritage Alliance -
Partners in Preservation Award. Adeline Lofts.
Oakland, CA
Home and Architectural Trends,
Vol. 19, No. 4, p. 98–112, “Lofty ideas” Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA
Oakland Tribune, Sunday, May 4, p.
B1 “Lofty Living”, The Sierra. Oakland, CA
San Francisco Chronicle, April 18 “A new
Berkeley development is 21st century artists’ colony.” Activspace. Berkeley, CA
Berkeley Voice, January 10, p. B2 “Leading residential developer enters
Bay Area market” The Sierra. Oakland, CA
East Bay AIA Design Awards
Program - Merit Award for
Architecture, The Sierra. Oakland, CA.
Architectural Record, "The architects carve an expansive school project out of a challenging site". Bentley Upper School Gymnasium. Lafayette, CA.
2002 Awards + Publications
San Francisco Chronicle, July 21, p. A27 “Lofty goals for Oakland warehouse district”, The
Sierra. Oakland, CA
San Francisco Chronicle, July 21, p. A23 “London
Calling”, The Sierra. Oakland, CA
California Construction Link, June issue, p. 30 “Oakland’s Iron-Deficient Building”
Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland. New Health Science Building.
Oakland, CA.
Diablo Magazine, April issue, p.
48–57 “The Mod Squad; Four Hot Architects are making Modern Art in the East
Bay’s ’Burbs.”
Berkeley Design Advocates Award
The Dakota. Berkeley, CA. Warehouse rehabilitation project.
Berkeley Design Advocates Award.
8th Street Lofts, 3 live/work units. Berkeley, CA
East Bay Business Times,
Structures 2000 – Interior Design of the Year Award
Crown Renovation Project. Emeryville, CA
San Francisco Business
Journal,
March issue, p. 21, “Oakland’s former PG&E building reborn, again”,
Oakland, CA
Architecture, January issue, p.
34, Sliver Building, Emeryville, CA
Architecture, February issue,
p. 40–42, Health Science Building, Children’s Hospital & Research Center
Oakland. Oakland, CA
2001 Awards + Publications
Western Metal in Architecture,
May/June, p. 8–9,
Hollis Business Center. Emeryville, CA
Architectural Record, June 2001 issue, p.
158–160,"Retaining an old factory's airy gradeur", Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA
AIASF and SF Examiner Magazine
Best of the Bay—Inside, Merit Award, Evolve Software.
Emeryville, CA
AIACC and Monterey Design
Conference, Statewide invitational competition. Emerging Talent invitational award winner and Monterey Design Conference
presenter. Sponsored by the AIACC, Spring. Asilomar, CA
Downtown Berkeley
Association Excellence in Design
Award, Kaplan Educational Center. Berkeley, CA
SF Examiner Magazine, February 18, p.
28, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA
Places Magazine, Winter issue, p.
6–9, Rosa Parks Elementary School. Berkeley, CA (Formerly Columbus Elementary
School)
San Francisco Business Journal,
May 4–10, p. 38,
“Sound Structure.”
2000 Awards + Publications
Building Design & Construction,
February issue “Give Me Shelter”, Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA
San Francisco Chronicle, March 21,
Datebook B1, “Emeryville on the Rise,” EmeryTech. Emeryville, CA
San Francisco Business Times Real Estate Deals of the Year - Best
Rehab/Renovation Finalist EmeryTech.
Emeryville, CA
San Francisco Business Times, May 12, p.
13, “Another Emeryville Warehouse Conversion”, Glashaus Project. Emeryville, CA
Berkeley Daily Planet, July 19, p. 1.,
“Facelift for newly remodeled building revealed to public,” Kaplan Education
Center. Berkeley, CA
Interiors, October, p. 83, “Industry
Non-Standard,” Evolve. Emeryville, CA
Award of Merit: Commercial Over 10,000 SF, AIA San Francisco, Evolve Software, Emeryville, CA
1999 Awards + Publications
Gold Nugget Awards, Merit
Award, Best Multi-Family Project, Shattuck Senior
Homes. Berkeley, CA
Berkeley Design Advocates Award
- Affordable Housing, Shattuck Senior Homes.
Berkeley, CA
Gold Nugget Awards, Merit
Award, Best Affordable Housing Project, Shattuck
Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA
Architectural Record, February issue “Seniors
with Style”, The Avalon. Emeryville, CA
National Council on Seniors’
Housing, Honorable Mention, Shattuck
Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA
1998 Awards + Publications
Outstanding
Adaptive Re-use Award, The Berkeley
Architectural Heritage
Association - Pyramid Brewery & Alehouse, Berkeley, CA
AIA East Bay Merit Award
Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA
Award of Excellence, Berkeley Design Advocates, Pyramid Brewery, Berkeley, CA
AIA East Bay Merit Award Pyramid
Brewery. Berkeley, CA
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