Philosophy

The office of Cary Bernstein Architect is committed to progressive design with an emphasis on craft, clarity and light. Each project is developed in response to the specific combination of client and site to achieve a solution unique to its place and time. In addition to the promotion of architectural excellence, we offer exceptional service to our clients through all phases of design and construction.

 

Principal

Cary Bernstein graduated from Dartmouth College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Russian Literature. She received a Master of Architecture degree from the Yale School of Architecture in 1988.

Cary practiced in New York for 6 years prior to opening her San Francisco office in 1995. Work includes residential, commercial, arts related and health care commissions in California, New York, Moscow, Russia and Taipei, Taiwan. The firm's projects have won numerous awards for architecture and interiors, and have appeared in local, national and international exhibitions and publications. In addition to a commitment to modern design, the practice maintains the highest standards of professional integrity at all project phases. Cary has taught both the Russian language and jewelry fabrication at Dartmouth College, philosophy at Yale University and architectural design at U.C. Berkeley. She held the position of Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the California College of the Arts.

 

Public Service

AIA California, Resilient Design Committee (2021-present)

AIA California, Interior Design Task Force (2021-present)

AIA California, Advocacy Advisory Committee (2019-present)

AIA California, Board of Directors (2018-present)

AIA San Francisco Chapter, Board of Directors (2014-2018)

SFMOMA A+D Forum, Chair & Program Chair (2007-2012)

SFMOMA, Trustee Ex-Officio (2010-2012)

The Laurel School, Trustee (2011-2013)

Public Architecture, member of the 1% Solution (on-going)

American Council on Germany: U.S. Delegate, Y.L. Conf., Hamburg (2001)

 

Registrations

Licensed in California and New York
FAIA, LEED AP, CGBP, NCARB