Ruofei Gao
Founder | California Licensed Architect
Ruofei Gao holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Tsinghua University and a Master of Architecture from Cornell University. He is a licensed architect in California.
His professional experience spans custom homes, multifamily housing, hospitality, and winery projects. Having personally designed and overseen the construction of his own home in Palo Alto, he brings firsthand knowledge of the entire process, from design and permitting through construction.
With a lifelong passion for art and architecture, Ruofei values thoughtful proportions, efficient use of spaces, and carefully resolved details. His approach combines design sensitivity with a practical understanding of materials and construction, creating homes that are beautiful, functional, and built to last.
Beauty, made useful.
Good architecture begins with understanding how people live and how they want to live. We listen carefully, explore the relationships between spaces, and consider how light, landscape, privacy, and everyday routines can shape a home that feels both intuitive and personal.
We believe beauty and functionality should work together, not compete. Through thoughtful planning, careful attention to proportion, and a clear architectural vision, we seek to create homes that are both visually compelling and comfortable to live in.
From understanding to realization.
Every project follows a thoughtful progression, from understanding the people and the place to bringing a clear architectural vision to life.
Discover
We begin by understanding the client's lifestyle, goals, and priorities while studying the site's opportunities, constraints, and regulatory requirements.
Explore
Through programming, spatial studies, and design iterations, we develop a clear architectural concept that connects the client's needs with the character of the site.
Develop
We refine the design and coordinate structure, building systems, materials, and details, translating the architectural vision into comprehensive construction documents.
Realize
During construction, we collaborate with the project team, review submittals, respond to questions, and observe the work to help bring the design vision to life.