Firm Profile – Claudia Falconer Architect
Claudia Falconer Architect is a one person firm located in her home in Oakland. The firm was established in 1991 when she was working for Interactive Resources in Pt. Richmond and successfully completed a one million dollar renovation of Richmond’s MLK Recreation Center. The City of Richmond received a grant to work on nine more recreation centers and issued an RFP for a sole proprietor architect to work exclusively on their projects. Falconer applied and was selected. While providing architectural services to the City of Richmond on a variety of projects for many years, she was also designing projects for Oakland, Contra Costa County and Alameda County.
Claudia first expected that she would provide design services for public agencies and then branch out to commercial projects. Instead, she veered into residential design such as additions, remodels, ADUs, and new homes. As a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), Falconer has provided “aging in place” design, occasionally provides ADA Compliance Reports, and other CASp services for businesses. Although Falconer didn’t expect to focus on residential design, she believes it is a good fit for her since the work has been gratifying and rewarding. One project that she is most proud of is a new home in Baja California. Her client was a Richmond psychologist who was retiring to Mexico. Claudia believes that it takes a great client to design a great project. She enjoys working with open-minded people who are curious, optimistic, resilient, and have a good sense of irony.
Since Claudia is a sole proprietor, the structure of her practice is quite simple – she provides all service from business development to construction administration. Falconer also has the comfort of working from home and enjoys the company of her two dogs and three cats!
She does everything she can to help her clients achieve their goals for their home in the most imaginative and straightforward way possible. Most of her clients have never worked with an architect before are sometimes unclear with the services Claudia provides. Thus, she tries to make the process as seamless as possible and gives her clients a realistic idea of what the project will entail. Falconer’s efficiency, experience, and knowledge ensure that her clients will have a positive experience.
Due to successful projects and word of mouth, Falconer has received numerous referrals and many new projects. With countless years of experience and great knowledge, Claudia hopes to continue on her current course for many more years to come. To view more of Claudia’s work, you can check out her website here.
