For nearly 30 years, Mill Valley-based Chambers + Chambers Architects has been imparting homes in Marin and beyond with its signature brand of design that merges classical elegance with understated, contemporary luxury. Founder and principal architect Barbara Chambers can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to be an architect, and her dedication to the craft has earned her firm not only a devoted clientele, but also the 2018 Julia Morgan Awards for Excellence in The Classical Tradition for Architecture. Here, Chambers shares how Chambers + Chambers got its start and continues to thrive in the world of architecture and design.
What drew you to the field of architecture?
From as far back as I can remember, I wanted to be an architect. As a young child of 5 years old, I enjoyed drawing and building toy houses. As I grew a little older, I recall marveling at beautiful homes that we would drive by on our family’s Sunday excursions after church. I wondered why, what and who made these houses so beautiful. At that point, I knew where my passion would lead me: design and architecture.
What brought you to San Francisco?
I completed my undergraduate work in fine arts — focusing on painting and interior design, as they did not offer an architectural program at the university I attended. Later, I earned my master of architecture degree. During my graduate studies, I came to San Francisco for an intensive summer program in classical architecture. I fell in love with San Francisco and the Bay Area, and I knew this is where I would start my career, even though my extended family was, and still resides, in Colorado.
Upon graduating, I took what little money I had saved while working multiple jobs, got on a plane and arrived in San Francisco. Thinking back, I realize it was more than a little crazy. I didn’t know anyone, nor had I figured out how I would support myself since I had no work experience. I just trusted everything would work out. My father was convinced I would be home within a few months. At the same time, he supported my passion and drive to be who I wanted to be. Everything did work out, and my passion for architecture and design was realized — something I dreamed about since I was very young.
How did Chambers + Chambers Architects come to be?
BC: I knew I wanted to have my own practice, and although I had no idea how to run an office, I trusted I could figure it out along the way. My accountant who set up the business told me Chambers + Chambers Architects sounded better than Barbara Chambers Architecture, so I named my firm after my two young boys, who were 2 and 4 at the time.
How do you define your signature architectural style?
Contemporary traditional architecture, influenced by classical architecture, forms the foundation of all of my work, yet I strive to make it fit the modern needs of the clients I work for. I want to create a sense of elegance and peacefulness, along with a sense of place, in each home, one that isn’t trendy and lasts over time.
How does that translate in the projects you do?
Every project I do for my clients reflects the same principles of traditional or classical architecture. Symmetry; scale; rich materials; and elegant, classical proportions, details and moldings have become integral to the custom casework we design for each home, as well as the layering or symmetry of spaces through the house.
The same principles apply to a renovated home versus a new home; it’s just a different program, a unique puzzle to put together. Our brand is immediately recognizable whether it’s a renovation or a new build — at least that’s what everyone tells me.
For interiors, we tend to use a varied but identifiable color palette and classical materials, textures, and patterns that work with the traditional architectural vocabulary. I’ve either developed or vetted these materials over many years.
What do you love most about your work?
Each new project I start becomes my favorite. I still wake up every day and absolutely love going to work. I have so much passion for architecture. I’ve been blessed to have incredible clients who trust what we do. I’m fortunate to realize what a wonderful career I’ve had and continue to thrive in!
Whose work inspires you?
Oh my gosh — there are so many talented architects and designers, both current and from the past, whose work I admire. A few current designers and architects whose work I appreciate are Gil Schafer III, Ken Tate, Bobby McAlpine, Robert Stern, Patrick Ahearn, Suzanne Kasler, Michael Smith, Victoria Hagan, Steven Gambrel and Alexandra Misczynski.
What’s changed most about residential architecture since the early days at Chambers + Chambers?
Clients today want less formal family houses that they can also entertain casually in — places that are elegant and classical yet also functional.
Is it challenging to be a female architect in an industry that is still dominated by men?
I remember early in my career, not long after I opened my doors in Marin, I hired a well-respected male business coach in the area to help me realize my dream. He told me that he didn’t think that I would be successful as a boutique women-owned architectural business, and that I needed to consider teaming up with a male partner. Well, that was our last meeting, and I walked him out the front door. However, the experience made me more determined to be a successful woman-owned business in a male-dominated field!
What advice would you share with up-and-coming female architects?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. My father always told me to love what I do and to work hard — the rest will come! He was right. He was my biggest fan and always encouraged me to follow my passion, trust my heart and not listen to anyone else. Don’t give up. You’ll make mistakes along the way and realize one day that those challenges build character and are sometimes the best life lessons.
What are your plans for the future?
My talented son Kyle Chambers recently joined my practice. He’s just as passionate and driven as I was at his age. Chambers + Chambers will carry on over the next decade and beyond!
I continue to love my work. I’ll always be involved, providing strong mentorship for my amazing staff who all have been with me for an extended period. I attribute my success to my wonderful team. I couldn’t do it without them.
Lotus Abrams has covered everything from beauty to business to tech in her editorial career, but it might be writing about her native Bay Area that inspires her most. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the San Francisco Peninsula, where they enjoy spending time outdoors at the area’s many open spaces protected and preserved by her favorite local nonprofit, the Peninsula Open Space Trust.
