Ignition Architecture is a woman-owned firm passionate about designing bold, imaginative solutions that work hard and stand out. We bring two decades of know-how and award- winning spark to every project — diving in from concept through construction to bring to life modern and sustainable environments that delight. With us, you get a collaborative design process tailor-made to ensure your needs are heard and met. The way we see it, great design has the power to elevate people’s lives. And that’s what we strive to do, one inspired detail at a time.
[Octavia Court] is an oasis for developmentally disabled adults that meets the high standard of architectural quality set by other affordable-housing projects in the Bay Area...What's important is that this is a building that now only does good but also looks good.
We did a major remodel project with Veronica’s firm.... [They] translated our hopes and dreams into concrete plans... Every day, I notice a small detail within our home that makes me happy.
I’d highly recommend Ignition to anyone looking to improve their branding and drive more foot traffic to their retail space. Now I want to have them design my next home!
Team
Veronica Hinkley Reck, AIA
Principal-in-Charge/Design Director
As Design Director, Veronica’s job is to ignite the spark of creativity. She works closely with our clients to set the design’s overall tone, balanced with the budget, and then passionately leads the team to carry that inspiration all the way through to final implementation.
Divya Jayaram, Assc.AIA
Project Designer
Divya is a skillful designer and BIM “troubleshooter” who provides design and production support for the team. Her inquisitive mind and natural curiosity make her an excellent researcher.
Jolene Wright
Marketing Director/Operations Manager
Operations Management offers Jolene the ability to manage a diverse mix of projects, in addition to the ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and business strategies. She's an expert negotiator with topnotch communication skills and an aptitude to quickly embrace company culture.
Jaime Macrina
Sr. Project Manager
Jaime has been practicing Architecture and Urban Design for fifteen years. Her multidisciplinary experience provides for a well-rounded approach to the built environment. She has focused primarily on multifamily, affordable and supportive housing. Her significant experience with various sustainability programs is also an asset to a project’s viability.
Georgina Vernon
Designer
Georgina has practiced architecture throughout Ireland, Australia, and the UK. She recently moved to the United States to further her knowledge of international design and construction practices. She's a skilled 3D visualizer and an advocate for innovative means of architectural representation using new technologies and software.
Sharon Lahr, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Technical Architect
Sharon’s strengths include design, project management, consultant coordination, code analysis, technical oversight, envelope design and construction administration on large, complex projects. Her body of knowledge, her attention to detail and her expertise in document quality control make her a great asset to our team.
Su-Lin Hennecke, LEED AP BD+C
Project Designer
Su-Lin has a sophisticated eye for graphics and a refined design aesthetic. Her ability to utilize a variety of computer design and rendering software helps Ignition produce polished presentations. Her calming demeanor in the face of pressing deadlines creates a serene environment in the Ignition office.
Beth Nelson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Consulting Architect
Beth sees design as a collaboration between the client, community members, design consultants, and construction team. Each offers their expertise and insights to the design process. She builds consensus between the stakeholders and ensures the final design exceeds their shared expectations.
Cullan Whitaker
IT Liaison
Cullan works behind the scenes to keep our designers on the cutting edge of technology and to ensure the whole office runs smoothly.
Valerie Miller
Bookkeeper
Valerie manages all the inner workings of the company’s finances. With a head for figures and a high level of attention for detail, Valerie keeps us all on track. Her easy-going nature and witty sense of humor are welcome additions to the mix!
Laura Tjetjen, LEED AP
Project Designer
Laura is a true team player with a great sense of humor. She pairs a “get ‘er done” attitude with a close attention to detail. Her strong work ethic, paired with her natural enthusiasm for design, helps energize the entire project team.
Sharif Rahimian, AIA
Project Architect
Sharif is an expert in the use and implementation of CAD and BIM. He is skilled at finding new materials and methods of construction, while pushing the boundaries of design. As a result, his technical detailing exhibits an elegance of technology and design fusion that enhances the overall design of each project.
Poppy
Office Dog & Ignition Team Mascot
Poppy’s official duties include snuggling, tail-wagging, searching for treats, and snoozing in the sun.
Certifications
San Francisco LBE/WBE/Micro-LBE
Ignition Architecture is certified as a Woman-Owned San Francisco Local Business Enterprise (WBE/LBE) with the Contract Monitoring Division (CMD). We are also classified as a Micro Local Business Enterprise.
Certification Number:
CMD071917201
Services:
Architectural, including Historical and Conservator Services; Interior Design
Port of Oakland LIA/SBE/VSBE
Ignition Architecture is certified as a Local Impact Area (LIA) business, a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and a Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) with the Port of Oakland.
Certification Number:
4371-14
NAICS Codes:
541310: Architectural Services
541410: Interior Design Services
541410: Interior Design Services
Alameda County SLEB
Ignition Architecture is certified as a Small Local Emerging Business (SLEB) in Alameda County.
Certification Number:
12-00046
NAICS Codes:
541310: Architectural Services
541410: Interior Design Services
541410: Interior Design Services
Alameda County Transportation LBE/SLBE/VSLBE
Ignition Architecture is certified as a Local Business Enterprise (LBE), Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE), and a Very Small Local Business Enterprise (VSLBE) with the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
Certification Number:
IGN20160825-03
Services
Architecture
Interior Architecture + Design
Custom Home Design
Renovations, Remodeling + Modernization
Space Planning + Test Fits
Programming
Lease Exhibit Drawings
Building Design
Pre-Design Assistance + Site Selection
Public Process + Entitlements Facilitation
Planning + Building Department Coordination
Permitting
Construction Documents (CAD + Revit)
Bidding Assistance
Construction Administration
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
Finish, Material + Full Specification
Furniture, Fixtures + Equipment Selection (FF+E)
Custom Furniture Design
Energy-Efficient Design
Lighting Design
Universal Design
Workplace Strategy
Sustainable Design
LEED Compliance
3-D Modeling
Graphic Design
Clients
FivePoint
Brilliant Corners (formerly West Bay Housing)
Essex Property Trust (formerly BRE)
Lennar Urban
UDR
MidPen Housing
Park Street Partners
Lennar
Tableau Development
Avenue Realty Group (formerly Levin Menzies)
PCC Structurals / Berkshire Hathaway
Westmont Hospitality Group
Shelter Bay Retail Group
Gallagher & Lindsey
City of Alameda, Department of Public Works
Pizza Antica
Spruce Restaurant
Tomatina Restaurant
Monkey Bars Clothing Store
bebe stores nationwide
Associations
ellipsis a+d
Atelier 424
CumbyArchitecture
F/36 Design
Ankrom Moisan Architects
MVE + Partners
Process
Awards
2017: Best of Houzz Service Award
2013: Golden Nugget Merit Award, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, Best On-The-Boards Mixed Use Project for Mission Bay Block 5 in collaboration with MVE Architects
2013: Small Business Green Powerstar Award, Alameda Municipal Power for Monkey Bars Clothing Store
2012: Builder's Choice Award of Merit for Affordable Housing Design for Octavia Court, a HUD Section 811 housing project for the developmentally disabled with a gallery and artist studio
2009: National AIA Housing Award for Icon Condominiums *
2008: Builder’s Choice Grand Award in the “Condos for Sale” category from Builder’s Magazine for Icon Condominiums *
2008: Award for Smart Urban Excellence from the Urban Land Institute of San Diego/ Tijuana for Icon Condominiums *
2008: Gold Nugget Award of Merit in the “Best Attached (For Sale) High-Rise Housing Project”category at the Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference for Icon Condominiums *
2007: First Place in an Independent Housing Competition for the redesign of Octavia Court from the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency (now OCII), Ignition won the commission for the design of this project, which was the first parcel developed along Octavia Boulevard in Hayes Valley after the freeway was taken down.
2006: First Place in the Residential Architect Magazine Merit Awards for the On the Boards Multi-family Housing category for Octavia Arts
2005: Third Place in the 2005: San Francisco Prize - Octavia Boulevard Housing Design Competition for the Octavia Arts submittal which studied modularity, sustainability and elements of the suburban homes in an urban context
2004: Builder’s Choice Award of Merit from Builder Magazine for Riverwood Place **
2004: Gold Nugget Award of Merit at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference for Riverwood Grove & Place **
2003: Gold Nugget Award at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference for the Jose Theater **
2002: Gold Nugget Award at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference for El Camino Village **
2002: Gold Nugget, Best Affordable Attached Property at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference for Main Street Housing **
2002: Project of the Year from the Merritt Community Capital Corporation for Main Street Housing **
2002: Energy Conservation Merit Award from the San Diego AIA for the Sé Hotel *
2000: Second Prize in the 2000 San Francisco Prize for Harvey Milk Memorial Plaza Design *
* Veronica Hinkley Reck was the project manager/ lead designer for these award-winning projects at Tannerhecht Architecture. For details please visit the individual project page.
** Veronica Hinkley Reck was the project manager/ lead designer for these award-winning projects at BDE. For details please visit the individual project page.
Careers
Ignition Architecture is a design-oriented, boutique architecture firm that is small in size and big on creativity. We run on imagination, collaboration and laughter.
Our two offices are conveniently located in San Francisco’s vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood and in the heart of downtown Alameda.
Check out our News page to get a better sense of our office culture. It’s a great place to be!
Open Positions:
At Ignition, we’re always interested in meeting talented, creative people with a love of great design and with a strong work ethic.
Current Job Openings coming soon…
Let’s start a conversation!