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William Duff Architects (WDA) is sought-after by discerning residential clients attracted to the firm’s well-honed design philosophy of creating a unique sense of place. “For our residential clients, the lure of the land—whether an urban lot, a suburban parcel or rural acreage—is personal,” observes WDA residential practice leader, Jim Westover, AIA, LEED AP. He continues, “Our architectural and design response is always in harmony with the land and reinforces the connection between people and nature.”

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Highlights of WDA’s residential portfolio include the following commissions:

Butterfly House

This is a look at the back of the house from the vantage of the backyard lawn. You can see here the open walls and large glass walls of the house the glow warmly from the interior lights.

In the middle of the two sections of the house with open walls is a wooden deck area with a tall tree planted in the middle. This pairs well with the dark wooden exterior wall of the house.

This is a look at the house from outside showcasing the living room area and dining area with a gray sofa and a wooden dining set.

The whole area of the living room and dining are open to the backyard and the middle wooden deck area. This brings in an abundance of natural light and colorful landscape background.

This is a closer look at the large L-shaped sectional sofa of the living room paired with a wooden coffee table on a gray patterned area rug.

Two entire sides of the living room area is open to the backyard's colorful landscape.

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A few steps from the dining area is the stairs that is adorned with glass walls and wrought-iron railings.

This is the dining area that has a wooden dining set under a decorative lighting.

Childhood memories of courtyard houses in India and the vernacular architecture of Ireland inspired a mixed-heritage couple’s creative wish-list for this suburban residence. Elaborating on the design concept, WDA founder William Duff says, “The big gesture is the courtyard, which fosters a sense of community, and we maximized the relationship to the land through landscaping to create a feeling of expansiveness.”

Golden Oak Residence

This is the front of the house with wooden exterior walls dominated by large glass walls. These are then complemented by the landscaping that has shrubs and a concrete walkway.

This is a look at the back of the house with a pool area. You can see the large glass walls of the house complemented by large concrete walkways and shrubs.

This is a look at the back of the house from the vantage of the pool area. Here you can see the covered patio with a set of concrete steps leading to the pool.

The living room area has a tall arched ceiling with exposed wooden beams. You can also see a large stone wall that houses the fireplace across from the sofa set.

The kitchen is bathed in sunlight from the large glass windows on one side. This complements the bright waterfall kitchen island paired with stools for a breakfast bar.

Set on bucolic land with sweeping views of the San Francisco Peninsula, this house was designed as a place for retreat and rejuvenation, and William Duff adds, “Through architecture and design, we created an integrated experience that echoes the natural beauty of the hilltop site.”

Wheeler Residence

This home has a large grass lawn at the back by the pool area. You can also see here the background of tall trees that complements the earthy tone of the house.

This is a nighttime view of the house with glowing windows and outdoor lights to complement the exterior walls together with an accent of orange roof.

This is a view of the great room that houses the living room and kitchen. The living room has a large L-shaped sofa while the kitchen has a large L-shaped kitchen island with its attached table.

The bedroom has a large glass wall and a set of glass doors that bring in natural lighting for the platform bed and the dark wall across from it that houses the fireplace and TV.

Designed and built to reflect the homeowners’ commitment to sustainability, this house was inspired by the husband’s childhood memories of living in Colorado. William Duff, who also grew up in Colorado, and understands the state’s outdoor appeal, notes, “For this commission, we sought to capture the essence of a mountainous state like Colorado and all that it has to offer—nature, vistas and a seemingly never-ending big sky.”

For Jim Westover, whose versatile career in architecture began at the College of Environmental Design at the University of California at Berkeley, WDA’s wide-ranging portfolio is, ultimately, all about people. He notes, “Our residential commissions blend profound emotional connections, sometimes lasting a lifetime, to places rooted in the land.”

About William Duff Architects (WDA) @wdarch_inc

Founded in 1998 and located in San Francisco, WDA finds inspiration in both the talented people who live and work in San Francisco and the region’s embrace of sustainability. The firm’s commitment to a culture that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and innovation drives its success in projects across its residential, retail, and commercial practices. WDA is proud to be among the region’s “Best Places to Work,” as recognized by the San Francisco Business Times.

William S. Duff, Jr., AIA, founded WDA in 1998 based on his belief that architecture can shape environments and improve communities. He also believes that personal service strengthens ties to one’s neighborhoods and communities.

His pro bono work as past President of the Board of Directors of Young Audiences of Northern California and past President of the Board of Directors of Napa’s diRosa Center for Contemporary Art reflects his commitment to championing art as a way to reflect values of access, diversity and inclusion.

William received his Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and his Master in Construction Management from Colorado State University. In addition to NCARB and LEED certifications, William holds architecture licenses in five states (CA, CO, AZ, OR, WI). He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the U.S. Green Building Council, and has served on the Marina Del Rey Design Control Board.

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Jim Westover provides direct oversight for WDA’s residential practice, as partner and principal. With a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, Jim is a California state licensed architect, a LEED accredited professional and has over 30 years of experience in architecture and interiors.

Prior to joining WDA, Jim had his own practice focusing on residential projects, preceded by 17 years as an associate and senior project manager at FME Architecture + Design in San Francisco, where he managed a variety of projects, including corporate campuses, churches, schools, gymnasiums, and private residences. For seven years, he served as the pro bono Project Architect for the renovation of San Francisco’s Lincoln Park Steps.