A Place for Inspiration

Enhancing public engagement with Bay Area architecture and design

Enriching Our Community

The Center for Architecture + Design will inspire people of all ages to discover design’s potential in improving the quality of life and solutions to the environmental and social challenges of our times.

Welcoming industry leaders, creative makers, community members, youth, artists, designers, and visitors, the Center will be a place to experience the value of active design thinking in shaping a better, more equitable world.

“The street-level presence will welcome the community to participate in the future thinking of cities and places that are economically vibrant, culturally diverse, and distinctively healthier and more resilient.”

Kamala Subbarayan, Google, Inc.
Board President, Center for Architecture + Design

Students at Center for Architecture + Design Career Day
Community Alliance Awards Center for Architecture + Design AIA San Francisco

Celebrating the Value of Design

The Center will bring together locally, nationally, and internationally recognized designers representing diverse fields from architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture to industrial and product design and more.

New and expanded programs will introduce inclusive youth, professional, and family activities, integrate equity and diversity in topics and speaker representation, and increase outreach to communities typically underrepresented in the design professions.

As a place of inspired learning, the Center will also train the next generation of designers and educate seasoned specialists, advancing dialogue on critical issues from solving the climate crisis to the future of the hybrid workplace.

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Providing an Inspiring Space for All

Aidlin Darling Design and a talented team of collaborators from across the Bay Area are working to build the Center for Architecture + Design which will be located in the street-level space of the historic Hallidie Building.  

The porous and light-filled facility will amplify the message of sustainability, equity, and resilience and help to foster the resurgence of a vibrant downtown San Francisco. 

Filling the Bay Area’s critical need for public design education, the 10,000 sq ft Center will feature:

  • Cafe and Retail Space – inviting the design curious public to visit and engage with programs
  • Flexible Lecture Hall – with state-of-the-art AV + Acoustics to host a variety of special events
  • Dynamic Gallery Space– featuring local and international work by designers and students
  • Concierge Desk – to greet visitors and become the starting point for walking tours
  • Expanded Meetings Rooms – to expand capacity for smaller gatherings and meetings
The New Center for Architecture + Design San Francisco Bay Area Facade Hallidie Building
Cafe The Center for Architecture + Design
Center for Architecture + Design San Francisco Bay Area Lectures Exhibitions Gallery
Center for Architecture + Design Sustainability San Francisco Bay Area Living Wall Aidlin Darling Design
Lecture Hall Center for Architecture + Design San Francisco Bay Area
Entry Center for Architecture + Design San Francisco Bay Area Tours Events
Center for Architecture + Design San Francisco Bay Area Retail Events Tours Aidlin Darling Design AIASF

In the Press

SF Chronicle

Famous S.F. building to get new storefront tenant – an architecture center

Center for Architecture + Design San Francisco Bay Area Architect's Newspaper

The Architect's Newspaper

AIA San Francisco reveals its new headquarters at the historic Hallidie Building

Hoodline

American Institute of Architects takes over ground-floor space in landmark Hallidie Building

Support the Shape Your City Campaign

Together with your support, we can create an enduring hub dedicated to inspiring, educating, and engaging people of all ages to discover design’s transformative power.

Learn more about how you can get involved by emailing us or visiting the Shape Your City Campaign page.