Palo Alto · Est. 1981
Residential & commercial architecture on the Mid-Peninsula — complete service from first sketch to final walkthrough.
01 — Welcome
Thank you for visiting Kohler Architects Inc. This site is a showcase for our work and a celebration of our decades of service to the Mid-Peninsula community.
In our portfolio you will see the wide range of our practice and the diversity and quality of our designs. We take great pride in our work, and view each project as an opportunity to create a design that fully meets the needs, requirements, and wishes of the individual client.
We are big enough to provide a complete architectural service and successfully accomplish exceptional projects — while at the same time small enough to ensure personal attention for every client, including our direct involvement as the principals of the firm.
We hope you enjoy your visit. Please contact us if we can be of service to you.
02 — Professional Services
Beginning with an initial consultation where client goals, objectives, and hopes are established, we manage every aspect of the architectural effort — site issues (soils, topography, boundaries, placement), design studies (floor plans, elevations, neighborhood factors, massing), and coordination with civil, geotechnical, and structural engineers, energy consultants, and landscape, interior, and lighting professionals.
We prepare all necessary construction documents: site, grading & drainage plans, Title 24 analysis, demolition plans, dimensioned floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, roof plans, electrical and mechanical/plumbing plans, interior elevations, foundation and framing plans, and specifications. There is a lot to consider… our expertise and experience enables us to get it right.
We guide the public design review and approval process — attending public meetings, submitting plans, and obtaining governing agency approvals and permits. Roger Kohler’s service as a member and three-time chair of Palo Alto’s Historic Resources Board gives the firm a special understanding of the public approval process that makes your project easier and more assured of success.
Our involvement continues through construction — meeting with the contractor to review all plans and observing the work as it is built. Being part of the project from start to finish helps assure that construction will be faithful to the design.
03 — Portfolio
A few of the hundreds of completed Kohler Architects projects. Select a project for an expanded view.
04 — In the Works
More are on the way. These projects are currently — or were recently — in the works, shown to illustrate how we convert concepts into reality.
05 — What Clients Say
Working with Matt Kohler has enabled us to get an ideal architectural result. Matt and Kohler Architects have my highest recommendation.
Matt is always willing to hear our needs and brings in brilliant ideas. Clear about code requirements, which makes the permit application process smooth and fast. We strongly recommend Kohler Architects.
The Kohler team worked with us on our new home construction project and did a fantastic job.
Read more on Houzz
06 — The Kohler Team
Led by founder Roger Kohler and his son Matt, Kohler Architects is firmly established as one of the leading architectural firms on the Mid-Peninsula. Our multi-lingual staff is fluent in Chinese, German, and Farsi.
Founder · Architect
CA C-7334 · OR O-2326 · HI AR-14093
Building on experience gained working with recognized local architects, Roger opened his own office in 1981 specializing in residential architecture. The firm has designed hundreds of new homes — including many in Palo Alto — alongside wide-ranging remodels, multi-family, commercial, and historic projects.
University of Oregon · B.Arch 1968 · Licensed 1973
CEO & Partner · Joined 2001
CA C-38100 · Licensed 2019
Matt began his career apprenticing alongside his father. Now a licensed architect and CEO, he leads day-to-day operations and serves as principal designer — known for high-level design sensibility and attentive client service across custom homes, additions and remodels, multi-family, and restaurant renovations.
California Architectural Licensing Program · 2019
Architect · Joined 1990
CA C-27349 · Licensed 1997
A creative and talented designer with extensive experience for both individual clients and builders, Jeff has taken a lead role on a wide range of Kohler projects, from concept through final construction drawings — with a well-earned reputation for quality design and professional service.
Washington University, St. Louis · M.Arch 1990
Designer / Project Manager · Joined 1997
Certified Green Building Professional
Uli produces high-quality assembly and production drawings — and especially enjoys elevations. Her carefully prepared permit packages help clients earn timely approvals. A Certified Green Building Professional since 2008, she provides valuable ‘green’ product guidance on our projects.
University of Frankfurt · M.S. Architecture 1994
Project Manager · Joined 2014
Revit / 3D Visualization
Haleh is a skilled and creative architectural drawing professional with a unique combination of technical capability and varied professional experience. She is proficient in 3D modeling software (Revit) — a great tool for client visualization.
University of Tehran · B.S. CS 1998 · West Valley College CADD 2014
Architect · 2002–2006, rejoined 2016
CA C-31490 · French & Spanish bilingual
A multi-talented architect with wide-ranging experience across residential, resorts/hotels, condominiums, and hospitals/clinics. Detail-oriented and organized in assembling permit plan packages.
U. of Oregon B.Arch 2001 · Stanford M.S. Civil & Env. Eng. 2010
A Palo Altan since his youth, Roger is a member of the American Institute of Architects and NCARB certified. He served on the City of Palo Alto Historic Resources Board from 1994 to 2020 — as chairman in 1998, 1999, 2004, and 2015 — and on the Building Permit Streamlining and Concept Planning committees. A former Eagle Scout, he has mentored Scouting programs, supported local school sports as a youth coach, and is a photographer and artist.
07 — Where We Build
Palo Alto · Stanford · Mountain View · Los Altos · Los Altos Hills · Menlo Park · Atherton · Portola Valley · La Honda · Los Gatos · Saratoga · Monte Sereno · Cupertino · Santa Clara · Campbell · San Jose · Morgan Hill · Boulder Creek · Redwood City · Emerald Hills · San Mateo · Granada · Montara · Millbrae · Hillsborough · San Francisco · Larkspur · Tiburon · Sea Ranch · Napa · Fremont · Oakland · Orinda · Pinole · Tahoe City · Loomis
Medford · Rogue River
Hilo
Marion
08 — Contact
We invite you to call our office to schedule a no-obligation professional consultation — in person or virtually — to talk about your architectural vision and how we can help make it a reality.
