Rynerson & O’Brien Architecture

Specialties

Rynerson O’Brien Architecture, Inc. identifies and develops the potential for order, function and beauty through design. We deliver our clients through the design and construction process, resulting in a coherent physical product.

A four-​person firm based in Oakland, California, ROBA provides complete residential and commercial architectural services tailored to meet the specific demands of our clients.

We are versatile and imaginative. Our ability to integrate historically appropriate additions, alterations and new construction attracts clients who value Period architecture. At the same time, we generate freewheeling, playful and innovative solutions, when appropriate.

We are equally at home coordinating teams of design professionals and working one-​on-​one with artisans to bring our clients’ visions to fruition. Whether playful or restrained, Period or Modern, our completed projects reveal our commitment to coherent vision and thoughtful, thorough execution.

History

Established in 1989.

ROBA is a California-​based architectural partnership. Formed in 1989 by architect Patrick O’Brien and designer Stephen Rynerson, the firm specializes in high-​end residential and retail architecture. The mission of ROBA is, in Rynerson’s words, «to bring the elements of classical design into modern usage and form.»

Both principals are talented designers who bring complementary skills to the partnership. Architect O’Brien began his career in municipal building design and residential restoration, particularly in the Georgian style, and later developed a mastery of the forms of the Craftsman movement. Rynerson immersed himself in the Victorian restoration boom centered in San Francisco in the 1970’s. Both received formal training and degrees in Architecture — O’Brien at the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, and Rynerson at the University of California at Berkeley.