Toby Morris and Elizabeth Kerman-Morris established Kerman/Morris Architects LLP in 1994 with a deep commitment to design excellence and creating responsive, well-crafted places for living in the San Francisco Bay Area. From custom homes, additions and alterations, to large mixed-use residential/commercial developments, their projects reflect the pair’s proven ability to synthesize client goals and local building requirements into elegant and achievable designs. With backgrounds in custom residential design, construction and development (Kerman/Morris Architects also develops housing on its own) the team brings proven skills to ensure project success. The principals enjoy working closely with clients on residential projects of many scales and their dedication to excellence, sustainability and the use of quality materials adds character and value to each project.

 

Toby Morris, Principal

Toby Morris’s work is informed both by his early experience in residential construction and his research in housing development, affordability, policy, and energy efficiency. This knowledge helps him create livable environments in urban contexts, fulfilling clients’ goals while being mindful of constructability and costs. Before co-founding Kerman/Morris Architects in 1994, Toby worked for firms in San Francisco, Boston, and Portland, Maine, designing homes and multi-family housing, mixed-use projects, institutional facilities, and civic buildings. These experiences provided a strong foundation for and commitment to design excellence, while teaching him how to navigate effectively municipal entitlements.

Toby has taught graduate courses in housing design and development at UC Berkeley, where he earned a Master of Architecture and a Master of City Planning. He has published articles on design theory, historic structures, and non-profit housing development. He is registered as an architect in California.

 

Elizabeth Kerman-Morris, Principal

Elizabeth Kerman-Morris’s early experience in the construction of residential renovations and additions led her to UC Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. Prior to establishing her own practice in 1992 (which would later evolve into Kerman/Morris Architects) she designed a range of custom residential, affordable-housing, multi-family housing, institutional, and commercial projects for small and large firms in Boston, San Francisco, and Portland, Maine. As Staff Architect for San Francisco Architectural Heritage, and later working with a leading preservation architect, she developed an expertise in the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Elizabeth brings strong interior architecture and material detailing skills to her craft, and works closely with homeowners and contractors to realize exemplary custom single-family projects. Elizabeth is a registered architect in California.