Engaged
Jim Favaro and Steve Johnson founded our practice on the fundamental principle that the small office is the most effective instrument with which to deliver high quality design, economically and efficiently. Jim and Steve personally work on every project in the office. Our clients benefit from the decades of experience of engaged partners not otherwise distracted by management of the office or business development. We have built a practice based on client satisfaction and long term relationships.

Established
Our team consists of individuals who have completed a variety of both private and public sector projects—all while employed in our office and under the personal direction of principals Jim Favaro and Steve Johnson. We gained our experience as a team and our experience is ours alone. We have worked side-by-side for many years. We are established.

Experienced
Our experience includes all aspects of both public and private sector entitlement, planning, design and construction including master plans, feasibility studies, programming, building design, construction administration, project close out and post occupancy services. We’ve completed new and renovated facilities with lecture halls, general and multi purpose rooms, classrooms, science, art and music labs, food services, performing and visual arts, physical education, athletics and recreation, multi purpose meeting rooms and event spaces, and administration, faculty and staff offices. Our experience with the regulatory reviews and approvals process includes Cal/EPA, DTSC, California Coastal Commission, CEQA and dozens of city and county departments of public works, transportation, storm water management and water resources.

Available
While telecommunications and the internet have streamlined some aspects of the management of design and construction nothing replaces in person human interaction. We compliment real communication with internet based communication not the other way around. We will meet in person with the client, regulatory authorities, our technical subconsultant team, and the builder as often as is necessary to expedite progress on the projects.

Pragmatic
Real world experiences teaches pragmatism that prevents the succumbing to fantastical schemes, uneconomical approaches or delusional strategies. At the same time the pragmatic approach requires diligent, vigilant stewardship that maximizes participation of every stakeholder throughout the process. This establishes accurate expectations, predictability and reliability in the process.

Fast
Having worked on scores of projects in the public sector with tight budgets and accelerated schedules within highly sensitive communities, we know how to work with public agencies and neighborhood groups, how to make the most of limited resources, and develop and adhere to time sensitive often condensed work plans and project schedules. More often than not we pressure our clients to keep up with us—rarely if ever to wait for us.

Thrifty
We have completed projects where the bottom line mattered to our clients more than just about anything else—and still we produced high quality buildings enjoyed and admired by those same clients. We think about the cost consequences of every decision we and our clients make beginning day one.