Baker Vilar Architects places the greatest importance on the end-user, many of whom are
children, families, and members of the local community, as our client. Keeping this in mind as our constant inspiration, we create spaces that are
innovative, yet environmentally and contextually sensitive. We believe that buildings of
enduring quality respect the
uniqueness of each client’s needs and the particularities of each site.
We advocate the use of sustainable design practices, designing our buildings to meet LEED and CHPS standards whenever possible.
We have found that truth and beauty come to life when we remain true to the collective vision of the team and place the values of our clients at the forefront of our work.
History and Founders
David Baker, FAIA and
José Vilar, AIA began their working relationship while working on the San Jose State Office Building in 1980, which incorporated state of the art passive solar technologies such as high mass, daylighting, natural ventilation, and the first rock bed energy storage device constructed in California. Following this project, they worked together on the design of the new Recreational Sports Facility at UC Berkeley.
In 1989, the partnership of Baker Vilar Architects was established and Rebecca L. Hayden, AIA, who had worked on various projects with the Berkeley Unified School District, joined the firm. David, José and Rebecca form the nucleus of the firm and bring over 40 years of experience working on various projects, including those that implement sustainable design practices and educational projects that require review and approval from the Division of the State Architect.
Baker Vilar is a minority-owned firm.
Services and Experience
Located in Emeryville, BVA offers a full range of services in architecture, interior design and project planning. We have been successful in the design of educational, civic, commercial and housing facilities. In particular, our experience with educational projects includes renovations, modernizations, seismic upgrades, sports & recreational facilities and new construction. In our work, design emerges from the special circumstances of place, program, and cultural context, as well as the goals of the client. Our projects are specific and distinctive. Guided by the office’s strong project management procedures, the staff provides technical support in all areas of site and building design, ensuring a high quality and efficiency in all projects.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
It is the policy of Baker Vilar Architects not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. Baker Vilar Architects will continue to make it understood by the employment entities with which it deals, and in employment opportunity announcements that the foregoing is company policy and all employment decisions are based on individual merit only. It is the policy of Baker Vilar Architects to ensure and maintain a working environment free of coercion, harassment, and intimidation at all job sites, and in all facilities at which employees are assigned to work.
