Architecture +
Interior Design
Saida+Sullivan
Design Partners
© Saida+Sullivan 
Design Partners 
San Francisco

About Us / Why

Saida + Sullivan Design Partners is a locally oriented architecture and interior design firm with a focus on human centered solutions that exemplify social and environmental justice to serve our clients, uplift the community, and honor the planet. This focus is at the center of all our design work in multi-family housing, education, wellness and workspace environments.
Diversity is in our foundation. We are a minority and woman-owned firm based in San Francisco. Our team speaks over 10 languages. We have twenty-five years of deep ties in the greater Bay Area with a purpose to empower diverse designers to become agents of positive transformation in our built environment and society.
Mission
We are architects, designers, artists, activists, and collaborators with a mission to create a positive difference in the places we touch so that people can make a positive difference in their lives.
Core Values
We keep our core values top of mind: Show Curiosity, Think Service First, and Collaborate and Share. SSDP has a strong culture of using our skills to leave every condition better than we found it.
Approach
For us each project, each client and each community and place is unique and so is the architectural solution. We create engaging teams with strong design expertise and the ability to listen deeply to our stakeholders’ mission, values and goals. We build trusting relationships, foster dialogue, and know from experience that interesting ideas can and do come from anywhere. We find inspiration in all the people we work with.
Design is iterative and filled with a sense of discovery and vision for the future. We integrate beauty with enhanced systems performance to create meaningful buildings and rewarding experiences. Our process is nimble, responsive and our clients receive personal attention to support their goals.
We are driven to doing good while doing well. That means improving constantly, thinking sustainably and bringing awareness to how good design can impact lives. We want to make our stakeholders happier, our communities stronger and the future a bit brighter.

About Us / Services

Architectural and Interior Design

Whatever your focus — new commercial or residential development, rehabilitation, adaptive re-use, renovations, sustainability, interior design — SSDP strives for a diversity of solutions in the services we provide. Every project solution is specific to its unique set of conditions and challenges. Our services include:
01. Site Evaluation, Planning & GIS Mapping 02. Needs Assessment 03. Programming 04. Sustainable Design & Carbon Tracking 05. Conceptual Design and Feasibility Studies 06. Public Design Process 07. Entitlements 08. Visualization 09. Materials and Systems Research 10. Interior Design & FFE 11. Code Review and Permitting 12. Documentation and Constructability 13. Construction Observation
01. Site Evaluation, Planning & GIS Mapping Place matters. A recognition and application of the interdependence of context, people, structure, and process informs our approach to the detailed articulation of a vision and responds to the ambitions of a greater community.
02. Needs Assessment Identify the problem. By clearly identifying the problem, we can create interventions, solutions, and priorities. A good needs assessment will help direct finite resources towards developing and implementing a feasible approach to address the client’s needs and wants.
03. Programming Strong scope definition leads to project success. We provide research and a decision-making process that brings together your list of building wants and needs, ultimately identifying the scope of work to be designed. Programming examines the amount of space needed and the relationships and functions required among the spaces to begin determining building size and configuration aligned with budget.
04. Sustainable Design & Carbon Tracking Responsibility now and in the future. Being active in decarbonization efforts, combating the climate crisis, and being responsible for the future of the planet is paramount.  Energy and resource efficiency along with reducing costs and waste is integrated in our design approach. We continue to inquire, learn and apply the most appropriate sustainable practices for each project.
05. Conceptual Design and Feasibility Studies Begin with a clear vision. Ideas take shape when departing from the norm and exploring detours and deviations. Where you arrive often isn’t where you thought you were going. We can help you develop that vision and test the feasibility of preliminary building layouts on a site enabling you to make informed decisions to move forward.
06. Public Design Process Building community. We work with clients using an options-based approach and active engagement to develop a vision deeply informed by stakeholders, budget and technical information. Creating crystal-clear communication for people that makes a connection of how an architectural design can improve their lives is our goal.
07. Entitlements Patience in the process. Entitlements are a time consuming process in many jurisdictions, especially when designs are subject to design review of a public body. We approach any entitlement process with research into the particular municipal codes applied to the site, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with the jurisdiction to ensure expectations are aligned. We have utilized both local and state density bonus programs available to our projects to streamline the process.
08. Visualization Creating a unified vision. Projects take form through the use of drawings, digital models, virtual walkthroughs, and other media. From fueling real estate deals, to showing you what your new community room will look like, we use modeling software to test massing and build projects digitally before they are built in reality creating a single vision for all the stake holders to share in and discuss.
09. Materials and Systems Research Curiosity keeps us fresh. New materials, building systems, construction methods, and structural systems appear every day.  We consistently are researching new products, learning from the material representatives and asking lots of questions. We are working to inspire responsible innovation and integrated design. We continue developing new knowledge to apply to your project.
10. Interior Design & FFE Bring people together.  Interior design of every space has a way of bringing people together to work, create, relax, eat, play and simply visit. We have a passion for tailoring each space to these experiences making them beautiful and durable. We focus on textures, materials, colors, acoustics, lighting, furniture and views beyond to create layers in each space that are inviting, functional and tell a story.
11. Code Review and Permitting Codes do not have to be a limitation. We develop design concepts by understanding code intent, drawing on lessons learned, and navigating the permitting processes with expertise, perseverance, good humor and creativity. We work with large and small regulatory agencies with success.
12. Documentation and Constructability An interactive process. Our value as your architect goes far beyond that of building designer. With over 25 years of experience, our clear understanding of building systems and material details as well as collaboration with technical consultants and contractors allows us to not only develop a strong project concept but see it through all phases of the project, from conception to construction documentation to building completion and occupancy.
13. Construction Observation Communication at the core. Once in construction a project demands that the entire team is committed to clear communication, flexibility and partnering. We are committed “all hands on deck” and team approach to problem solving during construction. We keep our eye on the whole while also ensuring the craft and details are adhered to so the design documented is the design realized.

About Us / Recognition

Awards & Honors
2025
  • Excellence in Construction Award, North Bay Business Journal, “Best North Bay Residential Project” : THE STEWART CANNERY
2022
2021
2020
2016
2015
2014
2013
2009
  • East Bay AIA Design Award: Citation for Architecture : ALTEZZA
2007
  • Honorable Mention – Life Cycle Building Challenge, Transformative Family Housing
Publications
2023
2022
2020
2019
2014
2009
  • Architectural Record- January Issue “Good Design in Affordable Housing,” 10th & Mission Housing
2008
  • San Francisco AIA – “Small Firms, Great Projects” : ALTEZZA
2006
  • San Francisco AIA – “Small Firms, Great Projects” : ALTEZZA
2005
  • Santa Rosa Press Democrat, “Santa Rosa Square’s New Look” : THE STEWART CANNERY
  • Residential Architect, “Sonoma Residences 1 & 2,” Hand Residences
  • San Francisco Business Times, “Award for Community Impact”, North Beach Housing
2002
  • San Francisco, AIA – “Small Firms, Great Projects,” Fleet Feet Corporate Headquarters
2000
  • Sacramento Times, “Fleet Feet Sports Renovations,” Fleet Feet Corporate Headquarters
  • Sports Trend Magazine, “It’s Not Just a Shoe Business”, Fleet Feet Store, Monterey
Articles Authored
2014
  • Academy of Art University Newspaper – Beyond the Conventional, Inspiring Creativity and Encouraging Problem Solving – Mimi Sullivan
Invited Speakers & Critics
2025
  • MRED and MARCH Graduate Studio, UC Berkeley: Koji Saida and Mimi Sullivan, Invited Critics
2023
  • East Bay AIA Lecture Series, Affordable Housing Panel: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
2019
  • Academy of Art University Ethics and Leadership Panel – Lighthouse for the Blind: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
  • Academy of Art University Ethics and Leadership Panel – Youth Inclusion: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
2018
  • Academy of Art University Ethics and Leadership Panel – Designing for Well Being: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
  • Academy of Art University Ethics and Leadership Panel – Youth Inclusion: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
  • AIASF NEXT Conference Public Advocacy & the New Urban Agenda Panel: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
2017
  • Academy of Art University Ethics and Leadership Panel – Architecture and Social Justice: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
  • Academy of Art University Ethics and Leadership Panel – Diversity, Race and Architecture: Mimi Sullivan, Moderator
2012
  • San Francisco Urban Program, Architecture Department, Cal Poly SLO: Koji Saida, Invited Critic
2011
  • San Francisco Urban Program, Architecture Department, Cal Poly SLO: Koji Saida, Invited Critic
2007
  • Architecture Department, University of California, Berkeley: Koji Saida, Invited Critic