Kava Massih Architects

Firm Profile

Kava Massih Architects was founded in 1996 by Principals Kava Massih and Jerry Mastora. The firm has since established itself as an innovator in combining cost effective purpose with vibrant, place-making design. We maintain relationships with commercial, non-profit, institutional and individual clients, completing energetic projects that range widely in both scale and type.

The firm’s organization is characterized by an open and collaborative spirit that extends to its clients and communities. Our long list of repeat clients is testament to our creativity, dedication and flexibility. We have earned a reputation as a firm capable of delivering innovative design while respecting time and budget. Our professional services include feasibility studies, programming, space planning, architecture, interior architecture, construction documentation and construction administration through occupancy.

Our office has consciously developed a diverse body of work as seen in our project portfolio. This project range benefits our clients, allowing us to transpose innovative solutions and problem-solving across project types. The firm’s practice is broadened and strengthened by design concepts that maximize each projects potential.

Many of our projects go through a public design review process, requiring extensive city, committee and neighborhood interaction. We find ways to embrace that involvement, weaving it into our building designs which ultimately become a source of pride for the entire community. By listening and responding to concerns, we widen the circle of ownership using the project to help reinforce communities.

We believe in a holistic approach to design which allows a balance between the current needs of our clients and a respect for the future needs of the planet. We fully understand that sustainable development needs to be an integrated process involving all members of the project team. Commitment to a sustainable process leads to a high quality product with minimal impact on the environment and a solid return on investment.

Kava Massih - principal

Since founding Kava Massih Architects in 1996, Kava has guided its steady growth, built its strong reputation, and garnered the respect of many repeat clients. Kava brings to all projects clear, innovative, and inspiring designs. His personal involvement in each phase results in consistent quality for all projects. He lead our firm’s design initiatives for all projects described in this document.

In an article published in Diablo magazine, Kava was described as a “visionary” who is “on the frontier of East Bay architecture…reshaping our world…Kava Massih’s buildings stand out.” Under his leadership, the firm has received numerous awards and jury invitations, including recognition as an “Emerging Talent Firm” by the California Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Kava’s philosophy is to approach each project without preconceived ideas in order to find the best design solution for that project. His environmentalist views and dedication to public service are also reflected in the values of the firm. Through his service as a member of the Emeryville Planning Commission, he brings an in-depth understanding of how cities approach the planning and approval process.

Kava works extensively with project stakeholders, keeping them interested and involved, ensuring that their concerns are addressed, and integrating their vision for the project into the design. He is regarded as a master consensus builder, able to satisfy the needs of various constituencies. Through his ability to listen and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders, he ensures that all participants are on board with a design.

Jerry Mastora - principal

As a founding partner of Kava Massih Architects in 1996, Jerry has been directly involved with all of the firm’s health care projects and most of its long standing clients. With over 25 years of architectural experience, Jerry is responsible for effectively directing complex, large-scale projects, coordinating input from a wide range of user groups and developing architectural programs that fulfill the client’s goals. He has extensive experience in feasibility studies, programming, and master planning, with a proven ability to balance client objectives with project budgets. Jerry is extremely well organized, and able to distill information from numerous sources to allow for clear and effective decisions.

Jerry has designed and managed the projects of several prominent Bay Area hospitals, including UC San Francisco, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Alameda County Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital Oakland. One of his more notable projects was the re-design of the Emergency Department for the Summit Campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, including 25 treatment and resuscitation rooms. The project included careful construction staging so that emergency services could continue without interruption. He also designed the Health Sciences Building for Children’s Hospital Oakland. Because the building houses a sophisticated diagnostic tool known as a Ferritometer, it had to meet sensitive magnetic and vibration requirements, while also being cost effective, child friendly, and responsive to the historic context of the hospital’s Research Institute campus.

Jerry is currently working with Stanford Medical Center on a new outreach clinic in Emeryville.

Jarrell Conner - senior associate

Since joining Kava Massih Architects in 2000, J. has been an indispensable asset to the firm as well as the projects he has managed and designed. In his over twelve years of architectural experience J. has successfully overseen numerous projects through all stages of development—from contributing to the initial design efforts to managing the project up through the end of completion and close-out.

J has expertise in a wide variety projects including market-rate and affordable housing, restaurants, tenant improvements, new construction, renovations, commercial, retail, and institutional. In addition, J. is well versed in project management and construction administration. J.is especially skilled at communicating and negotiating with clients, user groups, neighborhood groups, consultants, and regulatory agencies, allowing him to facilitate consensus on projects and keep them on schedule. He is flexible in his approach, easily accessible to clients, and an excellent communicator with the entire project team, insuring projects move successfully forward and stay within budget.

J is currently overseeing a large market rate housing project in the SOMA district of San Francisco as well as a multi-family housing project in Oakland that is currently under construction.

Mark Schlientz - senior associate

After completing a master’s degree program at the University of Texas in Austin in 1997, Mark returned to the Bay Area where he joined the newly formed firm of Kava Massih Architects. Since joining KMA, Mark has gained valuable experience in a wide range of projects types including health care, adaptive re-use, commercial, educational and multifamily housing. He has demonstrated the ability to take projects from early stage programming through construction. He excels in project team communication and maintains positive on-going relationships with clients, consultants and contractors through project completion and beyond. Mark is energized by good design and works diligently throughout the design and construction process to bring quality projects to life. He was invited to become an Associate of the firm in 2003 and was made a Senior Associate 2010.

Mark was responsible for overseeing an outpatient clinic for Golden Valley Health Centers in Merced, California as well as an outpatient clinic for Pain and Rehabilitative Consultants Medical Group in Emeryville, California. Mark is currently working on a new affordable housing project in San Lorenzo.

Mary Young-Williams - associate

Mary’s architectural experience spans a wide range of project types including healthcare, institutional, commercial, education, and multi-family housing. She is involved in every aspect of the architectural process from early planning/schematic design to code review to construction to client move-in. She also specializes in all aspects of interior architecture — from space planning and interior design to the selection of color palettes and furniture. Mary has been especially involved in tenant improvements, coordinating with the building owner, the tenant, and the contractor to arrive at the final product. Since joining the firm at the end of 2008 she has become an invaluable team member. Mary was invited to become an Associate in June 2012.

2012 Awards + Publications

AIA Design for Aging Review, 11th Edition, Publish Award Building - pages 118-123. “Agesong at Bayside Park”, Emeryville, CA

2011 Awards + Publications

Semi-Finalist, International Competition, Bangladesh Cyclone Center. Selected as 1 of 4 semi-finalist invited to site in late March.

Focus on Healthcare Foodservice, Spring 2011, featured projects - cover + pages 10-12, 14, 16. Janice Cha, “UCSF’s Mission Impossible,” UC San Francisco Medical Center Parnassus Campus - Moffitt Cafe, San Francisco, CA

2010 Awards + Publications

Grocery Headquarters, April, pages 31-38, Richard Turcsik, “Perfect Game,” Berkeley Bowl West, Berkeley, CA

Design through Dialogue, by Karen A Franck and Teresa von Summaruga Howard, J.W. Wiley & Sons. Ltd., pages 31, 64, 79, 95, 101, 122, 124, 150.

Architectural Record Online, “Berkeley Bowl West”, Berkeley, CA

Award for Design Excellence, Berkeley Design Advocates, West Berkeley Bowl, 920 Heinz Avenue, Building Types - Commercial, Berkeley, CA

Merced Sun-Star, November 15, 2010, “Services for senior care to be offered under one roof” Golden Valley Health Center, Merced, CA

California Home & Design, February/March, page 56, “A Warm Welcome,” Ashby Lofts, Berkeley, CA

East Bay Monthly, April, pages 7-9, Lauri Puchall, “Bowled Over Again,” Berkeley Bowl West, Berkeley, CA

2009 Awards + Publications

SF Gate, September 1, 2009, John King, “New Berkeley Bowl Dares to Stand Out” Berkeley Bowl West, Berkeley, CA

San Francisco Business Times, May 8, p. 8, “AgeSong to wrap up Emeryville facility” AgeSong Assisted Living. Emeryville, CA

Oakland City Council, Resolution recognizing Kava Massih Architects for their commitment to sustainability and green building, congratulating Zephyr Gate on its GreenPoint rating through the Build It Green certification program.

San Francisco Chronicle, June 9, John King, “Postcards from the edge of Emeryville,” page E-1, Glasshaus, Emeryville, CA

2008 Awards + Publications

Inside Bay Area, May 13, “Casa Verde opens in San Leandro,” Casa Verde, San Leandro, CA

San Francisco Business Times, June 6, “Retail development planned for Southeast Division,” 3103 S.E. Division, Portland, OR

Contra Costa Times, July 22 “District Attorney’s Office opens new headquarters,” Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Martinez, CA

The HayWord, July 28, “Celebration officially begins for Casa Verde,” Casa Verde, San Leandro, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, “Place: West Berkeley builds community,” page E-1, Activspace, Berkeley, CA

Archnews, February issue, p. 8, “Firm Profile: Kava Massih Architects” Bentley School, UC Berkeley Public Health Library, and The Sierra. Lafayette, Berkeley, and Oakland, CA

East Bay Business Times, September 19, “SF firm to build $29M senior residence,” AgeSong Emeryville, Emeryville, CA

2007 Awards + Publications

Architecture of the San Francisco Bay: A History & Guide by Mitchell Schwarzer, 2007 © William Stout Publishers. The Sierra p. 148 and Bentley School Gymnasium p. 158.

National Association of Home Builders - Pillars of the Industry Awards Finalist, Best Garden/Small Scale Condo Community, City Limits. Emeryville, CA

Oak and Octavia Invitational Competition, Invitational competition to design a mixed-use residential building in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood.

arcCA, February issue, p. 26–27, “Design Review in San Francisco: Three Perspectives”, Elephant Pharmacy and The Sierra. Berkeley and Oakland, CA

Berkeley Daily Californian, January 17, p. 5, “Dining Uncommon”, University of California Dining Commons. Berkeley, CA

2006 Awards + Publications

Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards Special Needs Housing, Honorable Mention, University Neighborhood Apartments, Berkeley, CA

Diablo Magazine, November issue, p. 96, “Chow House: Berkeley Architect Kava Massih is Master of Tastefull Design”, Epicurious Gardens, Nation’s Giant Hamburger and T-Rex Barbecue, all in Berkeley, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, July 18, p. D3, “Humble Burger Bistro Gets Stylish Treatment” Nation’s Giant Hamburger. Berkeley, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, p. CM15, “T-Rex Still Evolving”, T-Rex Barbeque. Berkeley, CA

Oakland Tribune, February 8, p. Living 1, “Gourmet To-go” Epicurious Garden. Berkeley, CA

Contra Costa Times, January 6, “BBQ Buzzes with Brontosaurus-Size Bones” T-Rex Barbeque. Berkeley, CA

Greenstop Design Competition, Competition Finalist. Tulare County, San Joaquin Valley, CA

PG&E Savings by Design Award, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Martinez, CA

2005 Awards + Publications

San Francisco Chronicle, November 10, p. E1, “Don’t Let Architectural Snobbery Interfere with Your Enjoyment of These Five Ugly Duckling Bay Area Buildings”, Chevron Station. Emeryville, CA

Multi-Housing News, September issue, “The Nation’s Top 100 Multi-Housing Architects”

AIArchitect This Week, August 1, Project Watch,“Unique Partnership Produces Nation’s First Affordable, Universal-Design Apartment Complex”, University Neighborhood Apartments. Berkeley, CA

Multi-Housing News, August issue, p. 13, “Universally Designed AH Opens in Berkeley,” University Neighborhood Apartments. Berkeley, CA

Architecture, April issue, p. 72–73, “Stair-Case Studies”, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA

Competitions Magazine, Winter issue, p. 20–27, “Learning to Love the Freeway, MOCA at the Luther Burbank Center”

Invitational Competition, Finalist. Luther Burbank Center. Santa Rosa, CA

Business Week, November 28, p. 108–109, “Home is Where the Factory Is” City Limits. Emeryville, CA

Access by Design, Winter issue, #105, p. 14–17, “University Neighborhood Apartments–A Case Study from the USA”, University Neighborhood Apartments. Berkeley, CA

Builder Magazine, December issue, p. 154–156, “The Starter Set”, City Limits. Emeryville, CA

West Berkeley Foundation Award, West Berkeley Foundation. Berkeley, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, September 15, p. E1, “Plans for new D.A.’s office in Martinez offer a smart step forward”, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Martinez, CA

2004 Awards + Publications

Contra Costa Center for Jewish Education, Winner, Invitational Competition, Campus Masterplan and Expansion. Walnut Creek, CA

Gold Nugget Awards, Award of Merit - Best Attached Project—30 dwelling units/acre, Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA

Gold Nugget Awards, Award of Merit - Residential Project of the Year—Attached, Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA

Architectural Record, July issue, cover, p. 9–12, Review: “Small Schools, No Small Effort”, Bentley School. Lafayette, CA

Oakland, July/August issue, p. 86–91, “Living Aloft”, The Sierra. Oakland, CA

Affordable Housing Finance, Volume 12, No. 3 “Pioneering ‘Universal Design’ project gets under way.”, University Neighborhood Apartments. Berkeley, CA.

Architectural Record, March issue on website – Bentley School. Lafayette, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, February 22, p. G1–G12, “The Name Game”, Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA

Architectural League of New York Finalist, Invitational Competition

Museum of Contemporary Art, Finalist, Invitational Competition. One of three top firms invited to final stage of competition. Luther Burbank Center. Santa Rosa, CA

McGeorge School of Law, Finalist, Invitational Competition, Sacramento, CA

2003 Awards + Publications

Berkeley Voice, January 10, p. B2 “Leading residential developer enters Bay Area market” The Sierra. Oakland, CA

East Bay AIA Design Awards Program - Merit Award for Architecture, The Sierra. Oakland, CA.

Arch•Tech, January/February issue, p. 16 “Integral Lighting–Office Design”, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA

East Bay AIA Design Awards Program - Merit Award Silver—Out of the Box, Sliver Project. Emeryville, CA.

East Bay AIA Design Awards Program - Merit Award for Architecture, Bentley School Gymnasium. Lafayette, CA.

East Bay AIA Design Awards Program - Merit Award for Interior, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA

National Home Builder Association Awards Finalist, Attached Community of the Year, Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA

National Home Builder Association Awards - Best Interior Merchandising, Western United States Regional Winner. Liquid 2. Emeryville, CA

Architectural Record, "The architects carve an expansive school project out of a challenging site". Bentley Upper School Gymnasium. Lafayette, CA.

Home and Architectural Trends, Vol. 19, No. 4, p. 98–112, “Lofty ideas” Liquid Sugar Lofts. Emeryville, CA

Oakland Heritage Alliance - Partners in Preservation Award. Adeline Lofts. Oakland, CA

Oakland Tribune, Sunday, May 4, p. B1 “Lofty Living”, The Sierra. Oakland, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, April 18 “A new Berkeley development is 21st century artists’ colony.” Activspace. Berkeley, CA

2002 Awards + Publications

Diablo Magazine, April issue, p. 48–57 “The Mod Squad; Four Hot Architects are making Modern Art in the East Bay’s ’Burbs.”

Berkeley Design Advocates Award The Dakota. Berkeley, CA. Warehouse rehabilitation project.

Berkeley Design Advocates Award. 8th Street Lofts, 3 live/work units. Berkeley, CA

East Bay Business Times, Structures 2000 – Interior Design of the Year Award Crown Renovation Project. Emeryville, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, July 21, p. A23 “London Calling”, The Sierra. Oakland, CA

California Construction Link, June issue, p. 30 “Oakland’s Iron-Deficient Building” Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland. New Health Science Building. Oakland, CA.

San Francisco Business Journal, March issue, p. 21, “Oakland’s former PG&E building reborn, again”, Oakland, CA

Architecture, February issue, p. 40–42, Health Science Building, Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland. Oakland, CA

Architecture, January issue, p. 34, Sliver Building, Emeryville, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, July 21, p. A27 “Lofty goals for Oakland warehouse district”, The Sierra. Oakland, CA

2001 Awards + Publications

AIASF and SF Examiner Magazine Best of the Bay—Inside, Merit Award, Evolve Software.
Emeryville, CA

Downtown Berkeley Association Excellence in Design Award, Kaplan Educational Center. Berkeley, CA

Architectural Record, June 2001 issue, p. 158–160,"Retaining an old factory's airy gradeur", Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA

AIACC and Monterey Design Conference, Statewide invitational competition. Emerging Talent invitational award winner and Monterey Design Conference presenter. Sponsored by the AIACC, Spring. Asilomar, CA

Western Metal in Architecture, May/June, p. 8–9, Hollis Business Center. Emeryville, CA

San Francisco Business Journal, May 4–10, p. 38, “Sound Structure.”

Places Magazine, Winter issue, p. 6–9, Rosa Parks Elementary School. Berkeley, CA (Formerly Columbus Elementary School)

SF Examiner Magazine, February 18, p. 28, Evolve Software. Emeryville, CA

2000 Awards + Publications

Berkeley Daily Planet, July 19, p. 1., “Facelift for newly remodeled building revealed to public,” Kaplan Education Center. Berkeley, CA

San Francisco Chronicle, March 21, Datebook B1, “Emeryville on the Rise,” EmeryTech. Emeryville, CA

Building Design & Construction, February issue “Give Me Shelter”, Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA

San Francisco Business Times Real Estate Deals of the Year - Best Rehab/Renovation Finalist EmeryTech. Emeryville, CA

Interiors, October, p. 83, “Industry Non-Standard,” Evolve. Emeryville, CA

San Francisco Business Times, May 12, p. 13, “Another Emeryville Warehouse Conversion”, Glashaus Project. Emeryville, CA

1999 Awards + Publications

Gold Nugget Awards, Merit Award, Best Multi-Family Project, Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA

Architectural Record, February issue “Seniors with Style”, The Avalon. Emeryville, CA

National Council on Seniors’ Housing, Honorable Mention, Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA

Gold Nugget Awards, Merit Award, Best Affordable Housing Project, Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA

Berkeley Design Advocates Award - Affordable Housing, Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA

1998 Awards + Publications

AIA East Bay Merit Award Shattuck Senior Homes. Berkeley, CA

AIA East Bay Merit Award Pyramid Brewery. Berkeley, CA, Builder Magazine, July , “Lofty Ambition,” Shattuck Avenue Lofts. Berkeley, CA

Kava Massih Architects

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