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. He leads the firm’s design initiatives and his personal involvement in each phase results in a consistent quality for all projects. 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.

As a founding partner of Kava Massih Architects in 1996, Jerry has been directly involved with most of the firm’s significant projects and long term clients. With over 26 years of architectural experience, Jerry has effectively directed numerous complex, large-scale projects. He has coordinated input from a wide range of stakeholders to develop architectural programs that set the course to reach 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 also skilled in construction technology and directing construction administration for complex institutional projects.

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. Mark has been responsible for the successful completion of a wide range of project types, including several institutional projects, as well as adaptive reuse, commercial, multi-family housing and healthcare. He played a key role in planning and designing of several large scale projects. Mark excels in project team communication and maintains positive on-going relationships with clients, consultants and contractors through project completion and beyond. He was invited to become Senior Associate in 2010 and Principal in July of 2016.

With over 30 years of experience, Mary’s architectural work spans a wide range of project types including healthcare, institutional, commercial, education, and multi-family housing. Involved in every aspect of the architectural process, she also specializes in all aspects of interior architecture—from space planning and interior design to the selection of color palettes and furniture. She is adept at working with clients and contractors to successfully guide a project from concept to completion. Her recent projects have focused on senior wellness, from daycenters to clinics, and she has served on the Center of Elders’ Independence Foundation Board of Trustees since 2020. Since joining the firm in 2008 she has been an invaluable team member. Mary was invited to become an associate in June 2012 and promoted to Associate Principal in 2018.

Sarah arrived at Kava Massih Architects, by way of first Minneapolis, where she received her degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota and then New York City, where she resided for 15 years and founded her own practice. Her experience bridges small scale design-build work to large scale urban studies and redevelopment projects. At the heart of Sarah's design process is an insatiable curiosity and a quest to make things more beautiful-without losing sight of project constraints. While practicing in NYC, she completed numerous residential renovations and was actively involved in all stages of design and construction. While at KMA, Sarah has worked on both residential and mixed-use projects and hopes to develop new artistic opportunities and spaces for local communities.

Avery completed a Bachelor of Architecture program at Temple University in Philadelphia in 2020. After graduation, he remained in Philadelphia for two years working on a wide variety of renovation and new construction projects in single and multi-family residential, retail, and restaurant sectors. In 2022, Avery returned to his home state of California and joined Kava Massih Architects as an Architectural Designer, contributing his design and project management expertise to numerous existing projects. Simultaneously, Avery was also invited back to Temple University, this time as an adjunct faculty member, helping to lead a remote design studio for undergraduate students. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his hobbies, especially street photography, cooking, and exploring new places.

A recent graduate with a degree in architecture and urban planning at the UW-Milwaukee, Parris has been involved in many different residential and industrial projects. She is passionate about sustainability and restoration. She has quickly learned and built out her skills in architectural design software as well as model making. Parris is a great communicator and well organized which makes her a fantastic addition on any project.

A recent graduate with a degree in architecture at California Polytechnic State University, with an associates of Architecture from Diablo Valley college as well, William has quickly been involved in many different architectural projects. He is highly experienced in Architectural Design Software and 3D rendering as well as an avid learner about the profession. William is a great communicator and brings a wealth of skills as well as positive energy to any project.

As a recent UC Berkeley graduate, Alyssa is experienced the field of design, sustainability, and architecture. She studied Sustainable Environmental Design with a minor in Landscape Architecture. Her background in marketing and graphic design as well as her interests in architectural design make her an excellent part of the team. She is a creative person that is always brainstorming innovative ideas and gets things done efficiently. She takes initiative in a leadership role and is also a flexible team player. She quickly learned architectural software and has gained experience in working on housing and facade improvement projects.

Linda has worked with Kava Massih Architects for over 10 years as our administrator. She is a very organized and vital to the everyday functionality of the office.

Wendy is a recent graduate with a degree in architecture at California Polytechnic State University.