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 the planning and designing of several large-scale projects. Mark excels in project team communication and maintains positive ongoing 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 day centers 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.

Parris graduated with a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from UW-Milwaukee in 2021 and came to the East Bay as an architectural designer for Kava Massih Architects in 2022. Passionate about restoration and sustainability, she has developed a wide-ranging portfolio including residential, medical, and mixed use multifamily housing. With adept critical thinking and problem solving skills, she is an excellent addition to 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.

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

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.