Geddes Ulinskas Architects is an innovative residential and commercial design practice that seamlessly combines art and architecture to create custom, high-end spaces. With over 20 years of experience, they have established themselves as one of San Francisco’s top residential firms, renowned for their ability to integrate designs with the surrounding topography. Led by Geddes Ulinskas, the studio’s collaborative approach and attention to detail result in exceptional design solutions that reflect a strong sense of place and client vision. Learn more about their work in today’s Designer Friday.
This extraordinary San Francisco home in Presidio Heights showcases contemporary elegance across its four floors, culminating in a stunning rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views.
Andrew Joseph: You’re the newest Crayola color. What color are you and why?
Geddes Ulinskas: I would be silver! It absorbs a broad spectrum of color and reflects shades of light from its surroundings. As an architect, I too find myself working to mirror the greater environment within the spaces we design.
At the same time, I resonate with Burnt Sienna. Its earthy and natural hue inspires me to layer organic materials in my work alongside more refined finishes.
AJ: If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
GU: Zebras are of course unique in that they each have their own stripe pattern. As architects, we each bring a distinct sum of experience to the table that inherently trickles into each project. What I especially resonate with about the species is their collaborative spirit. While efficient independently, zebras choose to band together for the greater good.
I aim to mirror this collaborative spirit at Geddes Ulinskas Architects by encouraging everyone, at various levels, to participate in the design of our projects. I can confidently say that our projects are the product of the whole Geddes Ulinskas Architects team.
This mesmerizing spiral staircase brings a retro-futurism to this contemporary home.
AJ: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
GU: Geddes Ulinskas Architects’ designs are like the sounds of wind moving through birches: dynamic yet tempered, and free-flowing yet considered.
AJ: What is the last book you read?
GU: My last read was Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis. The thought-provoking storyline explores life’s timeless questions in a reverse chronological timeline.
AJ: What’s the weirdest thing a client has ever asked you?
GU: We’re never too surprised by the concepts our clients come up with, but the most memorable must be when a homeowner requested a dining room table that converts to a trampoline. Those dinner parties must be incredible!
Captivating San Francisco vistas brought indoors through floor-to-ceiling windows transform this corner into a breathtaking sanctuary of sweeping beauty.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
GU: I am always disappointed when materials muddy into one another as opposed to seeing more thoughtful layers or gradients. This approach dilutes a material’s texture and depth, diminishing its potential.
AJ: What might the design world look like in 10 years?
GU: I hope to see design become more accessible in the future. With new technology, namely 3D-printed construction, we have made minor innovations toward more democratized design but as tech advances so too do our capabilities. I look forward to the advancements that are to come!
About the Designer | Geddes Ulinskas brings over 20 years of architectural experience in residential and commercial design to his role as principal. Originally drawn to a career as a commercial artist or illustrator he switched to architecture when Pratt Institute awarded him a full merit-based scholarship to their Architecture Program. Today he combines both the discipline of art and architecture in the exquisite watercolor renderings he creates for his projects.
Before establishing Geddes Ulinskas Architects in 2005, Geddes worked for several distinguished architects including Ricardo Legorreta and Fumihiko Maki. In his versatile role as founder, he oversees his multicultural team in the design and execution of a wide variety of projects. With attention to detail and focus on materials, the firm strives for excellence. The company grew with a succession of commissions demonstrating Geddes Ulinskas Architects’ unique design abilities. Their design and construction projects can be found throughout the Bay Area as well as in Los Angeles, New York City and Hawaii. Geddes holds architectural licenses in both California and Hawaii.
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