KohlerArchitects
Palo Alto · Est. 1980
Residential architecture on the Mid-Peninsula — complete service from first sketch to final walkthrough.
01 — Welcome
Thank you for visiting Kohler Architects Inc. — a showcase for our work and four decades of service to the Mid-Peninsula.
Here you’ll find the range and quality of our practice. Every project is shaped around the needs and wishes of the individual client.
Big enough to deliver complete architectural service. Small enough that every client gets the principals’ personal attention. Please contact us if we can be of service.
02 — Professional Services
From the first consultation, we manage every aspect of design — site, plans, and massing — and coordinate the full consultant team: civil, structural, energy, landscape, interior, and lighting.
Complete construction documents: site, grading & drainage, Title 24, plans, elevations, sections, electrical, plumbing, foundation, and framing — prepared right, the first time.
We guide design review and permitting through public agencies. Roger served on Palo Alto’s Historic Resources Board for over 25 years — three times as chair — so your project moves through approvals with confidence.
We stay involved through construction — reviewing plans and observing the work as it is built, so construction stays faithful to the design.
03 — Portfolio
A few of the hundreds of completed projects. Select any for an expanded view.
04 — In the Works
A look at current and recent projects — concepts becoming reality.
05 — What Clients Say
Working with Matt Kohler has enabled us to get an ideal architectural result. Matt and Kohler Architects have my highest recommendation.
Matt is always willing to hear our needs and brings in brilliant ideas. Clear about code requirements, which makes the permit application process smooth and fast. We strongly recommend Kohler Architects.
The Kohler team worked with us on our new home construction project and did a fantastic job. I was impressed with their level of experience, which really helped speed along the permits.
We had a wonderful experience working with Kohler Architects. They made sure to create a comfortable, functional, and beautiful space for us — and our Planning and Building submissions were approved seamlessly. Kohler’s experience with the City of Palo Alto was instrumental throughout.
Matt and team have been great to work with! We absolutely love the design of our new home. Matt guided us through each step with great patience, and he is super responsive and reliable — I would highly recommend Kohler to anyone planning to build in Palo Alto.
The design was wonderful and included things I didn’t know I needed. Very experienced, and they worked well with the city planning office.
We are thrilled to share our appreciation for the exceptional work of Matt Kohler, Jeff Kuo, and Uli Dueregger. Their innovative ideas, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit made this design journey an absolute pleasure — our second collaboration with them, and they exceeded our expectations at every turn.
Read more on Houzz
06 — The Kohler Team
Led by founder Roger Kohler and his son Matt, the firm is firmly established as one of the leading architectural firms on the Mid-Peninsula — fluent in Chinese, German, and Farsi.
Founder & Principal Architect
CA C-7334 · OR O-2326 · HI AR-14093
After working with recognized local architects, Roger opened his own office in 1980 specializing in residential architecture. The firm has designed hundreds of new homes — many in Palo Alto — plus remodels, multi-family, commercial, and historic projects.
University of Oregon · B.Arch 1968 · Licensed 1973
CEO & Principal Architect · Joined 2001
CA C-38100 · Licensed 2019
Matt began as his father’s apprentice. Now a licensed architect and CEO, he leads day-to-day operations as principal designer — known for high-level design sensibility and attentive client service.
California Architectural Licensing Program · 2019
Architect · Joined 1990
CA C-27349 · Licensed 1997
A creative designer with extensive experience serving both individual clients and builders, Jeff leads a wide range of projects from concept through construction drawings.
Washington University, St. Louis · M.Arch 1990
Designer / Project Manager · Joined 1997
Certified Green Building Professional
Uli prepares high-quality production drawings — and especially enjoys elevations — with carefully assembled permit packages that earn clients timely approvals. A Certified Green Building Professional since 2008, she also guides green product choices.
University of Frankfurt · M.S. Architecture 1994
Project Manager · Joined 2014
Revit / 3D Visualization
Haleh pairs strong technical drawing skills with a rare background spanning architecture and software. She is proficient in Revit 3D modeling — a great tool for visualizing your project.
University of Tehran · B.S. CS 1998 · West Valley College CADD 2014
Architect · 2002–2006, rejoined 2016
CA C-31490 · French & Spanish bilingual
A multi-talented architect with experience across residential, resorts and hotels, condominiums, and clinics — detail-oriented in assembling permit packages.
U. of Oregon B.Arch 2001 · Stanford M.S. Civil & Env. Eng. 2010
A Palo Altan since his youth, Roger is NCARB certified and served on Palo Alto’s Historic Resources Board from 1994 to 2020 — as chairman four times. A former Eagle Scout, he has also mentored Scouting, coached youth sports, and is a photographer and artist.
07 — Recognition
Beyond hundreds of completed projects, our professional leadership has been recognized by peers, the press, and the communities we serve.
Houzz® honored the firm with its “Best of Houzz Service 2023–2026” and “Best of Houzz Innovator 2025–2026” awards for commitment to excellence.
Palo Alto Stanford Heritage presented Roger Kohler its Lifetime Achievement Award for 26 years of leadership on the Palo Alto Historic Resources Board.
Punch design magazine featured Kohler Architects as a leading Peninsula family business.
Roger Kohler became the longest-serving member of Palo Alto’s Historic Resources Board, elected Chair three times.
A Wall Street Journal feature covered the firm’s “reverse floorplan” home with subterranean bedrooms on a small Palo Alto lot.
A Kohler-designed home was featured in This Old House Magazine — on the cover in 2012.
Recognized by Palo Alto Stanford Heritage for rehabilitating an 1894 Category 4 Palo Alto home.
Two Kohler-designed homes were featured in the Palo Alto Weekly’s Real Estate section.
Interviewed by KPIX Channel 5 on preserving the historic garage where Hewlett-Packard was founded.
A Kohler interior design was the cover story of the Palo Alto Weekly’s special insert.
Our work has also been noted for integrating a large oak tree with a two-story atrium, a cover story on remodeling, a cover story on a 10-unit Palo Alto development, and a creative addition that added real value to a home.
08 — Where We Build
Palo Alto · Stanford · Mountain View · Los Altos · Los Altos Hills · Menlo Park · Atherton · Portola Valley · La Honda · Los Gatos · Saratoga · Monte Sereno · Cupertino · Santa Clara · Campbell · San Jose · Morgan Hill · Boulder Creek · Redwood City · Emerald Hills · San Mateo · Granada · Montara · Millbrae · Hillsborough · San Francisco · Larkspur · Tiburon · Sea Ranch · Napa · Fremont · Oakland · Orinda · Pinole · Tahoe City · Loomis
Medford · Rogue River
Hilo
Marion
09 — Contact
Call to schedule a no-obligation consultation — in person or virtual — and talk about how we can make your vision a reality.
