SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – (August 8, 2023) – MVE + Partners, a leading architecture and planning firm, today announced the opening of its new San Francisco studio as part of the company’s continued expansion on the west coast. As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2024, MVE + Partners adds this fourth outpost to its existing locations in Irvine, Los Angeles and Denver.
Located at 150 Post Street, the new studio is primely situated to continue work on the firm’s existing multifamily, mixed-use, and transit-oriented developments while taking on new business in Northern California.
“We are familiar with the challenges inherent in managing complex large-scale projects in a city as large and diverse as San Francisco,” said Matthew McLarand, President of MVE + Partners. McLarand added that builders in the Bay Area experience some of the highest construction costs in the world, along with intense scrutiny from local jurisdictions regarding issues such as sustainable design, historic preservation, density, and public transit accessibility. “MVE is able to tackle those challenges with well-honed solutions based on design innovation and thoughtful planning that help realize cost savings for our clients, offer community enhancement, and result in award-winning work.”
The new studio is headed by principal Terrence Seah, NCARB, who has been with MVE + Partners since 2016. A proud San Francisco resident, Seah has almost 20 years of architectural experience and longstanding relationships with local private sector leaders, developers, and community members. He is a seasoned leader with extensive knowledge in the areas of building systems and technical coordination, playing an integral role in concept and schematic design of some of the firm’s biggest projects.
“The Bay Area has its own unique character and culture. At MVE we always strive to incorporate the priorities of the community into our building designs,” said Seah. “Having lived in the Bay Area and San Francisco for many years, I’m looking forward to using my local insight to shape future projects.”
Seah holds two master’s degrees from U.C. Berkeley: one in architecture; and the other in structural engineering. His bachelor’s degree in civil engineering & material science is from Cornell University.
MVE + Partners has several Bay Area mixed-use and multifamily projects in progress, including Phase I of Gateway Crossings on Coleman & Brokaw (also master-planned by MVE), a branded serviced apartment building in Phase I of Related Santa Clara, and a market-rate residential community at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon. MVE has also recently completed USF’s Student Residence Hall, Santa Clara Square, Station Park Green mixed-use TOD in San Mateo, The Beacon in downtown Fremont, and Mission Bay, Blocks 5 & 11.