“The creative architect casts aside preconceived notions and questions established concepts. The design process becomes visionary rather than reactionary, and innovation takes the place of conventional interpretations. A building, a bridge, any structure must respond to the client, to the users, and to the community. It must be functional, safe, and sensible. And it must be completed on time and within budget.” Donald MacDonald Architects is known for a diverse AIA award-winning practice, ranging from row housing to major bridge designs, including retrofits for the Golden Gate Bridge and the new eastern-span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Donald believes that one of today’s most important challenges is to develop housing that is both livable and affordable. His firm has consistently explored the options and found ground-breaking, workable solutions -- for projects from three units to hundreds. His book Democratic Architecture (Whitney Library of Design) spotlights innovative solutions for living on compact sites. His recent book, Golden Gate Bridge: History and Design of an Icon (Chronicle Books) is a fascinating and cleverly illustrated history of the landmark span.
