About the Studio:
Based in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Studio Cortina Robbins works closely with each client to understand and define their needs before developing designs that are appropriate responses to the challenges and opportunities of their site and context. Underpinning our approach is a holistic process that starts with the general and moves to the specific, ensuring the result is a comprehensive design response. We are dedicated to high quality design that responds to our client's needs while contributing positively to the community and environment.
With experience on a variety of building types large and small, we leverage new approaches to traditional design services and improve quality and efficiency while reducing costs. Using an Integrated Project Delivery approach, we bring contractors and city agencies into the design process early and shift valuable information up front in the design process to improve and accelerate construction time. Using computer modeling we can provide opportunities for prefabrication and better quality-control. Sustainability goals tailored to our client’s project and needs are formulated and we ensure that the goals are met during construction.
Studio Cortina Robbins offers comprehensive architectural design services from schematic design through construction. We also provide programming and master planning services to help owners determine the feasibility and extent of a project. Based on many years of practice, we have cultivated extensive experience with custom-residential and commercial projects throughout California and in Italy. We specialize in custom residential homes and remodels with a style that is both modern and sensitive to the historic context.
SERVICES:
About Michael Robbins:
As a boy Michael had the privilege of living in Europe with his family, an experience that sparked his interest in architecture and left a profound impression about how buildings can shape lives and create a sense of place. Barcelona, more than anywhere, captured his imagination with outdoor cafes, gated courts, mysterious back alleys and tree lined promenades filled with people.
Fascinated by the craft of building, he studied architecture at California Polytechnic in the small central California city of San Luis Obispo. Away from the distractions of a large metropolis, the hands-on interdisciplinary approach combined with an emphasis on building science was an ideal laboratory to explore the art and craft of architecture. Inspired by masters like Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto and the New York Ten, he explored composition and the warmth of enduring materials. Capping an intense study program in San Luis Obispo, he attended the Cal State International Programs in Florence Italy, his final year. Enchanted by the experience, he stayed in Italy and worked with professors of architectural restoration, Marco Dezzi Bardeschi, and Piero Inghirami. Working with Italian architects and the culture of respect Italian society places on design nourished his initial years.
Returning to the US, he set out to master how big modern buildings were designed and built. The process led to the exploration of many building types from airport terminals to resort hotels, culminating with hospitals and schools. Working on large building projects has given him invaluable experience in using cutting edge tools for design and collaboration.
He now leverages his experience to focus on smaller projects that require a greater degree of design and personal attention. He works hard to address the needs of the client, community, environment as well as create beautiful designs. Success, he says, is based on a clear vision and the ability to work with multiple disciplines and partners, each contributing their specialized skills.
“With every project there is an opportunity to leave behind a legacy for future generations that will define us. We leave behind a foot print and have the opportunity to safeguard what other generations have left. Designing a building is like planning a journey, there will be obstacles but with a good guide the process can be as rewarding as the goal.”
What Our Clients Say:
“We worked with Michael on a 500 sf Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to add to our property. Michael guided us from the beginning, including taking our needs, desires, and vision and developing them into a beautiful building and into permit and construction drawings. He worked with the City through permitting questions and kept us on track to permit under the ADU ordinance.
Michael also helped us compare contractors’ bids, since there is always some uncertainty, and to think about their references and what insight they might give to our project’s construction. He was also there to answer questions for us and our contractor so that we could preserve the design intent, and in the end, we have what we hoped for. We are now using the ADU as additional space for our family, however, it is fully outfitted and permitted for future rental in case we decide to find a tenant.”
- David Weisz
“The project involved a remodel of an existing 1950s style home. It involved moving a flat roof to a sloped L roof, remodeling the master bath, bedroom, and closet. Michael created an excellent design. He was very responsive and did the project expeditiously. I valued that he showed up on site during construction when some questions came up regarding the design with my builder and he resolved all issues. He did a great job!”
- Steger Johnson
“Michael provided the skill set that I needed for my project – a major kitchen and bathroom reconfiguration and remodel. Architectural drawings turned out great and were available promptly. We had a basic design in mind and Michael suggested ideas to augment this. There were some code issues around property line windows that needed to be worked out and Michael researched this thoroughly with a good outcome.
I have worked with 3-4 architects in the past and Michael rates on the top. Would recommend his services.”
- Don Bardole
“As a real estate agent, my job is to provide the best return for my selling clients. Part of the “formula” for success is preparing the property for the market. This requires a balance of careful budgeting and strategic improvements for a strong positive impact. On a recent listing of mine, I had the pleasure of working with Michael of Studio Robbins Cortina. He did a beautiful job taking a very rough co-op unit and turning it into a delightful, contemporary space that was very appealing. He designed and managed work in the kitchen, bath, and throughout the unit. He’s got a great eye. Not only that, he had incredible patience and perseverance in dealing with the stringent rules and oversight of the co-op management. I would not hesitate to work with Michael again and I look forward to it!”
- Mark Hardwicke
