C. Alexandra Odabachian, Architect is based in Alameda, California. Her work is varied and encompasses residential single family homes, remodels, additions, new construction as well as commercial tenant improvements. Her projects are located throughout the San Francisco Bay area, with an occasional project out of the area and abroad. Her background in the arts and extensive travels inform her sensibilities. Having been immersed in the world of dance from the womb as the daughter of a choreographer and dance teacher, she likens the design of architecture to a body moving through space, and the execution of a project to one directing an ensemble cast.
A site’s natural characteristics of light, wind and views as well as its built context are paramount in the evaluation and resolution of good design. Alexandra’s UC Berkeley education instilled early on the virtues of working with nature’s gifts and of not squandering them, by incorporating passive solar concepts into each project. Working in such a wonderful area and climate, her work emphasizes indoor-outdoor connections whenever possible. Her use of sustainable and long lasting materials can be seen throughout her work.
Each client and project is unique. Listening intently, she carefully crafts each solution to address her clients’ particular needs and desires while balancing Code requirements, budgets, and the existing context.
Having witnessed the devastating after effects of Armenia’s 1988 earthquake as a volunteer with Land and Culture Organization makes her especially cognizant of the importance of careful design, good engineering, and first rate construction practices.
Qualifications:
- Registered Architect in California – (Caroline Alexandra Odabachian) – License granted April 1997.
- Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, University of California at Berkeley, 1986
- Build It Green Certified Green Building Professional
- Build It Green Member
- Decade long apprenticeship with firms large and small in New York City, San Francisco, France, and Berkeley, CA.