Architectural Photography Insights & Stories

Parking garages aren’t usually the buildings that make it onto postcards. They’re often utilitarian, gray, and forgettable. But in South San Francisco, the Southline parking structure has changed that perception by blending architecture, art, and landscape design into something much bigger than a place to park cars.

Berkeley isn’t just a hub for academic brilliance and progressive thinking—it’s also home to one of the most innovative parking structures in California. The Center Street Garage is more than a place to leave your car; it’s a blend of architecture, sustainability, and public art that reshapes how cities integrate parking into their urban fabric.

When you think of an elementary school, what comes to mind? Beige walls, boxy buildings, and uninspired hallways? Spring Lake Elementary in Woodland, California, is anything but ordinary. Designed by HMC Architects and built by Otto Construction, this school is a bold statement on how educational spaces should look and feel. Featuring vibrant Trespa Meteon panels and translucent 3-Form elements, the school’s design fosters creativity, engagement, and play—exactly what a learning environment should do.

Stanford University has long been known for its blend of historic and modern architecture, and the Bass Biology Building is no exception. Designed by Flad Architects and Ennead Architects and built by Whiting-Turner, this state-of-the-art research facility balances contemporary design with a nod to the university’s iconic Mission Revival style. One of its most striking features is the immense aluminum and steel canopy, featuring red and orange fins reminiscent of Stanford’s terra cotta rooftops.

Every day, we pass through spaces powered by industries most people never think about—manufacturing plants, hospitals, data centers, and commercial facilities. Behind these projects are teams of contractors, engineers, and skilled trades that keep our built environment running.

In the competitive world of commercial real estate, premium amenities have become a key factor in attracting and retaining tenants—especially in the fast-growing bioscience sector. The newly developed 1140 Veterans Boulevard project in South San Francisco is a prime example of this trend, featuring state-of-the-art common areas designed to meet the needs of modern life science professionals.

Drone photography has revolutionized how architectural projects are presented, allowing your designs to be showcased in ways that ground-level images simply can’t match. From capturing sweeping aerial views to crafting detailed shots of intricate structures, a reliable drone service can transform your marketing materials. But not every provider has the skillset or experience to meet the specific needs of architects and designers.

The Transamerica Pyramid has been a defining feature of the San Francisco skyline for more than half a century. Recently, this iconic structure underwent a remarkable transformation, bringing its design and functionality into the modern era while preserving its legendary status. Here’s how the redesign continues to honor its legacy and what it means for the city’s architectural landscape.

When clients or photographers start researching costs, one question comes up again and again: how much do architectural photographers charge? The answer isn’t the same for every project — but it’s not a mystery, either. Most professional shoots fall within clear ranges, and those numbers shift based on project size, image use, and market.

Capturing the beauty and functionality of architectural spaces goes beyond showcasing their structure; it involves highlighting how humans interact within those spaces. The Foster Family Theater at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California, exemplifies a venue designed with intimacy and interaction in mind. 

When you think of photographing labs, the first thing that comes to mind might be a purely functional space filled with sterile white walls and industrial equipment. However, the new lab spaces in South San Francisco prove that design and functionality can work hand in hand. These spaces, constructed by Landmark Builders and equipped by Genie Scientific, are not just workspaces—they're a statement.

Architectural photography isn’t just about showcasing a building; it’s about telling a story through structure, light, and perspective. The Stevens Creek Garage in San Jose offers a perfect case study. Designed to serve the bustling Westfield Valley Fair Mall, this parking structure goes beyond utility to redefine urban aesthetics.

San Francisco’s Union Square is well-known for its mix of history and modernity, and the recent overhaul of 100 Stockton adds a striking new chapter to the area’s architectural story.

The Gallo Center for the Arts is more than just a venue in Modesto—it’s a celebrated cultural hub, drawing audiences from all around San Joaquin Valley and beyond for unforgettable performances. 

In the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, a project has quietly come to life, playing a crucial role in the advancement of pharmacological research. This isn't about soaring towers or iconic facades—this project delves deep into the foundation of scientific progress.

Guardant Health is at the forefront of the fight against cancer, leveraging advanced technology to detect the disease early and tailor treatments more precisely. But behind this groundbreaking work is a thoughtfully designed workspace that plays a crucial role in facilitating these efforts.

Urban living often means sacrificing outdoor space for the convenience of being close to the city’s amenities. However, at Aquatic Ashby, a mid-rise apartment building in Berkeley designed by Trachtenberg Architects, urban living takes on a new dimension with its beautifully designed roof terraces.

Among the latest and most striking additions to San Francisco's skyline is the Salesforce Tower, designed by the renowned Pelli Clarke & Partners. However, it’s not just the height of the Salesforce Tower that makes it iconic; it’s the way it interacts with its environment, particularly the fog that frequently blankets the city.

Transforming the exterior of an office building can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can bring new life to an old structure.

Capturing the essence of a construction project isn’t just about snapping a few photos. It’s about telling a story.

Alameda Theater stands as a testament to the vibrant history and architectural beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Broadcom garage in San Jose, California, is a striking example of how innovative cladding solutions can transform a parking structure into a work of art. Designed by HOK, with HNA Pacific serving as the parking consultant and architect of record, this precast concrete garage showcases the seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality.

The fight against cancer is more than just a battle of wills; it's a race against time to develop state-of-the-art facilities that can support groundbreaking research and manufacturing. One such project is the clean room renovation in South San Francisco, executed with precision and expertise by Landmark Builders, and designed by IPS. 

Drones are no longer just cool gadgets for tech enthusiasts; they've become essential tools in various industries, including construction.

The 350 Sherman Garage is a remarkable addition to Palo Alto’s downtown, transforming what might have been an ordinary parking structure into a landmark of modern design and sustainability.

Form4 Architecture, Coulter Construction, and Howell Electric recently worked together on an exciting project in Palo Alto, California. The goal was to update an old HP building at 3100 Hanover to attract a new life science tenant. This transformation demonstrates how architectural photography can capture the essence of a project's design, highlighting both aesthetic appeal and sustainable practices.

Photographing biotech labs and offices is a unique challenge that combines technical skill and an eye for detail.

Guardant Health's central courtyard in Palo Alto, designed by Arc Tec Inc. and built by Landmark Builders Inc., is a remarkable example of how architectural design can influence productivity and well-being in the workplace.

The new Specialized Los Gatos store is a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Kiku Garage is a new parking option for visitors to downtown San Mateo, while also offering dedicated parking for residents of the new multifamily residences across the street. This innovative parking garage doesn't just serve a practical need; it also introduces vibrant public art to the area, featuring large murals by artist Harumo Sato.