About Us
JFA is an architectural design firm, founded in 1995, serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Joseph Farrell says, “While the core of my practice has always been residential projects, my body of work ranges from high-end custom homes to renovations of existing homes. The focus of my designs is the creation of artful homes that are energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive. All designs strive to integrate natural light, air, views, landscape and community. My practice also provides green building consulting services to homeowners, building contractors, engineers, and other architects.” The firm’s office is located in Novato, California and serves all areas in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Joseph Farrell | Principal
A native Californian, Joe grew up in the East Bay Area in Lafayette, California. Being the youngest of eight children with two brothers in the construction industry, Joe was exposed to design and construction at an early age. During high school and college, he worked for a builder wearing tool bags and swinging a hammer, developing a strong appreciation for the construction process. He went on to the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1990. Joe then moved to Marin County, obtaining his architectural license while working in the architectural/engineering firm of Telfer Chiesa Dunham & Johnson in Novato, California. In 1995 Joe started Joseph Farrell Architecture and for over 25 years his firm has celebrated collaboration and communication. He is a firm believer that a successful project demands a strong relationship of the owner, design consultant and builder. Outside of the office Joe is a husband and father of three children. He has been an avid mountain bike cyclist and can find him on trails of Marin, Downieville, Santa Cruz or the Tahoe area on weekends.
Caryn Kloor | Job Captain
Originally from Texas, Caryn grew up in Marin County where at an early age of 7, she already had an interest in architecture by outlining floor plans in the soil with a stick among the hillsides of Mill Valley. Caryn attended Diablo Valley College to study Architecture and Music, and later received a Bachelor of Arts in Music at California State University, Chico. She pursued both professions, but architecture became her focus and worked for firms in Saint Helena, Sonoma, Calistoga, and now in Novato. She brings to Joseph Farrell Architecture over 20 years of managing residential projects and takes great pride in coordinating drawing sets with the utmost attention to every detail. In her spare time, Caryn can be found on tennis courts playing in leagues and tournaments throughout the year.
Steve Carter | Project Architect
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Steve received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1990 from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo alongside friend and colleague Joseph. Returning to the Bay Area, he honed his design and project management skills as an associate with BCV Architects in San Francisco working largely on retail and hospitality projects. Steve started a private practice in 2004 in the North Bay to allow more time to raise his family. He and Joseph reunited in 2014 to collaborate on development of residential and commercial projects that emphasize design clarity and excellence in meeting client needs and constraints. Steve practices architecture as a collaborative, evolving professional combining artistry, technology and functionality into a built environment to inspire, satisfy and experience. When not working on projects, he spends time playing tennis and golf around taking care of a home and family.