about us
Raumfabrik architecture + interiors is an architecture and interior design studio with offices in Berkeley and Grass Valley. Founded in 2013 by German born architect Antje Paiz, the company's primary focus is on custom residential projects in the greater Bay Area. Completed works include ground up constructions of single family homes, residential remodels and additions, as well as several small scale commercial projects. Our approach is both client focused and collaborative, recognizing the unique requirements of each individual and every location.
We believe true beauty emerges from the harmonious balance of form, function, and light, rather than rigid adherence to any singular style. This philosophy guides our approach, resulting in thoughtfully composed spaces, where logic and elegance converge in seamless floor plans, refined compositions, and a deliberate interplay of texture and illumination.
By working with a restrained palette of warm, natural materials, we craft homes that are light-filled and inviting. A carefully defined hierarchy of scale allows for moments of both intimacy and awe, enriching the spatial experience. Our ultimate goal is to create homes that will be cherished for generations to come.
our values
Architects play a crucial role in designing homes that are both energy-efficient and fire-resistant, particularly in California’s challenging climate. By integrating passive design principles, high-performance materials, and renewable energy solutions, we strive to reduce a home’s carbon footprint. To improve wildfire resistance we work with non-combustible and ignition resistant materials, encourage strategic landscaping, and promote advanced fire protection systems. Thoughtful site planning, smart home technology, and sustainable building practices make it possible to harmonize safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility, ensuring homes are both durable and future-ready.
approach
A successful project is a testament to the seamless collaboration of every team member. We place our clients at the heart of our design process, crafting tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. We cultivate strong, lasting relationships with skilled design professionals, contractors, and manufacturers, relying on their expertise to enhance our process. These trusted partnerships enable us to deliver an efficient, transparent, and rewarding experience for our clients.
services
We offer:
pre-purchase consulting
feasibility studies
conceptual design
master planning
renderings
green building design
wildfire hardening
project management
construction documents
construction administration
cabinetry design
material & finishes selections
furniture layout & specifications
procurement
We are a full service studio, thriving to support your project at every step along the way.
One stop shop: we provide both architecture & interior design services and partner with trusted consultants.
pre-purchase consutling
Looking to buy but unsure if a home is the right fit? We review local zoning regulations and applicable building codes as well as develop quick 2D floor plan studies or 3D massing models to help you make the call.
interior design
Having the same design firm handle both architecture and interior design ensures a cohesive vision, streamlined communication, and a unified aesthetic throughout the entire project. This approach allows for better integration of space planning, functionality, and design elements, creating a more seamless and harmonious result.
master planning
Budget and timeline constraints often dictate a phased approach to construction. A master plan is an essential tool as it ensures a cohesive vision, streamlines permitting, and maintains financial viability by strategically distributing costs over time. It minimizes disruptions between phases and enhances long-term livability.
project management
We collaborate with a network of trusted consultants, engaging them as needed based on the project's scope. Our team manages all communications with government agencies, overseeing permit applications and addressing plan check comments to ensure a seamless process.
architectural design
From schematic sketches to complete sets of construction documents, all of our drawings are prepared in house using BIM modeling software. We work closely with our clients and integrate their feedback at every step.
construction administration
We conduct regular site visits to ensure the project is built according to the construction drawings, respond to contractor questions and manage changes and revisions.
team
Antje Paiz is a California-licensed architect and Certified Passive House Designer. Born in Germany and raised in France, she discovered her passion for design at a young age. After completing her secondary education, she pursued a detour into economics, studying in Konstanz, Heidelberg, and Florence before earning her Master's degree in 1996. That same year, drawn back to her true calling, she enrolled at the University of Oregon, graduating with a Master of Architecture in 2000. Over the following decade, Antje worked at boutique design firms in the Bay Area, developing a nuanced understanding of the architectural profession. During this period, she also shared her expertise as an instructor, teaching a course on "Color, Perception, and Space" at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. In 2013, Antje founded Raumfabrik Architecture + Interiors, guided by a vision of homes that are as functional as they are beautiful — designed to endure for generations. Her years spent living and studying across different countries have instilled in her a genuine appreciation for connecting with people from all walks of life, and this cross-cultural sensibility continues to inform and enrich her design work today. Antje lives in Oakland and Grass Valley with her husband, teenage son and kitty cat.
A native of southwestern Pennsylvania, Jonathan attended University of California, Berkeley earning a Bachelors of Arts in Architecture from the College of Environmental Design, and a minor in German. After graduation he worked in architecture for a number of years before taking a brief hiatus to explore his other passion: music. Along the way he found himself teaching math and architecture and coaching at a private high school in Berkeley, CA before coming back to architecture full time. He is excited to be back in the design world, having recently earned his credentials as a Certified Passive House Designer. When not at work, he can be found playing his guitar, working out, drinking too much coffee, and spending quality time with his partner, their young son and their dog
Jennifer attended the Architectural Association in London and spent 10 years in the UK, Malaysia, and Australia. where she practice d residential design. Upon her return to the US, she started teaching, and then directed the Undergraduate Architecture program at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco, creating a vibrant, hands-on, design focused community of students and educators. She is passionate about collaboration, effective communication and sustainable design. Jennifer and Antje have successfully collaborated on projects spanning two decades.
Rochelle Arucan, A Bay Area native, is a seasoned professional with over ten years of multifaceted experience across operations, human resources, and marketing domains. With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for efficiency, Rochelle has honed her skills in streamlining processes to optimize organizational effectiveness. Her career trajectory has traversed diverse sectors, including hospitality, logistics, education, event management, and the arts, reflecting her adaptability and versatility. Notably, Rochelle has also delved into the realm of leadership development, crafting bespoke training modules that empower individuals to unlock their full potential. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rochelle is a true artist at heart, finding solace and expression through painting and photography.
Daniella Noronha, an alumni of Virginia Tech, began studying architecture out of her interest in building models and drawing growing up. She worked and studied in Oregon, Virginia, and Chicago, places that have each individually transformed her perception of design and urban planning. As she traveled and learned more about the places she lived in, she loved to research the different urban planning strategies that defined the cities she grew connected to. After graduating with her Bachelor of Architecture, she moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in design, and has worked on a variety of projects in the Bay. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, writing and sketching different buildings in the city.
A native of California’s Central Valley, Jack grew up fascinated with the world of architecture since the day he received his first LEGO set. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in architecture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. While at Cal Poly, he discovered a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary work, leading him to also graduate with minors in Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, and Sustainable Environments. Studying the many corners of the multi-faceted design industry has allowed him to develop a more worldly view of architecture and a solid understanding of how carefully-crafted design can change lives. In his free time, Jack’s interests are wide ranging, from working out or hiking to reading and painting.
collaborators
Peter Bonneau
civil engineer
Founder of PBSD, Peter has worked with Raumfabrik for over 10 years and is the engineer of records on most of our projects. Peter is originally an east coaster who received his first bachelors degree in fine arts and his second in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts. This allows him to visualize structures in a uniquely artistic way. His primary focus is safety, and he strives to balance this with constructibility and cost-effectiveness. He has been engineering homes since 2010 and has 15 years of experience in design and construction administration. Above all, he is a dog lover, and when he is not working, you can probably find him walking his three chihuahuas on Baker Beach or volunteering at SFSPCA.
We couldn't do it alone -
meet our trusted
collaborators & friends
