Frequently Asked Questions

What types of projects does Lincoln Lighthill Architect work on?

Lincoln Lighthill Architect is a full-service residential and commercial architecture firm. Our residential work includes custom homes, additions, renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, and the building systems that make all of these areas function healthily and efficiently. Our commercial work includes a similar range of project types and scales for creative, institutional, and food service clients. Each project is tailored to the site, the client, and how people actually live, work, eat and play.

Where is the firm based and where do you work?

We are based in Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco, and work throughout the Bay Area, California, and select projects across the U.S and beyond. Our experience spans urban, suburban, and rural contexts, with a strong understanding of local zoning and permitting environments.

What is your design philosophy?

Our work sits at the fertile creative intersection of modernism, high-performance, and human wellness. We focus on clarity, proportion, daylight, healthy materials, and building efficiency. All have tangible benefits for people, pocketbook and planet. The goal is architecture that feels timeless, functions beautifully, and improves daily life rather than following short-term trends.

What makes LLA different from other firms?

Founder Lincoln Lighthill is a creative problem solver who personally oversees all aspects of the firm’s work. When you work with LLA, you work with Lincoln, and the firm’s size and focus allow him to give every client the personalized, individual attention and creative focus they and their project deserve.

Do you focus on sustainability and healthy building design?

Yes. Sustainability and occupant wellness are core to our practice. True sustainability is a destination we are all working towards; we prefer to characterize our work as high-performance design, integrating energy-efficient strategies, durable, low-toxicity materials, passive design principles, and careful detailing to support indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and building longevity.

Do you offer a consultation before starting a project?

We do. We offer a complimentary feasibility call to understand your goals, site conditions, budget range, and timeline. This conversation helps determine whether we’re a good fit and what the most productive next steps should be before moving into design. We also offer an initial, low-commitment consultation called a Needs and Options Assessment that addresses whatever the big initial questions are to help bring focus and understanding to the process from the very beginning.

What does the design process look like?

Projects typically move through several phases, from initial due diligence to construction observation. We guide clients through each phase with clear communication, defined deliverables, and close collaboration with consultants and builders. Every project is unique, and we tailor our approach to each client's and project’s unique needs.

How long does a typical project take?

Timelines vary depending on project size, complexity, and permitting requirements. Smaller renovations may take a few months from design through permit, while larger custom homes or commercial projects can take longer. After the initial consultation, we provide a realistic timeline based on your specific project.

Do you handle permitting?

Yes. We prepare permit documents, coordinating closely with engineers and other consultants as needed to obtain entitlements and building department approvals from local jurisdictions, doing everything necessary to get a project ready for construction.

Do you work with contractors?

Yes. We collaborate closely with the general contractors and subcontractors needed to build every project. We can introduce you to trusted professionals we’ve worked with before and are also glad to collaborate with new partners you bring to the party or who we discover together in finding the perfect fit for your project.

How are fees structured?

Fees are based on project scope and complexity and can vary based on a variety of factors. As part of the initial inquiry process, we will provide a clear proposal outlining our services and fees. Working with an architect is an investment in design quality, long-term value, and a smoother overall building process.

How do we get started?

The best way to begin is to contact us to schedule a feasibility call. We’ll discuss your project, answer questions, and outline a clear path forward that aligns with your goals.