Your design project deserves our unique perspective.

For twenty years, Y.A. studio has brought the same rigor and care to every project: designing for durability and sustainability, serving communities that need it most, and mentoring the architects and designers who will carry this work forward.

YA studio principals, Yakuh and Martine, reviewing design books together in a warm, contemporary interior

Y.A. studio was founded by Yakuh Askew and is led today alongside Martine Paquin; it is an African American and woman-owned practice and a Certified Minority-Owned San Francisco Local Business Enterprise (LBE) and Micro Business Enterprise (MBE).

Aerial view of a modern white residence on a San Francisco corner lot with Twin Peaks in the distance.

Y.A. studio is a focused practice based in San Francisco, working across California and Nevada. Get to know the people behind the work.

the studio.

Elevated view across a dense San Francisco neighborhood toward the Pacific Ocean.

We uplift marginalized voices.

By actively engaging in outreach efforts, we foster a more equitable and vibrant urban landscape.

Contemporary open kitchen with white island, wood cabinetry, dark paneling, and warm wood floors.

Everyone deserves great design.

We strive for high-quality design that serves both the most underserved and the most affluent communities.

YA studio team members wearing hard hats and safety vests during a construction site visit.

Leading by example.

We are dedicated to championing meaningful change in our industry by mentoring emerging talents and fostering a more equitable workplace.

learn more.

Our best work happens when design, community, and collaboration come together. These projects represent years of partnership with developers, agencies, and the people who call these places home.

Contemporary multifamily housing complex with white facades, colorful accents, landscaped terraces, and street frontage.

400 China Basin

Contemporary affordable housing building with white and red facades, ground-floor retail, and street trees.

383 6th Ave

Rendering of a high-rise residential tower with white facade, adjacent brick buildings, and palm-lined streets.

Mission Bay South Block 4E

Modern residence with large windows, a balcony, and illuminated living spaces opening to an outdoor terrace.

Noe Valley Residence 4

Modern multi-story residence with expansive glass walls, rooftop terraces, and children playing in a landscaped backyard.

Noe Valley Residence 2

Aerial view of a large multifamily residential building within a dense San Francisco neighborhood at sunset.

730 Stanyan

our work.