Who We Are
What Defines Our Firm?
Client Focused
Projects are designed for people, so we emphasize dialogue throughout all project phases. Our relationship with our clients is built upon a collaborative process which aims to develop solutions sensitive to a project's aesthetic, operational, and fiscal needs.
process driven
Designing for the needs of tomorrow, we anticipate industry evolution, determine spatial balances, plan for efficiency, and distill options. We work on complex projects, but we do not design complicated spaces.
Team of specialists
Project planning is the practice of assessing talent and building teams. Every building is unique and so are the people who create them. We know that not one of us holds all the answers in this interdisciplinary practice, so we bring together teams of specialists to generate the optimal solution.
Backed By Expertise
Expertise is acquired through experience and research. Considering our prior work and examining the works of others provides a knowledge base for developing solutions-based thinking. Expertise is active. It is fostered through a desire for betterment and passion for solving problems.
How Do We Bring Value To Our Clients?
INNOVATION
We foster a culture of innovation by encouraging creative minds to explore ideas using solutions-based thinking, understanding that the process to innovate is collaborative in both effort and expertise.
Integrated Solutions
We deliver solutions with the knowledge that they are responses to multiple, inter-related entities which may include business operations, industry standards, patterns of use, projections, and best management practices.
Sustainability
The projects we manage for our clients are designed to provide places to enhance our humanity and to preserve our planet's natural resources for future generations.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“FCA has become one of my quiet heroes. Their firm embodies the highest qualities of an architect, who has structured their whole career and firm to take full responsibility of the ‘art of building’ in the service of the client. It is a model that contradicts every negative stereotype of the architect and is a model for the profession.”
What Do We Specialize In?
Our work requires us to master a language which is both dimensional and sensory; requiring proficiency in all forms imaginable. Our services in architecture, interior design, and planning continue to produce a range of projects spanning multiple industries with a commitment to excellence through design, collaboration, and sustainable practices.
Meet Our Team
Our Founders
Celebrating 40 Years Of Service
History
In 1982, founding partners David Fong and Chiu Lin Tse-Chan established Fong & Chan Architects with four founding principles: create great architecture, serve the client, give back to the community, and raise the status of the architect in society. The firm's first commission was for the San Francisco International Airport, a $150 million project consisting of master planning, preliminary design, schematic design, design guidelines, and cost estimating. The success of this project paved the way for other leading projects at FCA, exemplifying the rewards of hard work, quality services, and enduring patience.
Mentorship
Our senior staff upholds the firm's belief in fostering the professional growth of well-rounded young professionals. We ensure that our junior staff are fully immersed in all practice aspects, from preliminary design to project closeout. Principals communicate directly with junior staff to reinforce the practice of peer-to-peer working relationships. The office also supports accreditation testing, licensing exams, and continuing education.
Culture
Our office is an inclusive and diverse environment where all are welcome. Team-building events, including an annual trip to Tahoe and company barbecue occur throughout the year. On a day to day basis, weekly breakfast discussions, monthly happy hours, and regular Lunch & Learn seminars give us an opportunity to share perspectives and connect beyond architecture.
Interested In Joining Our Team?
FCA holds careers for those truly seeking to learn for a lifetime, employing talented individuals committed to professional growth and team-oriented design. Our approach to project management allows you to gain exposure to a variety of project facets. Our staff appreciates the practice of architecture while acquiring proficiency in all its forms.
In addition to providing you the opportunity to contribute to industry-changing projects, FCA offers a generous compensation and bonus package. We offer bi-annual bonus opportunities and competitive benefits that recognize the value and service of our employees. Below is a brief list of benefits that we are proud provide.
Life, medical, dental, and vision insurance
Matching 401 (k) employee retirement plan
Flexible work/life balance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Paid membership dues for the National Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
Public transit commuter benefits / in-house parking / bicycle parking
In-house gym and shower
Reimbursement for select exams and continuing education
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Child/pet friendly
Every year, we provide opportunities for interns from domestically and internationally-acclaimed schools of architecture and design to join us and learn the practice in a fully-immersed setting. We provide a path to career growth within the firm by encouraging staff to seek accreditation. Interns who have worked with us have often continued their career at FCA, advancing to levels of associate and principal.
Whether you are a student, a recent graduate, or simply hold an interest in becoming part of our team, we would like to hear from you. Contact us for open opportunities, or send in your resume and cover letter, and schedule an appointment with us.
Fong & Chan Architects is an equal opportunity employer.