Livable City Innovator in Architecture and Urbanism

The Livable City Awards and Member Celebration provide an opportunity for Livable City to recognize innovators, advocates, and public servants for their leadership and accomplishments and celebrate with our amazing members and friends.

The Livable City Board of Directors is honored to award David the Livability Innovator award for several reasons. First, for his innovative design work, particularly in affordable housing, despite budget, zoning, and planning restraints. Second, for his work in mixed-use development, thoughtfulness in street frontage, and implementing low-cost sustainable building practices. Third, for the construction of Zero Cottage—San Francisco’s first Net-Zero Passive House certified residence, and StoreFrontLab—an interactive exploration of the storefront as a place of community, creativity, and local industry.

David Baker FAIA leads David Baker Architects, an award-winning San Francisco architecture firm that for 30 years has focused designing for density and exploring urban solutions. David has been dedicated to increasing the safety, sanity, and livability of San Francisco for decades through his urban-infill multifamily housing designs and his advocacy for active street edges, civic engagement, alternative transit, bicycle safety, and the creation of wonderful places.

His firm practices what they preach: DBA is a San Francisco Certified Green Business, a Carbon Free Business, and a Bicycle Friendly Business, and they work imbue all aspects of their work with sustainability and community benefit.