D a n i e l   R u a r k ,   A r c h i t e c t

Custom Residential Architecture

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Addition

San Ramon, California

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and its campus was master planned for an eight acre site which is hand-some in its rural, rolling character and commands a good view of the surrounding San Ramon Valley area and distant hills.  

The Main Church (14,000 sq.ft.) was the first phase design and construction and represents dominant focal point of the Master Plan.  Its sanctuary seats 890 persons.  The architectural character is simple and dignified, visually emphasizing the religious aspect while in harmony with its existing surroundings.  

A unique feature of its site planning was the desire of the congregation to have the building so located that it possessed a direct view of Mount Diablo.  Mount Diablo is on the central axis of the Main Church's layout and framed in the picture window behind the altar.  All members of the congregation have clear site lines to the altar and thereby develop a connectedness to one another and the celebrant.

Within a few years, the surrounding community had grown dramatically.  A building extension was required for additional seating requirements.  This new space could also be closed off from the main worship space and used as a large meeting room.  An unusually large window fills one of the new space.  It is shaped and filled with patterned color art glass to abstractly reference the floor plan of the church.  As it faces south, the window receives direct sun light at most times of the year, and adds considerable interest to the new seating space.


Main Church and addition designed by Aaron G. Green, FAIA.  My role and responsibilities:  produce Construction Documents for the Addition along with the Project Manager.