Daniel Ruark, Architect
Custom Residential Architecture
Client Testimonials
I genuinely enjoy providing architectural services to individuals and families—and have been fortunate that many of these clients have been owners of Aaron Green-designed homes, an individual with whom I was honored to have a close professional and personal relationship for over 12 years. It represents a meaningful extension of that experience to be entrusted with interpreting any new work in the manner that these homeowner's strongly desire—respectful, appropriate design solutions for their homes.
This approach embraces all other projects that I undertake with clients, particularly those who desire quality design and construction—and often times in many other architectural vocabularies (particularly as exists in the SF Bay Area). Here are just a few offerings from my clients, many of them who would gladly serve as reference, if desired:
“We purchased a 1954 Aaron Green home that was partially remodeled; mostly unfinished, and badly neglected. The home is a historic gem and we needed an architect who could help us respect the building's history while adding modern amenities.
We were struggling to find the right architect partner and Daniel found us. As we were embarking on this project, Daniel and his associate, Jan Novie, setup a meeting. After a few meetings to review the project and discuss scope, we hired Daniel. We've done quite a few remodel projects; none this ambitious. Daniel was stellar. We worked very closely together to find innovative, cost effective solutions to bring our Aaron Green home back to its former beauty.
Daniel's plans were very detailed. He worked closely with the city to help through some of the planning department's concerns. He also worked with the contractor and subs to ensure everything went to plan.
He's patient, hard working, and reliable. His designs are amazing and the spaces he creates aren't just homes, but works of art. We highly recommend him!”
Danny Chau
“Meeting Daniel Ruark on Eloise Circle in Los Altos Hills was a great experience. He and I, along with the Owners worked in conjunction with the formerly built project designed by Aaron Green.
Since Daniel worked with Aaron Green years ago, he had vast experience regarding the design of this unique property. He conducted himself in a very professional manner and always made himself available for phone calls and meetings. In my entire career spanning over 30 years and having worked with many professionals, I've never met anyone who has been easier and such a pleasure to work with.
Daniel's plans were very precise and detailed, allowing for ease of performing the technical work involved in blending the old and new structures together. I can't think of anyone whom I could recommend more highly.”
Art Wilbrand - President, A.B.W. Construction, Inc.
“Daniel's creative responses to the landscaping conditions on site at a house I purchased last December were surprising creative, functional and beautiful.. I repainted the interior and loved his color choices. Daniel is good at communicating what he likes, and giving feedback on my ideas. On my Aaron Green home, I am now replacing the floors after getting the pros and cons of available solutions for my budget. Daniel's up to date organic architecture background is essential for me.”
Frances Fung
“Daniel is a very likable professional, he has the credentials and expertise to help his clients achieve any level of their architectural goals. Daniel will work diligently to guide you through the entire building process from conceptual drawings to all requirements needed for submitting plans. Daniel makes it his priority to be a reliable and dedicated architect.”
Teresa Chaffee
“We have employed Daniel on a number of occasions. He has been fantastic: inspired, thoughtful, efficient, prepared, thoroughly imbued with the Aaron Green/Frank Lloyd Wright ethos (but not dogmatic nor simply derivative). The first time we hired Daniel to work on an Aaron Green home that we owned in Southern California. Daniel had worked with Aaron on an earlier updating of the kitchen. The second time we hired Daniel to design a home for us at the Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island in Hawaii. We currently intend to hire him to work on a master bedroom remodel of another home in Hawaii. Without fail, Daniel provided a number of wonderful design ideas and solutions to fit within our budget--all within his own and the Aaron Green/FLW aesthetic. He should definitely be on the short list of people you interview before beginning a project of any size or type.”
William Swank
“Aaron Green could not have asked for a more worthy heir than Daniel Ruark, just as Frank Lloyd Wright could not have asked for a more worthy heir than Aaron Green. In 2013, I purchased a small residence on the Stanford campus designed by Aaron Green, a real gem of a house that had an outdoor tool shed in the carport area. I consulted Ruark about transforming the shed into a master bathroom that would incorporate into the main house without compromising or adding to the main plan. Ruark produced an ingenious, exquisite design, down to the last detail, and oversaw the construction, which entailed considerable challenges. The result is a stunning master bathroom that blends seamlessly into the unique architecture and color tones of the house. Daniel Ruark's professionalism, honesty, and devotion to his work are exemplary. He is a a master artist of organic architecture. Aaron Green recognized this, and the work Ruark did for me confirms it.”
Robert Harrison
