Created in california

Blitz was founded by a 6th generation Californian and a transplant from the UK. Together they had a vision to create a design firm that would eschew convention and leave the baggage of tradition behind. California, as a global epicenter of invention, innovation, and boundless creativity, was the obvious place for Blitz to be born. It's a place where experimentation is not just encouraged, it's expected. California is a place where fearlessness meets opportunity, and where the transformative power of design thrives against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty—from the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the expansive shores of the Pacific Ocean. This diverse and dynamic environment fosters a spirit of optimism that permeates every facet of life, and it's the perfect landscape for a collection of creatives to push the boundaries of architecture and design.

Our Practice

Blitz is an architecture, interior, and experiential design firm. Tenaciously founded in 2009 with an enduring rebel spirit, our team of creatives seeks to upend convention and invent the new normal. With California studios in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we create buildings, spaces, and experiences globally.

We live and work in the modern world and have tuned our practice to be nimble, responsive, and mobile. We have never been limited by geography or time zone and have completed projects around the world.

We take our corporate responsibility seriously. Blitz is dedicated from day one of employment to the care, professional development, and education of our team members. We prioritize teaming with local, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses. Blitz sources local, sustainable materials and products, focusing on meaningful strategies including reuse, performance, and partnering with manufacturers who take ownership cradle to cradle.

Our PRocess

The Blitz process focuses on concise and clear deliverables aimed at communicating complex ideas simply and directly. This means that we can work anywhere on the planet while communicating clearly. By stripping away unnecessary bureaucracy and overly complex workflows, we can direct all of our energy to creating great design.

We approach design as a data-driven exercise, making informed, conceptually rooted design decisions at every phase of development. Design is a team sport and we recognize our role as systems integrators.  The thoughtful integration of devices and diffusers isn’t the stuff of magazine covers but it is the work that makes you exhale with calm relief when you enter a Blitz space.  

Our experience with the built environment contributes to our sense of well-being and influences everything from our ability to learn to our ability to heal. It’s expensive to build and there are environmental consequences too. We believe in spending the time, investing the energy, and using state-of-the-art technology to get it right.

Our MOtivation

We love to invent—whether it’s creating spaces, objects, or processes, we are passionate about making new things. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to human-centered design. This means viewing our work through the lens of the individual, regardless of the project’s scale. We ask questions like, “What does it feel like to touch this door handle?” “How will that wallcovering appear as a Zoom background?” or “How might this graphic look to someone who is colorblind?”

By designing for a diverse range of individuals, we strive to enhance the quality of the environments they inhabit and, in turn, their quality of life. Through a combination of research, a deep understanding of each client’s needs, and years of expertise, we deliver innovative and delightful solutions that function as beautifully as they appear. We believe that relying on the status quo doesn’t just produce the same results—it risks leaving you and your project behind in an ever-changing world.

Our Leadership

  • Melissa is a co-founder and partner at Blitz where she serves as a guiding force for the studio’s creative vision. A strategic thinker and creative problem-solver, she ensures each project is not only visually stunning but highly functional, economic successes as well. Melissa’s work with industry leaders like Google, L’Oréal, Lucid, and Okta has earned her national and international acclaim as an architect and workplace strategist. A maker at heart, she channels her passion for creating into her personal life through hop farming with her husband, gardening, and painting in her studio.

  • Kimberley’s innovative vision and client-focused approach bring the perfect balance of surprise and practicality to every project. Her love of small details and distinctive design features ensures each space feels personalized and impactful. Skilled at navigating complexity, she excels in managing fast-paced tenant improvement projects and international endeavors. A leader in the local design community, Kimberley’s influence extends well beyond Blitz’s walls. In her free time, she channels her creativity as a talented seamstress, crafting unique designs for charitable organizations across the Bay Area.

  • Craig’s ability to manage multi-agency, multi-phase projects makes him an invaluable leader of Blitz’s San Francisco studio. His diverse portfolio spans pro bono public works, historical retrofits, and large-scale campus renovations, with extensive experience collaborating with major Bay Area tech firms. Craig’s foundational knowledge and strategic leadership fast-track projects to success while enriching Blitz’s studio culture. Outside of work, his passions include travel, cycling, discovering new music, and enjoying classic films.

  • As a champion for both clients and employees, Seth brings people together to create designs that are thoughtful and very well detailed. His collaborative approach fosters innovation, producing a diverse portfolio that spans workplaces, retail, education, and ground-up developments. From intimate jewel-box spaces to sprawling campuses, Seth’s expertise proves that a solid process drives successful designs at any scale. When not at the office, he takes on challenges of a different kind, flying light aircraft, swimming in the Bay, and running a hop farm with Melissa.

  • Stephanie brings grace and precision to her role as the leader of Blitz’s Los Angeles studio. A champion of inclusivity and employee satisfaction, she thrives on solving complex challenges. As an expert space planner and skilled project advocate, Stephanie guides clients and teams through the design journey, crafting spaces that are purposeful and exceed expectations. In her spare time, she draws on inspiration through travels to urban settings to experience architectural delights, immersing herself in natural environments and experiments with new culinary creations in her kitchen.

  • Crystal heads Blitz’s environmental graphics and experiential design team, ensuring each project reflects the client’s culture and voice. A holistic thinker and collaborative partner, she designs layered spatial journeys that foster belonging, reinforce brand messaging, and drive culture and connection. From concept to construction, Crystal’s keen attention to detail elevates projects across the design spectrum. A passionate advocate for the field, she is an active leader in the Society of Environmental Graphic Designers. A California native, Crystal balances her creative energy with yoga, hiking, avocados, and putting great design down in ink.

  • With over four decades of experience, John is the cornerstone of Blitz’s architectural practice. As Technical Director, he oversees the studio’s documentation process and ensures quality control across all projects. A master craftsman and dedicated mentor, John’s expertise in detailing and complex problem-solving has shaped many of Blitz’s signature achievements. Beyond architecture, his creative spirit thrives in music. A multi-instrumentalist, John enjoys exploring a wide range of sounds, from the compositions of J.S. Bach to the jams of J.J. Garcia.

  • As Blitz’s Managing Director, Safiya is the cornerstone of the studio’s culture and business efficiency. A natural problem-solver with boundless adaptability, she ensures the studio operates smoothly no matter what challenges arise. A creative at heart, Safiya brings fresh perspectives to design charrettes and team reviews, offering invaluable “outside eyes.” Her dedication to fostering a thriving studio culture is unparalleled, and her infectious energy inspires everyone around her. Outside the office, Safiya spends time with her beloved cat, Mustard, and tends to her ever-growing plant kingdom.

  • Elizabeth thrives at the intersection of vision and possibility. As Blitz’s Design Director, she helps shape the firm’s design process while overseeing external branding and marketing efforts. A storyteller and researcher at heart, she excels at guiding clients and teams through visioning and crafting concepts that anchor projects in meaning. Her systems-driven approach ensures every detail is thoughtfully addressed, while her commitment to inclusivity and neurodiversity informs her design philosophy and team dynamics. Outside of work, Elizabeth can be found exploring contemporary art on global travels or hiking the Berkeley Hills with her canine companion, Ruby.