ETHOS
Make Less, Get More.
Less square footage, more light.
Less complexity, more clarity.
Less building, more living.
In the Bay Area, space is a premium and construction costs are incredibly high. More square footage doesn't always equal a better life. It often equals larger energy bills and more maintenance.
Our work is guided by a 'Make Less, Get More' ethos. Whether it's a residential remodel or a retail space, the goal is to maximize light over bulk, flexibility over rigid floor plans, and site connection over domination. By designing smarter, we create spaces that feel expansive without the footprint.
Every move is considered. Every opening intentional. Every square foot working harder. We design spaces that do more, by doing less, more intelligently.
ABOUT
pmaxd is an architecture and design studio based in Berkeley, CA specializing in thoughtful, high quality, custom residential and commercial projects.
Through innovative, collaborative, and environmentally conscious design, we seek to create better places. Our projects include new construction, renovations, additions and ADUs.
We believe good design is timeless yet site specific; generative though intentional, and functional while beautiful. Architecture shapes the way we see the world, and our interactions with others; it can improve our everyday experiences and elevate our quality of life.
Fundamental to our work are the relationships with our clients to help them realize the full potential of their site, structure or space. We are experienced in efficient and effective planning and building review processes and have developed strong relationships with local suppliers and fabricators to bring exceptional materials and craft to each project. We see the big picture and sweat the details.
pmaxd is a woman-owned creative design practice.
WHO WE ARE
Nicolette Prentice Mastrangelo, AIA (she/her)
Architect / Urbanist / Advocate
Nicolette Prentice Mastrangelo is an architect and urban planner with over two decades of experience in the design and construction industry. She has worked with international, award-winning, multi-disciplinary practices including Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (Chicago), ARUP, Handel Architects, MKThink, JLL Project Management, and several custom residential practices in the Bay Area. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a joint Master of Architecture and Master of City Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2009, she was awarded the John K. Branner Fellowship from the College of Environmental Design and traveled around the world, stopping in 21 countries, to study the performance of public space in new cities. She is a citizen of the US and Italy.