PRACTICE

A modern skyscraper with a unique geometric design in a city skyline under a clear blue sky.

Firm Profile

Heller Manus Architects has dedicated over 40 years to developing a diversified, client-oriented firm that is a design and sustainability leader in the profession.

Our design philosophy is based on innovative design, grounded in a respect for continuity and context, particularly in the urban setting. Our designs express not only a functional purpose but also the physical and social context, thereby ensuring quality and relevance for generations to come. Ours is a philosophy that embraces timeless values.

Our portfolio includes a variety of project types ranging from master plans to in-fill buildings, high-rise office towers, multi-family residential, transportation facilities, historic, adaptive reuse, and civic complexes. Our design is done with a common characteristic: high-quality, cost-effective design that is responsive to the end-users’ function. Each new commission is treated as a unique project with distinct attributes. We take the challenges and constraints to create the ideal design solution tailored to the project. Longstanding client relationships and repeat business is a true measure of the success of our personal approach to our work.

Heller Manus has a long-established track record of maintaining high-quality design and execution while obtaining approvals from governing agencies and neighborhood groups under difficult circumstances. By understanding the public nature of buildings in urban settings, our experience is seamlessly integrated into the design process. This approach consistently produces buildings with a strong, popular appeal.

With the construction and operation of buildings now contributing up to 50 percent of the total greenhouse gases generated, and automobile commuting making up a significant percent as well, Heller Manus recognizes the key role the architecture profession serves in championing the importance of creating sustainable cities and architecture. We are committed to cutting‐edge practice in sustainable design, as well as developing strategies to cut construction and operating costs where appropriate.

Sustainability is not the only key to reducing the negative impact of buildings on the environment, but it helps to reduce our client’s operating costs by increasing their building’s energy, water, and sewage efficiencies. Healthy buildings in sustainable communities can be achieved by appropriate design of energy, water, and transportation, thereby reducing operating costs and attracting more tenants. We encourage our clients, whenever possible, to adopt criteria that will result in the best value for their investment. Our firm is a leader in the profession and sustainable movement with some of the first sustainable architecture and large‐scale urban planning projects in the U.S. and China, including the first LEED Gold office towers in both San Francisco and Shanghai, the first LEED Platinum neighborhood master plan in the U.S., and sustainable master plans for Guangzhou and other Chinese cities.

Commitment to Sustainability and Resilient Design

First LEED Platinum certified master plan design in the nation.

First LEED Gold High Rises in San Francisco and Shanghai.

LEED Platinum Projects:

  • 181 Fremont

  • 505 Brannan Street

  • Emeryville Marketplace (First LEED Platinum certified master plan design in the nation)

LEED Gold Projects:

  • 350 Bush Street

  • 500 Pine Street

  • 555 Mission Street (First LEED Gold office tower in San Francisco)

  • 909 Kifer | Fortinet Headquarters

  • Guangzhou International Fashion Center

  • 55 Second Street

  • Menlo Gateway | Constitution

  • Menlo Gateway | Independence

  • UC Merced Downtown Campus Center

  • Lumina

  • Eastern Harbor International Tower (First LEED Gold office tower in Shanghai)

LEED Silver Projects:

  • The Martin

  • Newark Civic Center

Modern multi-story office building with glass windows, concrete columns, and a commercial space on the ground floor. Street view showing a bank and trees in front.
Modern glass office building with vertical window panels and a large curved roof, surrounded by trees and a road with a car passing by.
Modern glass office building with multiple floors, illuminated interior, located in an urban area, with a busy street in front.
Looking up at a tall, modern glass skyscraper against a clear blue sky, with some trees in the foreground.
Modern office buildings with glass windows and unique architectural design, including rounded and rectangular structures, at sunset with a clear sky.
Exterior view of University of California Merced Downtown Campus Center with palm trees, leafless trees, parking lot, and modern building with horizontal metal louvers.
View of a city skyline during sunset with tall buildings, a bridge over water, and a horizon in the distance.
A tall modern glass building in a city with surrounding older skyscrapers, with interior lights on and a rooftop patio.
Large modern office building with glass facade, situated on a street with parking, landscaping, and trees.
A modern glass office building with curved architectural design reflecting clouds and sky, surrounded by trees, parking lot, and adjacent parking garage on the right.
Modern office complex with glass facades, landscaped walkways, and people sitting and walking outside on a sunny day.
Tall modern skyscrapers with curved glass facades reflect the blue sky. Smaller multi-story residential buildings are at the base, with balconies and large windows. Street view with cars and a person riding a bike visible in the foreground.