Creating Dream Homes: A Conversation with Rebecca Amato of Amato Architecture
Written by Heather Anderson
When it comes to transforming homes, Rebecca Amato, owner and principal architect at Amato Architecture, has a gift for blending functionality, beauty, and family-friendly designs. With over 600 homes under her belt in the Bay Area and beyond, Rebecca's deep understanding of space, flow, and sustainability makes her a sought-after architect for families and empty nesters alike.
In our conversation, Rebecca shares what led her to transition from large commercial projects to residential architecture, her passion for sustainable design, and how she creates spaces that evolve with families over time.
Your work focuses on creating functional spaces that bring families together. What inspired you to transition from large commercial projects to designing homes, especially for families in the Bay Area?
It really started when I decided to get married, buy my own home, and have kids. I wanted to have a job that allowed me to be creative but also be present as a mom. I was working on these larger projects at big firms, and I’d design something, but then someone else would do the construction drawings, and someone else would handle the construction administration. By the time I’d visit the project, I’d think, "What happened to my design?"
I’m a bit of a control freak, and in residential design, I can really get my arms around the whole project. I love talking to clients, understanding their challenges, and solving them in ways that work for their lives. It's incredibly rewarding to be involved from day one, guiding the process from start to finish, and seeing the homeowners move back in once their vision has become reality.
When I moved to the East Bay, I was pregnant with my son, and we bought this little two-bedroom, one-bath house. I knew I wanted to change it, but we waited 4 years until I was pregnant with my daughter to finally start the renovation. I really understand and relate to how families go through the nesting process and how critical space becomes as kids grow since I was able to experience that first hand myself. Now that my kids are older, I love helping families design homes that grow with them.
I know you’re also expanding to work with empty nesters who are thinking more along the lines of vacation or resort-style homes for family reunions and getaways. Could you share more about those projects?
Yes, absolutely! As my clientele has expanded, I’ve taken on more projects in vacation areas like Hawaii and Napa. I’m currently working on a home in Napa where my clients’ kids are married, and they’re starting to have grandkids. It’s all about creating spaces where the whole family can gather for holidays or weekends away. It’s such a different approach from designing for young families. We’re thinking about how the home can host 16 people for Thanksgiving but also be a serene, livable space for just the two of them.
You’ve worked on over 600 homes, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. Can you share a memorable project where you had to get particularly creative with space planning?
Oh, there’s one that comes to mind! I worked on a tiny house in Berkeley where space was super tight. There was this narrow hallway between the bedrooms and the kitchen, and the clients really wanted to add a half-bath. I’m not a fan of long hallways—they’re often just wasted space. So, we ended up putting the half-bath in the hallway and reconfiguring the kitchen to accommodate a generous passageway while also still functioning for cooking. We were able to add more storage and counter space in the kitchen while still fitting in the new bathroom. It’s like Tetris—you figure out how to make all the pieces fit together without expanding the footprint.
Your designs are known for blending functionality with beauty. How do you approach the balance between these elements, particularly when designing for families who need both practicality and aesthetics?
It all starts with identifying the focal points of each room. Whether it’s a gorgeous bay window or a stunning fireplace, I like to anchor the room around that. Once you know what you want to highlight, the rest of the design falls into place. You don’t want too many competing elements, or it becomes chaotic.
For families, the layout is key. You need spaces where kids can play, but also areas where the family can come together. I always think about how a house will be used day-to-day but also for larger gatherings. It’s about making sure the layout works for both.
The Bay Area is known for expensive real estate, which makes every square foot precious. What are some of your favorite space-saving solutions that you’ve incorporated into your residential designs?
Door-shifting is one of my favorite tricks! It’s amazing what you can accomplish just by moving a doorway. In a bathroom, for example, moving the door to the center of the room can allow for a longer vanity or more storage. I also eliminate hallways wherever possible—why waste space on something you’re just walking through when you could use that square footage to make a room bigger?
I also like to make the circulation within a house as efficient as possible - for example, stacking staircases to maximize space and locating them in the center of the home. And furniture layouts are always part of my initial designs—I want to know exactly where the furniture will go before we finalize anything.
“It’s about designing homes that are energy efficient and work with the natural environment.”
Sustainability seems to be a key theme in your work. Can you tell us more about how your background in Environmental Design influences your approach to green architecture, especially in residential projects?
Growing up in Colorado, I was surrounded by nature, and that had a huge influence on me. When I studied Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, we focused on how to design buildings that had a minimal impact on the environment. That’s something I carry into every project.
Now, it’s about so much more than just the materials we use. It’s about designing homes that are energy efficient and work with the natural environment. For example, in Hawaii, I designed a house where every bedroom has a window facing the ocean both for the view, but also with another window on the opposite side creates natural cross-ventilation cooling their home without ever turning on the AC.
As a mom yourself, what advice would you give to other moms who are considering a remodel? Are there any particular design features you recommend for making a home more family-friendly?
My biggest advice is to think about how the house will grow with your family. When my kids were little, we didn’t have cabinets in the laundry room for years, but we had a laundry room—and that extra space made a huge difference. You don’t have to finish every detail right away, but adding square footage when your kids are young can be a game-changer. You can always finish the details later as budget allows.
It’s also important to think about how spaces will be used as your family changes. You might need a place for high chairs and toys now, but what happens when your kids are teenagers? It’s all about designing with flexibility in mind.
You’ve been involved in every project from start to finish since you founded Amato Architecture in 2002. How has this hands-on approach shaped your relationships with your clients, and what do you believe sets your firm apart from others?
I think what sets us apart is that I’m there every step of the way. I hold the vision for the project and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Contractors often tell me that architects don’t usually get as involved as I do, but I believe that’s critical to the success of the project. I’m there to make sure the design gets implemented the way it was intended, and I advocate for my clients if something isn’t quite right. That hands-on approach builds trust and ensures that the final result is exactly what my clients envisioned.
How to Get Started with Amato Architecture
Rebecca and her team focus on larger projects, typically in the range of $200k and up, but will occasionally take on smaller projects. For a consultation, which includes an in-person visit, the fee is $250, and this fee is credited toward the retainer if you decide to move forward.
Rebecca will personally guide you through every step of the design and construction process, including helping navigate the often-complex Bay Area permitting process.
Contact Rebecca through her website to get started on your dream home project!
Follow Amato Architecture on Instagram or Facebook.
You can also find Rebecca on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.