ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN
​At Zeitgeist Sonoma, we think about time and place a bit differently than most.
By focusing on our clients' vision and values, we create thoughtful spaces designed to support purposeful living - timeless designs that capture the spirit of the moment and create meaningful moments for generations to come.
LET'S DESIGN WITH PERSPECTIVE, TOGETHER.
Building a home in a new community is an investment in time and money, and the success of your project is tied directly to the team you trust to work with.
Over the last two decades, we’ve built a network of trusted local vendors, builders, and contractors—relationships and referrals that give us a distinct advantage and efficiency over larger firms throughout the Bay Area.
Where most architecture and design firms stop, we keep going to ensure you’re supported throughout the entire design and construction process. We advocate For your vision, always, from the first concept to the last detail.
ABOUT US
We are Zeitgeist Sonoma, a full-service architecture and interior design firm specializing in custom, upscale homes and boutique commercial spaces.
As an architecture and interior design team, we address your project in a comprehensive way. Our collective training and backgrounds result in a fully integrated design, uniting the aesthetics of the interior and exterior, from the flow of a space to the feel of the hardware. We also integrate your vision, lifestyle, functional needs, and work patterns -- and the result is a smart, sophisticated, comprehensive solution that will fit you like your favorite pair of jeans.
We strive to not only create beautiful, refined designs, but also to provide an enjoyable, expedient, and cost-effective process. We are highly experienced in guiding our clients through every step of the construction process, from designing and permitting to furnishing custom residences.
We opened our doors in 2001, and over the years we are proud to have taken part in hundreds of projects in Sonoma County and the San Francisco Bay Area. As a locally-owned business, we live and work alongside you in Santa Rosa, California.
Wichmann Zeitgeist Sonoma, Inc., is a CA S Corporation.
OUR PROCESS
Our design process proceeds in phases to ensure your project is developed in a thorough and efficient manner.
These thoughtful steps ensure your project remains consistent with your vision, functional needs, and budget.
PRE-DESIGN
This phase relies on information gathered through discussion with you, the client, and includes the vision, scope of work, site analysis, budget, and research of applicable codes and permits. We work closely with you to establish a written program, which becomes the road map for the project. At the conclusion of this phase, we have a clear understanding of the project parameters and your desires and needs.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
This phase consists of converting your written program into three-dimensional form. This early schematic design considers adjacencies and configuration of spaces, scale, and site orientation. It concludes with a defined floor plan, and in some cases additional drawings to communicate the design. Preliminary concept sheets showing materials, details, and aesthetic inspirations, as well as sketches, renderings, and concept models may also be provided as design tools throughout this phase. We conclude this phase with requesting cost estimates from contractors to confirm the design is within your budget parameters.
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
In this phase, concepts and ideas are refined and finalized. Building systems, including the structural design, lighting plans, and mechanical systems, are selected. Feature items such as fireplaces, cabinetry, built-in furnishings, and stairs are designed. Lighting and plumbing, tile and stone, and all fixtures and finishes are identified. The design is translated into the technical drawings needed for acquiring a building permit to begin construction.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
We are happy to assist you in vetting contractors and manufacturers to execute the design. Once construction has begun, we are available for regular site inspections to verify the work is being done according to the drawings and specifications. We remain your advocate throughout the building process.
OUR TEAM
JESSICA KAHN WICHMANN
PRINCIPAL, INTERIOR DESIGNER
University of Colorado, Boulder: BFA in Art History and Photography
Drexel University, Philadelphia: MS in Interior Design
Jessica’s education provides a solid foundation and training for her visual acuity. Her extensive U.S. and global travels have exposed her to a broad range of architectural and living styles, expanding her innate sense of possibility. Jessica readily translates her clients' living patterns and functional needs into design solutions. The result is a transformed space offering beautiful form and excellent function. Devoted to instilling a love of the creative process as well as the finished product, Jessica brings her ingenuity to each design project. She enjoys raising her children, traveling, reading cookbooks, and yoga.
jessica@zeitgeistsonoma.com
EFRAIM WICHMANN
PRINCIPAL, DESIGNER
Temple University, Philadelphia: Bachelor of Architecture
Efraim grew up in Germany. He moved to the United States in 1990. His exposure to European design principles has served as a solid foundation for his creativity. Focusing on high-end residential and boutique commercial interior design, Efraim is hands-on and accessible throughout the design process. He is a diligent space maker, always challenging convention and bringing fresh, uncompromised design to his projects resulting in total works of art. He enjoys his children, mountain biking, kayaking, and sailing.
efraim@zeitgeistsonoma.com
KAYLA PASTOR
PARTNER, ARCHITECT
UC Berkeley: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
License Number C-37694
Kayla has been with Zeitgeist since January 2015 and is a Sonoma County native. As an architect, she enjoys designing spaces that are not only sustainable and efficient, but also delightful to inhabit. Kayla assists with project management and brings a host of software skills to Zeitgeist. Whether it be building a digital 3D model of a project or putting together a crisp presentation, she cheerfully exceeds expectations. She also enjoys drawing, cycling, spending time with her family, and pursuing new ways to live sustainably.
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kayla@zeitgeistsonoma.com
We want you to spend your time living well in an environment that
speaks to your values and priorities, and leave the rest to us.