Building Sustainable Futures, One Design at a Time

At Rizzo Associates, we are a design and project management firm dedicated to serving the residential and commercial industries. Our expertise lies in providing design and owner's representation services for all stages of the real estate development process. We specialize in single-family residential, multi-family residential, retail, restaurant, and mixed-use project spaces.

Our Mission

Our mission is to apply creative problem-solving to balance our clients' investment, while creating sustainable designs that are complementary to a project's site, context, environment, and community. We believe in utilizing environmentally sensitive principles to create pathways to resilient designs and construction efficiencies.

Our Story

Our company was founded by James Rizzo in 1999 in San Francisco. With extensive experience in the commercial, restaurant, retail, and residential industries, James takes a special interest in community outreach and the planning entitlement process. He is passionate about building sustainable structures that communicate to users and integrate with cultures, communities, and environments.

James holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego. Before pursuing studies in architecture, James studied business at Arizona State University. He was a founding member of the NewSchool AIAS chapter and served as the first President, representing his college on the national stage.

Our Expertise

Our team of experts, including Joyce McCarron and Sherman Adams, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our projects. Joyce, a licensed architect with over 35 years of experience, has worked on a wide range of projects, from retail and healthcare facilities to residential and commercial spaces. Sherman, our Creative Lead, has over 15 years of experience in architecture, interiors, and brand experience design. With a background in 3D visualization and spatial, graphic, and digital strategies, Sherman's focus is on creating brilliant designs that integrate brands, environments, and residences.