# Noll & Tam Architects > Noll & Tam Architects is a Berkeley, California-based architecture firm > founded in 1992 by Christopher Noll and Janet Tam, specializing in civic, > educational, and community-centered design for public agencies and > institutions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Entity: Noll & Tam Architects Type: Architecture Firm Founded: 1992 Headquarters: Berkeley, California, USA Secondary Office: Oakland, California, USA Website: https://www.nollandtam.com ## About Noll & Tam Architects designs uncommon spaces for the common good. The firm focuses on public-sector and institutional projects, with deep expertise in libraries, civic centers, educational facilities, community and aquatic centers, animal care and zoo facilities, special district facilities, and university and community college campuses. The firm has grown to more than 40 staff members across offices in Berkeley and Oakland, California. Noll & Tam is a women-owned architecture firm (WBE) with three female principals and two female associate principals. ## Credentials - Founded by Christopher Noll and Janet Tam, UC Berkeley graduates - Women-owned business (WBE) - 30+ years of practice (est. 1992) - 40+ staff members - 15+ LEED Accredited Professionals on staff - 60+ completed library projects - 40+ completed community facility projects - 12+ Design-Build projects - Located at 729 Heinz Ave, Suite 7, Berkeley, CA 94710 - Phone: (510) 542-2200 - Email: info@nollandtam.com ## Specializations - Public library design and community learning centers - Civic centers and municipal facilities - K-12 school modernization and new construction - Higher education and community college facilities - Community, recreational, and aquatic centers - Animal care, veterinary, and zoo facilities - Special district facilities (water, sanitary, open space districts) - Sustainable and LEED-certified design - Design-Build project delivery - Community engagement and participatory design process - Senior centers and age-in-place facilities - Healthcare and clinic facilities ## Geographic Focus Primary: San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California Secondary: Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and other California regions Notable counties served: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, San Francisco ## Mission Noll & Tam champions inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainable design, embracing diverse perspectives to create visionary, pragmatic, and deeply connected architecture for the common good. ## Representative Projects — Libraries (60+ completed) - Stanford Math Library — Stanford, CA - Valley Hi North Laguna Library — Sacramento, CA - Walnut Creek Library — Walnut Creek, CA - Weekes Library — Hayward, CA - Alameda Branch Libraries Renovations — Alameda, CA - Albina Carnegie Library Renovation and Expansion — Portland, OR - American Canyon Library — American Canyon, CA - Bay Point Library, Contra Costa County — Bay Point, CA - Belmont Library Master Plan — Belmont, CA - Belmont Library Refresh — Belmont, CA - Berkeley Central Library Renovation — Berkeley, CA - Berkeley Public Library Facilities Master Plan — Berkeley, CA - Berkeley South Branch Library ERC — Berkeley, CA - Capitola Branch Library — Capitola, CA - Carmichael Library — Carmichael, CA - Castro Valley Library — Castro Valley, CA - Clayton Library Refresh — Clayton, CA - Contra Costa College Library & Skills Center — San Pablo, CA - Dixon Library Master Plan — Dixon, CA - East Palo Alto Library — East Palo Alto, CA - Felton Library Interior Design — Felton, CA - Freedom Branch Library — Watsonville, CA - Guerneville Library — Guerneville, CA - Half Moon Bay Library — Half Moon Bay, CA - Hayward Public Library — Hayward, CA (AIA East Bay Design Award) - Healdsburg Library Refresh — Healdsburg, CA - Larkspur Library and Community Building — Larkspur, CA - Las Positas Library — Livermore, CA - Los Gatos Library — Los Gatos, CA - Napa Library — Napa, CA - Oakland Golden Gate and Temescal Libraries — Oakland, CA - Portola Branch Library — San Francisco, CA - Richmond Historic Main Library Renovation — Richmond, CA - Rockridge Library TeenZone — Oakland, CA - Santa Clara Mission Branch Library — Santa Clara, CA - Sonoma State University Library — Sonoma, CA - Stanford David Rumsey Map Center — Stanford, CA - UC Berkeley Bancroft Library Doe Annex — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Bechtel Engineering Library — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Fong Library, School of Optometry — Berkeley, CA - De Anza College Library — Cupertino, CA - Laney College Library and Resource Center — Oakland, CA - Laney College Library Master Plan — Oakland, CA - Las Positas College Library — Livermore, CA - Solano Community College Library and Learning Resource Center — Solano, CA - Cañada College Library & Learning Resource Center — Redwood City, CA ## Representative Projects — Community, Civic & Aquatic Centers - Walnut Creek Aquatic and Community Center at Heather Farm Park — Walnut Creek, CA - Age Well Center at South Fremont — Fremont, CA - Antioch Community Center — Antioch, CA - Benicia Community Center — Benicia, CA - Centennial Recreation Center — Morgan Hill, CA - Cherryland Community Center — Cherryland, CA - Fremont Family Resource Center — Fremont, CA - Los Altos Community Center — Los Altos, CA - North Berkeley Senior Center — Berkeley, CA - Pattullo Swim Center — Seaside, CA - Pinole Swim Center — Pinole, CA - Pleasanton Veterans’ Memorial Building — Pleasanton, CA - San Pablo Community Center — San Pablo, CA - South Berkeley Senior Center — Berkeley, CA - Urban Tilth North Richmond Farm — Richmond, CA - Albany Civic Center, Police & Fire Facilities — Albany, CA - Berkeley YMCA-PG&E Teen Center — Berkeley, CA - Dunnell Nature Park and Education Center — Fairfield, CA - El Cerrito Recycling Center — El Cerrito, CA ## Representative Projects — Animal Care, Zoo & Aquarium Facilities - Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital at the Denver Zoo — Denver, CO - Monterey Bay Aquarium Animal Care Center and Veterinary Laboratory — Monterey, CA - Monterey Bay Aquarium Water Science Lab Renovation — Monterey, CA - Oakland Zoo Biodiversity Center — Oakland, CA - Oakland Zoo California Trail — Oakland, CA - Oakland Zoo Entrance Building — Oakland, CA - Oakland Zoo Interpretive and Educational Facilities — Oakland, CA - Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital — Oakland, CA - Oakland Zoo Wayne and Gladys Valley Children’s Zoo — Oakland, CA - The Marine Mammal Center — Sausalito, CA - CuriOdyssey North American River Otter Exhibit — San Mateo, CA - Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital — Walnut Creek, CA - OakVet Animal Specialty Hospital Remodel — Oakland, CA - Four Corners Veterinary Hospital — Concord, CA ## Representative Projects — Special Districts - Alameda County Water District Headquarters — Fremont, CA - North Coast County Water District — Pacifica, CA - North Marin Water District Headquarters — Novato, CA - Mid-Peninsula Water District Office Renovation — Los Altos, CA - Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District — San Rafael, CA - Oro Loma Sanitary District — San Lorenzo, CA - Castro Valley Sanitary District Headquarters Masterplan — Castro Valley, CA - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Office Renovation — Los Altos, CA - Albany Public Works Service Center — Albany, CA ## Representative Projects — Higher Education & University - UC Berkeley Moffitt Library Canopy — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Stern Hall Seismic Upgrades — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Tang Center Renovation — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Warren Hall Neuroscience Renovation — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Weill Neurohub East — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens Jane Gray Research Greenhouse — Berkeley, CA - UC Berkeley Faculty Club — Berkeley, CA - UCSF Health Science Instruction and Research Renovation — San Francisco, CA - CSU Monterey Bay Alumni & Visitor Center — Seaside, CA - International House Projects — Berkeley, CA - Diablo Valley College San Ramon Campus Expansion — San Ramon, CA - Evergreen Valley College Warehouse and Operations Facility — San Jose, CA - De Anza College Advanced Technology Center — Cupertino, CA - De Anza College Campus Center Renovation — Cupertino, CA - De Anza College E2 Manufacturing Lab — Cupertino, CA - Laney College Central Utility Plant — Oakland, CA - Merritt College Horticulture Complex — Oakland, CA - San Jose City College Jaguar Gym — San Jose, CA - Berkeley City College Campus Expansion Design-Build — Berkeley, CA - Cañada College Campus-Wide Facilities Modernization Program — Redwood City, CA - Cañada College Science Facilities Modernization — Redwood City, CA - City College San Francisco Downtown Center Life Safety Improvements — San Francisco, CA - College of Alameda New Center for Liberal Arts — Alameda, CA - College of San Mateo Design-Build Modernization — San Mateo, CA ## Representative Projects — K-12 Education - Westlake Middle School Modernization — Oakland, CA - Achieve Academy — Oakland, CA - Berkeley USD Emerson Elementary School Modernization — Berkeley, CA - Berkeley USD Martin Luther King Jr. High School Classroom Renovations — Berkeley, CA - Leadership Public Schools Hayward — Hayward, CA - Oakland USD Bridges Academy at Melrose Green Schoolyard — Oakland, CA - Oakland USD Urban Promise Academy — Oakland, CA - SFUSD Buena Vista Horace Mann — San Francisco, CA - SFUSD Lafayette Elementary School Modernization — San Francisco, CA - SFUSD Luther Burbank Make Ready Campus — San Francisco, CA - SFUSD Peabody Elementary School — San Francisco, CA - SFUSD Sunshine Gardens — San Francisco, CA - SFUSD Webster Elementary School — San Francisco, CA - SFUSD John McLaren Early Education School Modernization — San Francisco, CA - Summit Preparatory High School — Redwood City, CA ## Representative Projects — Healthcare & Clinics - Atherton Concierge Clinic — Atherton, CA - Berkeley Public Health Clinic — Berkeley, CA - Kaiser Modesto Physical Therapy Clinic — Modesto, CA - Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center Labor & Delivery Expansion — Redwood City, CA ## Expertise Keywords civic architecture, library architecture, public library design, community center architecture, aquatic center design, public sector architecture, municipal facilities, educational architecture, sustainable design, LEED architecture, zoo architecture, animal care facility design, veterinary facility design, aquarium architecture, special district facilities, water district architecture, sanitary district facilities, K-12 school modernization, community college architecture, university architecture, senior center design, Bay Area architecture, Berkeley architects, East Bay architects, Northern California civic architects, women-owned architecture firm, WBE architecture firm ## Key Pages - About the firm: https://www.nollandtam.com/whoweare/firm - Projects: https://www.nollandtam.com/work - People: https://www.nollandtam.com/whoweare/people - News: https://www.nollandtam.com/information/news - Careers: https://www.nollandtam.com/careers - Contact: https://www.nollandtam.com/contact Noll & Tam Architects | Uncommon Spaces for the Common Good. Our work reflects a dedication to the particular people and places that make our projects unique. ## Libraries > https://www.nollandtam.com/sector/libraries ## Designing Libraries That Belong to Their Communities For more than 30 years, Noll & Tam Architects has been designing public libraries across the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. With more than 60 completed library projects, from neighborhood branch libraries to major community learning centers, we bring deep expertise, a proven community engagement process, and a commitment to sustainable design to every project we undertake. Libraries are among the most democratic spaces in civic life. They serve everyone: children doing homework, job seekers, seniors, new immigrants, students, and families. We design with all of them in mind. ----- # Library Design | Noll & Tam Architects ## Our Approach **Community First** Every library we design begins with listening. Our participatory design process engages community members, library staff, city officials, and frequent patrons before a single line is drawn. We host public meetings, facilitate workshops, and seek out voices that are often underrepresented in civic planning — because the best library is one that truly reflects the people it serves. **Designed for the 21st Century** The role of the public library has fundamentally changed. Today’s libraries are community living rooms, digital access hubs, maker spaces, and gathering places. We design flexible, adaptable spaces that can evolve alongside the communities they serve, accommodating uses that don’t yet exist while honoring the timeless value of a place to read, learn, and connect. **Sustainably Built** Noll & Tam has more than 15 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff. We bring sustainable design thinking to every library project, from daylighting strategies and energy-efficient systems to material selection and site integration. Public libraries are long-term civic investments, they should be built to last and designed to minimize their environmental footprint. **Locally Grounded** Based in Berkeley, California since our founding in 1992, we have an intimate understanding of Bay Area communities, municipalities, public agencies, and the design and regulatory environment in which civic projects are built. Our clients are our neighbors. ----- ## Selected Library Projects **Albina and North Portland Branch Libraries** Portland, OR | 2025 | 30,000 SF (Albina); 10,200 SF (North Portland) This project expanded and renovated two historic Carnegie library buildings to create equitable, welcoming environments in culturally diverse neighborhoods. **Berkeley Central Library Renovation** Berkeley, CA | 2021 | 16,000 SF (area of renovation) A phased renovation of public spaces — including a new Teen Room and gender-neutral restrooms, completed while the building remained open to the public. **Capitola Branch Library** Capitola, CA | 2021 | 11,700 SF Features flexible modern spaces, local art, and outdoor reading areas designed to reflect and connect with the Capitola community and its natural surroundings. **Castro Valley Library** Castro Valley, CA | 2009 | 32,411 SF | LEED Gold light-filled modern facility with flexible spaces for all ages, a bookstore and café, and sustainable design features that earned it a LEED Gold rating. **Felton Library** Felton, CA | 2020 | 9,000 SF A new branch with a rustic-industrial character reflecting local logging history, featuring a whimsical hand-blown glass butterfly art installation. **Half Moon Bay Library** Half Moon Bay, CA | 2018 | 22,000 SF | LEED Platinum Designed as a net-zero energy building, this facility utilizes high-performance systems and on-site renewable energy. Recipient of the AIA/ALA Library Building Award (2019). **Hayward Library and Community Learning Center** Hayward, CA | 2019 | 58,000 SF | LEED Platinum (certified 2023) One of the largest Net Zero Energy public libraries in the United States. A vibrant community hub featuring a makerspace, homework centers, and a rainwater catchment system. Recipient of multiple national design awards including the AIA COTE Top Ten Award (2024). **Laney College Library and Learning Resource Center** Oakland, CA | In Progress | 75,000 SF | LEED Target: Gold Will serve as a vibrant gateway for academic support, this facility will provide flexible learning spaces to encourage student connection and collaboration. **Larkspur Library and Community Building** Larkspur, CA | 2026 (estimated) | 9,000 SF A flexible modern facility integrating library services and community amenities with sustainable systems and a habitat garden. **Los Gatos Library** Los Gatos, CA | 2012 | 30,000 SF | LEED Gold Inspired by the concept of a lantern, the design uses glazing and louvers to optimize daylight and artificial illumination. Recipient of the AIA East Bay Merit Award and AIA California Council Sustainability Merit Award (2013). **Richmond Historic Main Library Renovation** Richmond, CA | In Progress | 31,500 SF A revitalization project including seismic upgrades and a full interior renovation shaped by bilingual community engagement. **Santa Clara Mission Branch Library** Santa Clara, CA | 2018 | 8,400 SF | LEED Silver A remodel and expansion updating the library’s exterior and interior while improving energy efficiency and technology access. **Solano College Library and Learning Resource Center** Fairfield, CA | 2022 | 59,252 SF Envisioned as the symbolic and physical heart of the campus, this central hub provides essential services including tutoring, research, and group study. **UC Berkeley Bancroft Library** Berkeley, CA | 2008 | 129,500 SF Seismic upgrades and a complete interior redesign to improve the visibility of rare collections and establish connections to the Main Doe Library. **Valley Hi–North Laguna Library** Sacramento, CA | 2009 | 20,183 SF | LEED Gold A high-performance building featuring a technology center, study rooms, and natural daylighting. Recipient of the AIA San Francisco Design Excellence Award (2011) and National ASHRAE Technology Award (2011). ----- ## Recognition & Awards **Hayward Library and Community Learning Center** One of the largest Net Zero Energy public libraries in the United States, this project has received extensive national recognition: - AIA COTE Top Ten Award, American Institute of Architects, 2024 - Special Commendation for Design for Integration, AIA California Design Award, 2022 - Honor Award for Civic Architecture, AIA East Bay, 2021 - LEED Platinum Certification, 2023 **Half Moon Bay Library** - AIA/ALA Library Building Award, American Institute of Architects & American Library Association, 2019, one of six libraries recognized nationally for excellence in library architecture - Special Commendation, AIA San Francisco Sustainable Community Infrastructure Award, 2019 - Honor Award for Social Responsibility, IIDA NorCal, 2019 - Sustainable/Green Project of the Year, APWA Silicon Valley Chapter **Los Gatos Library** - Merit Award, AIA East Bay Design Awards, 2013 - Sustainability Merit Award, AIA California Council Design Awards, 2013 - Featured in Architectural Record, “A Glowing Resource,” May 2013 - Featured in American City & County, “Library is beacon of green design,” 2013 **Valley Hi–North Laguna Library** - Citation Award, AIA San Francisco Excellence in Architecture, 2011 - National ASHRAE Technology Award, Institutional Buildings, 2011 - Best Cultural, California Construction Magazine Best of 2010 Awards, 2010 - Featured in The Architect’s Newspaper, “Love Fest,” February 2011 - Featured in Contract magazine, “Book Light,” March 2011 **San Rafael Downtown Library Renovation** - Excellence in Construction Award, North Bay Business Journal, 2025 ----- ## What Our Clients Say > “The community came together and the result was greater than what any > one of us thought was possible.” > — Sean Reinhart, Former Director of Hayward Library & Community Services > “Our Teen Room is so well used and loved by our teens – it’s so awesome! > We’ve discovered the teens love many things about the space.” > — Heather Cummins, Supervising Librarian & Community Connector, > Berkeley Public Library > “Thank you for designing the most dynamic and multi-level environment > for my community’s learning and pleasure!” > — Marina Fraser, Former City Councilperson, Half Moon Bay ----- ## Industry Engagement Principal Christopher Noll regularly participates in California Library Association (CLA) conferences and professional panels, contributing to the evolving conversation about 21st century library design. Principals Jane Catalano and Chris Noll have also attended the Public Library Association (PLA) Conference as active participants in the library design community. ----- ## Library Design in the News - **gb&d Magazine (Green Building & Design)** — “Noll & Tam on Designing a Library as a Model for Public Buildings” — Hayward Library featured for its LEED Platinum net zero design and 400,000-gallon rainwater cistern. [gbdmagazine.com/noll-tam](https://gbdmagazine.com/noll-tam/) - **ArchDaily** — Los Gatos Public Library featured with full project documentation and photography. [archdaily.com/276191](https://www.archdaily.com/276191/los-gatos-public-library-noll-tam-architects) - **Library Journal** — Noll & Tam featured in article on community building and modern library design, highlighting the Hayward Library and the firm’s collaborative community engagement process. [libraryjournal.com]( https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/community-building-for-modern-libraries-bringing-people-together-is-fundamental-lj231017) - **Architect Magazine** — Firm profile featuring library and civic work. [architectmagazine.com/firms/noll-and-tam](https://www.architectmagazine.com/firms/noll-and-tam/) - **Berkeley Public Library** — Official press release selecting Noll & Tam for the Central Library renovation. [berkeleypubliclibrary.org](https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/news/berkeley-public-library-selects-noll-tam-architects-and-planners-improvements-central) ----- ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of library projects does Noll & Tam design?** We design new public library buildings, branch library renovations and expansions, community learning centers, and joint-use library facilities for cities, counties, and library districts throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. **Does Noll & Tam work on LEED-certified library projects?** Yes. Sustainable design is central to our practice. With more than 15 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff, we regularly pursue LEED certification on library projects and integrate green building strategies across all of our work regardless of formal certification goals. **How does Noll & Tam approach community engagement in library design?** We believe the community is the most important design collaborator on any public library project. Our process includes public meetings, stakeholder workshops, and targeted outreach to ensure that the final design reflects the full diversity of the community it will serve — not just the loudest voices in the room. **How long has Noll & Tam been designing libraries?** Since our founding in Berkeley in 1992, library design has been a core focus of our practice. We have completed more than 60 library projects across the Bay Area and Northern California over more than three decades. **Is Noll & Tam a women-owned architecture firm?** Yes. Noll & Tam was founded by Christopher Noll and Janet Tam and is a women-owned business (WBE) with three female principals and two female associate principals — one of the few architecture firms of our size with this level of women’s leadership. **What geographic areas does Noll & Tam serve for library projects?** Our primary focus is the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. We have deep relationships with East Bay municipalities, library districts, and public agencies, and have completed projects throughout Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and surrounding counties. ----- ## Start a Conversation If you are planning a new library, branch renovation, or community learning center, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your project. **Noll & Tam Architects** 729 Heinz Ave, Suite 7 Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 542-2200 info@nollandtam.com