Brett Moyer is a Principal and Partner at Richard Beard Architects, Inc., located in San Francisco. He joined the firm in 2019 as a senior designer and studio director before becoming a partner in 2022. Moyer is known for his responsive and holistic approach to architecture, emphasizing client-specific, site-sensitive designs. His work is characterized by a deep appreciation for authentic materials and a refined aesthetic that seeks to integrate architecture with its natural and urban settings. Moyer’s design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that enhance the well-being of their users and fit seamlessly into their environment
What inspired you to become an architect?
I’ve always wanted to design, starting with sketching, drawing, and building with blocks and Legos from an early age. When I was six or seven, I saw images of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater, a structure that far exceeded my young imagination. Learning the home was less than three hours away, I insisted my parents take me on a tour as soon as I met the age requirements. When I finally visited, I knew instantly that architecture was my calling.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity and context. I believe that great architecture is deeply inspired by people and places composed through an honest expression and passion for well-considered and timeless materials.
Can you tell us about your favorite project and why it stands out?
We’re fortunate to work in some amazing geographies, but our recent project on Vasquez Trail stands out. Our studio has been working in the Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel Valley since the community was first developed. This part of Northern California is blessed with a wide range of diverse landscapes—from oak-studded meadows to redwoods, coastal bluffs, fog, sun, and sometimes even snow. The property at the far eastern edge of The Preserve was high in the hills and offered breathtaking views in every direction. Through close collaboration with the landscape architect and clients, we developed a site plan that took advantage of the views in each of the four cardinal directions. To celebrate these views and reflect the owner’s deep love of the outdoors, the concept began with the design of four major outdoor spaces each with its character, climate, solar direction, wind, and view. The house was then nestled between these four outdoor rooms. Given the remoteness of the site, we chose a material palette that was both strong and light – Jada steel windows and doors, stained wood siding, a standing seam metal roof, concrete floor, and an exposed structural system from Spearhead.
What is your favorite architectural detail?
Roof details significantly affect a building’s exterior character. Whether designing a contemporary, thin roof or a traditional eave, these details greatly reinforce the design, and we spend a lot of time studying them. For our Zen Pavilion in San Francisco, we designed a thin roof edge clad in dark slats that extend across every exterior building surface. This complicated detail carefully conceals structure, sliding door tracks, shade pockets, and lighting all while keeping a slender profile. The pavilion’s roof design, supported by cruciform columns, appears to float, allowing the owners to see from the main house through the pavilion to the backyard beyond.
Do you have a favorite material?
Because of its versatility, endless variety, and the timelessness it offers, I love working with stone. Our projects will often have stone-clad walls, using local stone when possible. To reinforce indoor-outdoor connections, we’ll use the same stone for floors, just changing the surface treatment for comfort and safety. Stone landscape walls help anchor our buildings to the surrounding landscape and gardens. We’ve even done interior floating block stone stair treads.
What is your process for starting a new project?
The best way to start a project is onsite with our clients and design partners to fully understand its qualities. We take careful note of the site paying particular attention to environmental factors including sun and wind, views, and vegetation while spending time trying to understand the essence of the place. Our studio has a strong practice of drawing, so often we will gather to design, draw, and explore ideas collaboratively.
How do you balance creativity and practicality in your designs?
Creativity and practicality are not mutually exclusive for us. We’ve found constraints such as budget, site, and technical requirements can spark some of our most inventive solutions. These challenges push us to blend creative ideas with practical considerations.
What role does the surrounding environment play in your architectural projects?
All our projects are inspired by place and the environment. Our studio doesn’t adhere to a specific style; instead, we let each project’s unique context guide the design. This approach allows us to work across diverse settings, from coastal sites in California to expansive ranches in Montana and historic urban lots.
How do you approach working with clients to understand their needs and visions?
I’ve found having conversations with our clients about their travel, and interests in art, culture, music, or literature can tell us more about what they value in design than conversations about architecture. Through these conversations and careful documentation of their goals and program, we then start a very collaborative design process recognizing the process is productive but also a lot of fun.
What architectural trends or movements do you find most inspiring?
We don’t follow a lot of trends preferring more timeless design, but my education at the University of Oregon, with its emphasis on sustainability, continues to influence me. I’m encouraged to see sustainable features becoming standard practice in a lot of residential construction.
What advice would you give to aspiring architects?
Architecture education is a valuable way to learn about placemaking, community, and design, but I always encourage young architects to study what brings them meaning. Architecture is a practice of giving form to ideas and understanding your design process and motivations can enrich your practice beyond traditional boundaries.
