Daniel Matthew Silvernail Architect (DMSA), founded in 1997, is an architectural firm in Soquel, California. Our projects and experience are wide-ranging, from the most intricately small to the largest residential additions and new custom homes, from tenant improvements and commercial buildings to municipal projects, planning, and urban design.

Hello, I’m Daniel Silvernail. I started my design education with an undergraduate degree is in environmental biology. The foundation of my professional career is as an ecologist, cognizant of the context within which we design – a space within a room, a room within a building, a building in participation within an environment, an environment interacting with the global ecosystem. My environmental conviction form a vital part of my architectural ethos. Environmentally responsible design and sustainability rank high among the goals of my practice.

Architectural Services

Programming, existing facilities surveys, project scheduling, project administration, disciplines coordination, materials research/ specifications, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and negotiation phase services, construction contract administration phase services.

Structural Engineering

Residential structural analysis and design including gravity load path and member analysis, lateral resisting analysis, roof framing, floor framing, and foundation plans, associated details and specifications.

Site Planning

Site analysis and selection, site development planning, site utilization studies, zoning research and processing assistance, disciplines coordination including geological, geotechnical, environmental, etymological and other supporting consultant’s studies and reports, public representation.

Sustainable Practice

Passive solar design; day lighting strategies; site responsive programming, orientation, and massing; non-toxic applications and specifications; alternative methodologies including straw bale construction; net zero energy; green building cost-benefit analysis; LEED analysis and certificate coordination; life cycle analysis.