A C S Architects has always been a Palo Alto based residential architecture firm.

Currently led by Architect, Kyu Young Kim, our office takes pride in unique solutions of the work we design, taking ownership of our project from pre-design, through construction completion.

Kyu Young Kim, or just “Q”, previously worked as an understudy to both Craig Steinman and Karl Sherwood-Coombs. He also worked under Byoung-Soo Cho in Seoul, South Korea, along with stints in Paris, France; Manhattan, New York; and San Francisco, before returning to his hometown of Palo Alto. Kyu also sat on the City of Palo Alto’s Architectural Review Board from 2014-2017, serving as the Vice Chair in his final year. He also teaches part-time at San José State University, and is a licensed architect in both California and Hawaii.

Hanna Joo is a designer and the administrative manager. Hanna was raised in Paris, France, and brings a wealth of European influences combined with uniquely Californian culture. Hanna leads the interior design team while adding the final touch in detailing and provides recommendations on all things interiors. Prior to joining A C S Architects, Hanna Joo and Kyu Kim started the design firm J&K Atelier.

Karl Sherwood-Coombs partnered with [Arthur] Craig Steinman (ACS) in the late 1980’s and took over the office in the early 2000’s until handing it off to Kyu in 2020. Karl was also the founder of Atelier Architecture and Planning prior to the partnering with Craig and renaming their joint venture to A C S Architects. Karl was notably an avid wine educator and ambassador, in addition to his contributions to architecture.