About
Enspace is an innovative architectural studio nestled in the vibrant heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. Far beyond a design firm, we are creators of experiences, crafting environments that inspire, uplift, and engage.
We believe architecture is the bridge between nature, culture, people, and ideas. It has the power to generate lasting and universal beauty. In every structure we design, function meets form, science collides with art, and the physical world creates memorable experiences. Each building tells a unique story. We create and unfold the story through stunning spaces.
We are not into average buildings. At the start of every project, we question whether one more building is absolutely necessary. We challenge the convention by asking the toughest whys. We prioritize human needs, environmental stewardship, and value creation. We invest in future generations by focusing on high building performance and sustainable design practices.
As partners, we strive for honesty and clarity. Our first job is to understand the client’s visions and needs, not to present our own. We value timelineness, direct communication, and prototypes over presentations, as well as the occasional face-to-face meeting over a drink or a meal.
In every project, we strive to deliver exceptional environments for living, working, playing, and relaxing.
Services
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+ SITE MASTERPLAN
Site Analysis and Selection / Preliminary Site Plan / Space Utilization / Site Development / Facility Assessment / Building Grouping / Open Space / Vehicle and Pedestrian Circulation / Mass Transit / Signage and Wayfinding / Material, Personnel, and Waste Flow
+ ARCHITECTURE
Programming / Design Concepts / Schematic Design / Construction Documentation / Bidding & Negotiation / Contract Administration / Construction Management / Specifications / ADA and Code Compliance / Material Research / Multi-Discipline Coordination
+ INTERIOR DESIGN
Space Planning / Room Layout / Volumetric Study / Interior Design / Construction Details / Material Selection / Lighting / Branding & Signage / Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment / Accessories / Finishes / Specifications / Project Coordination
+ URBAN PLANNING
Urban Framework / Zoning / Land Use and Density / Infrastructure / Transportation / Circulation and Parking / Open Spaces / Public Accommodations and Amenities / Streetscape Improvement / Pedestrian and Bike Access / Recreation / Building Form / Landscaping
+ SUSTAINABILITY
Space Efficiency / Energy Conservation / Water Efficiency / Renewable Energy Generation / Building Materials / Waste Diversion / Toxics Reduction / Building Life Cycle Analysis / Smart Growth Strategies / Passive Home / Zero Energy Building / USGBC LEED Certification
+ 3D VISUALIZATIONS
Presentation Materials / Exterior and Interior Renderings / Physical Models / 3D Models / Building Information Modeling / Drawing Digitization
Awards
2020 - Chongqing International Landscape Design Competition First Place
2015 - NCARB Certification
2015 - CSI Construction Documents Technologist Certification
2014 - American Institute of Architects Emerging Professional of the Year
2014 - American Society of Landscape Architects Professional Honor Awar
2013 - American Institute of Architects National Chapter Design Excellence Honor Award
2012 - American Institute of Architects Kansas Chapter Citation Design Award
2010 - NOMAS Architecture Competition Honorable Mention
2008 - US Bayer Stone Design Competition Honorable Mention
Accreditations
USGBC LEED Accreditation BD+C
USGBC LEED Accreditation ID+C
USGBC LEED Accreditation O+M
USGBC LEED Accreditation HOMES
USGBC LEED Accreditation ND
Affiliations
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA American Licensing Committee
AIA Mentorship Committee
Construction Specification Institute
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
United States Green Building Council
Principal Architect
Vanessa Liu (AIA, NCARB, CSI CDT, LEED AP) is a licensed architect in California, Colorado, Missouri, and Texas. She worked on a wide range of project types and scales, ranging from luxury homes to international stadiums. Her design sensibilities are influenced by her keen interest in modern art, language, minimalism, nature, and travel.
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Vanessa received a Master of Architecture from Kansas State University. She also attended Harvard Business School Online, New York Film Academy, Kansas City Design Center, and Italy Santa Chiara Art Center. Prior to working at Enspace, she was a project architect at BNIM Architects, HOK and Kerman Morris Architects. Some of the buildings she worked on include John F. Kennedy Museum Expansion in Washington D.C., Princeton University Lewis Center for the Arts in New Jersey, Miami Dolphins Stadium in Florida, Cairo International FIFA Stadium in Egypt, and several high-end custom residences in San Francisco.
She has received multiple recognitions, including “Emerging Professional of the Year” and “Design Excellence Honor Award” from American Institute of Architects and “Professional Honor Award” from American Society of Landscape Architects. An advocate of sustainable design and accredited by USGBC in all five LEED specialties, she is passionate about designing functional, beautiful, and sustainable buildings.
