Our expertise lies in creating spaces that foster joy and belonging. Whether it’s designing a welcoming hospitality space or delivering innovative housing solutions, we approach each project with the intention to elevate the experience of gathering. Our specialty extends to non-profit architecture, where we believe in making a positive impact through design. 

As an intentionally compact, yet mighty design team, we prioritize quality over quantity. Our nimble size allows for more intimate involvement in every aspect of a project. We tackle large-scale ambitions with a human-centered approach, and craft spaces that inspire.

Team

Bella Bunton

Head of Security

NASTARAN MOUSAVI

COFOUNDER/
DESIGN DIRECTOR

DANE BUNTON

COFOUNDER/
MANAGING PRINCIPAL

BEN CLAIR

SENIOR ARCHITECT

LEEANNE BROWN

Designer

Clay Hakes,

Designer

The founders and our founding principles.

Studio BANAA is run by Dane and Nas. Dane, a Bay Area native since early childhood, and Nastaran, a Northern Iranian ex-pat who grew up surrounded by mountains and the Caspian Sea.

Dane—who studied business and economics before moving into the world of architecture—likes pondering future cities, the business of architecture (or the business of anything, really), and the craft of architectural drawing.

As a first-generation immigrant herself, Nas has a passion for working closely with clients and community groups from diverse backgrounds. She provides a high level of design, tailored specifically to the client’s unique and rich history, culture, and story.

Led by Nas and Dane, the entire team at Studio BANAA genuinely enjoy what they do. And this delight permeates every space we touch. We’re serious about creating joy and making a difference in our communities.


CLIENTS &
COLLABORATORS

Our Approach

A jack of all trades is a master of none. This is why we’ve cultivated a small yet masterful team, capable of delivering inspiring yet impressive projects.

Our structure allows us to be involved in every aspect of a project and its design, and we leverage our office’s cutting-edge architectural technology and design tools.

Yet our greatest resource is our people.

Being a small design team means we streamline decision-making and makes for a truly collaborative, personal relationship.

Our practice has considerable experience in architecture of varying scales and complexity, across cultural, commercial, housing, and institutional typologies.

We meet and exceed deadlines by setting realistic goals and expectations, upholding commitments, and regular communication. We truly enjoy sharing our ideas and perspectives and fostering an environment of trust, which we believe shows in our work.