DAN GARBER’s true love is design. Finding the right architecture to express his clients’ lifestyles and support how they want to live brings him great enjoyment and satisfaction.
Dan approaches every project as the development and refinement of an architectural narrative. The design is a story of who a client is and how they want to live in a home they will call their own for many years.
Dan’s deep appreciation for architecture and design transcends styles and periods. An expert in researching and working in many architectural styles, he has vast knowledge of historic designs and details. Coupled with his aesthetic sensibilities, this insight has shaped his ability to adapt historic designs to modern standards so that each project is different and new. Dan continues to stretch the design palette of the firm and especially enjoys working in contemporary styles, driven by the challenge of creating a modern architecture that is warm and inviting.
Although his heart has been in residential design for more than 40 years, the path to Dan’s design practice has not been a straight one. After earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon in 1979, he joined the renowned firm of Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) in Chicago. During his time there, he recognized the great need for organizational development and program management for his corporate and institutional clients. He broke away from SOM in 1990 to broaden the scope of his work to include management consulting and, in doing so, created an alternative path for the profession and set a new important standard for architects in the business world. Dan was elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in part for this significant contribution.
Dan’s work serving Sun Microsystems when he was VP at Jones Lang LaSalle brought the Garber family to Palo Alto in 1997. In his spare time, Dan assisted Catharine designing single-family homes. Dan officially joined FGA in 2002, bringing with him strong management skills and a rich business history that helped grow the firm from three employees to twenty and keeps FGA running smoothly today. Dan’s professional experience has shaped the way each team member brings highly tailored services to every client.
Dan’s management and design expertise has benefitted a variety of arts, educational, and civic organizations in Palo Alto. Among his most notable endeavors was service as a Commissioner on Palo Alto’s Planning Commission (2005-2012) and Chair (2008-2010). Beyond these contributions, Dan is a frequent speaker on Palo Alto’s architectural history and a tireless advocate for the city’s green policies and sustainable practices. He has been lauded for his continued efforts and achievements as an industry ambassador and civil servant.
“Regardless of size or budget, what we are good at is finding the right architecture for each client. Relationships, trust, and service are the cornerstones of our practice.”
Affiliations
American Institute of Architects, Fellow, since 2014
American Institute of Architects 25 Year Award Nominating Committee, since 2017, Co-Chair (2017-2019)
American Institute of Architects Committee on Design, San Francisco Design Conference (2017-2019)
City of Palo Alto Citizens Advisory Committee on the Comprehensive Plan Update, Co-Chair (2015-2017)
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Architecture + Design Accessions Committee (2013-2019)
Tour of Birge Clark’s Palo Alto Works, AIA National Conference, Producer (2009)
City of Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission (2005-2012), Co-Chair (2008-2010)
TheatreWorks Repertory Theatre, Trustee (2005-2012)
Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, President (1998-2003)
