Dougherty was established 38 years ago by Betsey Olenick Dougherty, FAIA, LEED AP and was one of the first woman-owned architecture firms in Southern California. Two years later, Betsey was joined by husband and U.C. Berkeley classmate, Brian Dougherty, FAIA, LEED AP. The initial concept for Dougherty has been to design sustainable, energy efficient, community-focused facilities that enhance their neighborhoods, improve quality of life for their inhabitants, and embrace and elevate the human spirit. Together they combined their respective experience to focus on public, educational and institutional projects.

Since that time, the firm opened the Oakland office in 2007 to better serve our Northern California clients. The goal for both offices has been to work in an intimate, studio environment with a signature of personal service, responsiveness, quality design, and technical competence.