Our approach is guided by curiosity, connection, and simplicity.
We carry this perspective through every step of the design process, studying each site and developing a genuine understanding of our clients’ values. With careful attention to daily rhythms, we create designs that intuitively complement both a space and the individuals who inhabit it. The result is a grounded environment shaped by its inherent constraints that supports the rich complexity of everyday life.
Commonly Found is a San Francisco-based design studio that provides exterior and interior design, and construction advisory services for various projects, including custom homes, communal spaces, and remodels. Our mission is to create thoughtful, well-considered, and artful spaces that enhance design and functionality for our clients and uplift our communities. We use a design-build approach for every project, with our clients and contractors as our partners.
Alexandra Spautz Waterson, AIA
Business Owner
Education & Experience
Degrees:
B.A. in Art, UCLA
M.Arch, California College of the Arts
Alex is a licensed architect in the state of Washington and has just passed the California Supplemental Exam. Her California license number is TBD.
21015317 - Washington License
Alex was born and raised in the Bay Area. Starting with a BA in Art at UCLA she pivoted to the AEC industry in 2007. While pursuing her Master’s in Architecture at the California College of the Arts, she was awarded both a Community Student Fellowship and Book Award in Design in 2011. Since earning her M.Arch in 2012, she has contributed to the work of notable firms like EHDD, and Red Dot Studio.
Her approach is defined by a "design-build" mindset, emphasizing feasibility and early cost estimating to meet client budgets and design goals simultaneously. Experience includes ground-up custom homes, ADUs, and modular residential projects, alongside institutional work early in her career at EHDD such as a ground-up educational center and a large-scale UCSF renovation. Alex also specializes in Revit workflow consulting and maintains ongoing research into co-housing and community-driven urban design.
A dedicated advocate for the profession, Alex serves as an Advisory Member for the AIASF Women in Architecture Knowledge Community and is currently volunteering for the programming phase of a non-profit elementary school. Whether detailing a renovation or volunteering her time, she remains committed to a career of continuous growth and dedication to values.