a hyper-local research-led design studio anchored in Oakland, California.

Oakland city map

TEN+ YEARS

BlinkLAB architecture, founded in Oakland in 2015, works on both public and private commissions, with a focus on cultural, civic and educational buildings. Its work has been exhibited, published and presented at lectures.

Today, conservation is not an option; it is an obligation. Therefore, blinkLAB is always aware that design is closely related not only to the land, but also to social habits, economic stability, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.

Design, Advocacy + Technology

Regeneration and rehabilitation are at the center of our work, giving a better life to obsolete buildings and community spaces. Whether urban-scale development, cultural space or humble bike shed, at blinkLAB we believe every project is part of a larger ecosystem where we embed humanity with a larger responsibility.

Our multidisciplinary team of designers, strategists, technologists, cultural advocates, and educators brings diverse perspectives into alignment towards an architectural solution that transforms hope to action. As designers we see architecture as an opportunity to continue to strengthen communities, enrich daily life, and create places that enrich lives for generations.

In-house fabrication

In-House Fabrication

With our in-house laser cutter, CNC milling machine, 3D printer, along with model-making, we explore how conceived ideas can be assembled, and experienced. Through iterative physical prototypes and full-size mock-ups, the studio investigates the relationship between material, structural practicality and cost, allowing design refinement to emerge early.

Fabrication detail

FOUNDER'S STATEMENT

Founder, June A. Grant's design approach rests on an avid belief in cultural empathy, data research and new technologies as integral to design futures.

Ms Margaret and Alternier
blinklab architecture presentation 1
blinklab architecture presentation 2

PRESENTATIONS

2026SF Climate Week – Designing Cities for People and Planet, San Francisco.
2025IdeaSF – Livable San Francisco.
2022Oakland / Saint Denis – City/Cite' Conversations.
2021PBS News Hour – Brief But Spectacular.
2020AIANY / NYCOBANOMA Max Bond 10th Anniversary Lecture.
2020BlackSpaces, Black Spaces Summit.
2020American Society of Landscape Architects Conference.
2020AIA Knowledge Network: ADUs – Social Change by Design.
2019YBCA100.
2019New York Times: Endangered Spaces – San Francisco.
2019AARP Future of Housing.
2018AIASF Next Conference.
2017NOMA National Conference.
2017Water Bootcamp, Seattle.

EXHIBITIONS

2025-2026Black Space: Reclaim and Remain. Oakland Museum of California, Oakland.
2022Oakland / Saint Denis. Saint Denis/Paris, Oakland, and San Francisco
2020Census 2020. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco.

awards

2020CEDAW Human Rights
2020Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Grant Awarad
2019Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, YBCA 100 Bay Area Artist and Cultural Organization
2010General Services Administration Green Innovation for NASA Ames Sustainability Base (with AECOM)
2010Silicon Valley Green Building of the Year, Public for NASA Ames Sustainability Base (with AECOM)
blinklab architecture

A research-led design studio working at the seam of design, advocacy, and emerging technology.

Studio

4236 Martin Luther King Way  Oakland, CA 94609

Index

© 2026 — blinklab architecture