The Pre-War Condo

Designed for a San Francisco bachelor with a museum-caliber art collection, this full-floor penthouse in a historic pre-war building underwent a radical transformation, replacing tired interiors with a refined, gallery-like environment that balances function and visual clarity. The client, an avid collector of blue-chip works, wanted a home that could elevate the art-viewing experience without sacrificing livability or the sweeping 360-degree city views unique to this Pacific Heights address.

Interior designer Sindhu Peruri , in collaboration with architect Sean Bailey and FORMA Construction, led a complete gut renovation that redefined the spatial narrative. A new walnut-paneled core anchors the residence, enabling smooth circulation and clear sightlines. Around its perimeter, custom classical millwork honors the building’s historic shell while seamlessly integrating concealed storage and systems. Sheetrock was completely removed in favor of a richly textured, fully paneled envelope; every surface curated, every material deliberate.

The apartment now functions as both a private retreat and a gallery. Strategic lighting, well-proportioned walls, and a muted color palette allow artwork to take center stage. Yet this is not a cold, white box: layered furnishings, curated textures, and touches of color add warmth and softness. A sculptural dining bar with aged brass shelving houses a robust wine collection, while two custom fireplaces, each crafted from walnut and stone, introduce asymmetrical, architectural shapes that subtly reflect the client’s interest in structure and scale.

In the primary suite, comfort is elevated to an art form. Layered rugs, a bold upholstered headboard, and textured wallpaper define the space without overwhelming it, while the adjacent bath features book-matched marble slabs arranged in precise alignment, a detail-driven expression of restraint. Throughout, the design delivers a cohesive vision: a modernist counterpoint to the city’s classical architecture, and a canvas for living with art in full view.

Project Highlights:

• Originally built in 1926 by architect Samuel Lightner Hyman.
• One of only two full-floor penthouses in San Francisco.
• Fully gutted and rebuilt, including raising the ceiling from 9 to 10 feet by expanding into the attic.
• New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems installed throughout.
• Materials and debris—over 350 tons—craned in/out through a 5′ x 3.5′ window opening.
• Custom millwork, applied moldings, and a self-performed multi-step soffit detail carried throughout.
• Chevron-pattern hardwood flooring and cove-integrated LED lighting across nine distinct areas.

Take a look at the construction process here.