ABOUT STUDIO KERN
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Better building enclosures.
↘ Who we are
Studio KERN is an independent building enclosure advisory practice supporting architects, owners, contractors, and manufacturers throughout design, construction, and existing building projects. We help project teams reduce technical risk, improve coordination, and deliver better-performing buildings.
Accepting new projects
↘ The story
Built on technical expertise and practical experience.
Studio KERN was founded to provide practical, independent technical advice without the overhead of a large consulting firm.
Our experience spans façade consulting, enclosure design, construction support, manufacturer coordination, and existing building evaluations. We understand the challenges that arise throughout the life of a project—from early design decisions to construction and long-term performance.
Every engagement is tailored to the project. We focus on providing clear recommendations, solving technical challenges, and helping project teams make informed decisions that improve quality and reduce risk.
How we think
Four principles
01 — Buildings Are Systems
The enclosure isn't a collection of products. Windows, waterproofing, structure, air barrier, insulation, and cladding must perform as one system.
02 — Coordination Is Everything
Most failures happen where disciplines meet—not within a single product. Good coordination eliminates problems before they reach the field.
03 — Buildability Matters
The best detail is one that performs, can be constructed, and can be maintained for decades—not just one that looks good on paper.
04 — Evidence First
Technical recommendations should be grounded in building science, project requirements, and field experience—not assumptions or product marketing.
↘ ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Albina Gode is the founder and principal of Studio KERN. Throughout her career, she has worked across façade consulting, engineering, manufacturing, and technical leadership, collaborating with architects, owners, contractors, façade fabricators, manufacturers, and multidisciplinary project teams to solve complex building enclosure challenges.
Her experience spans unitized and stick-built curtain wall systems, punched window assemblies, storefront systems, window walls, rainscreen assemblies, metal panel systems, precast concrete panels, natural stone façades, masonry cavity walls, roofing and waterproofing systems, air and water barriers, façade transitions, and building enclosure interfaces.
Albina has extensive experience evaluating thermal, structural, air, water, fire, and long-term durability performance. She provides technical support throughout design, interdisciplinary coordination, specification development, constructability reviews, shop drawing and submittal reviews, performance mock-up testing, product evaluation, quality assurance, field investigations, installation guidance, and construction administration.
Albina approaches every project with a practical focus on constructability, robust building performance, and clear technical communication. Through Studio KERN, she helps project teams reduce technical risk, resolve complex building enclosure challenges, and deliver durable, high-performing buildings.