Building with the Neighborhood in Mind
Kevin Short of Tiny Monster Design joins Mike and Tracy to explore how Bernal Heights’ special regulations shape thoughtful architecture — and what it means to steward, rather than own, a home.
The latest episode of Bernal Connect offers a rare look at the intersection of local history, community stewardship, and the distinctive architectural landscape of Bernal Heights.
Mike and Tracy sat down with neighbor Kevin Short — founder of Tiny Monster Design — to talk about what it means to build, renovate, and live within the constraints that make our neighborhood unlike anywhere else in San Francisco.
Architecture as Stewardship
Kevin moved to Bernal in 2019 and established his practice, focusing on residential renovations and additions. From the start, he brought a philosophy to his work that sets him apart: he thinks of himself less as an owner of his home and more as its steward. This perspective shapes every project he takes on, particularly as he navigates the Bernal Heights Special Use District — a set of regulations designed to preserve the neighborhood’s famously eclectic, human-scale character.
Working within the district’s constraints
The Special Use District places real limits on what can be built here — and Kevin argues that’s precisely the point. Rather than lamenting the restrictions, his practice has grown around creative problem-solving within them. Typical lots run just 25’×70′, far smaller than elsewhere in the city, demanding inventive solutions for privacy and light. The district requires smaller-scale buildings to maintain Bernal’s intimate character, and most projects work within existing footprints, balancing modern needs with the historical fabric of the block.
Bringing the outside in
One of the episode’s richest threads was Kevin’s approach to gardens and green space. Rather than treating planting as an afterthought, he designs outdoor areas as primary components of the home. Bernal’s unique microclimate makes this especially rewarding, and Kevin draws on a diverse plant palette — from Mediterranean regions, South Africa, and Northern California natives — all well-suited to our foggy, mild conditions.
Mike also added a piece of local history: the removal of a massive concrete foundation in his own backyard, a remnant from the 1930s–1940s when outdoor laundry areas were a common fixture in Bernal homes. It’s a reminder of how much history sits just beneath the surface of our gardens.
Kevin’s Bernal favorites
When he isn’t drawing up plans for neighborhood homes, Kevin is a regular at some of Bernal’s best spots: Holy Water for a well-crafted cocktail, Nutes Noodles for its warm neighborhood vibe, Shokudou for high-quality sushi just steps from home, and Barbarella as his preferred local hair salon.
Calendar – Bernal Heights and Beyond
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
