St. Ignatius Church

San Francisco, California
complete 2024
125,700 sf

Known as ‘the beacon on the hill’, St. Ignatius Church has for generations been a home for the local Jesuit Parish and various social justice ministries.  It has a close relationship with the adjacent University of San Francisco and hosts their graduation ceremonies.

Extensive improvements to the iconic structure made it safer (new fire alarm and sprinkler systems), better looking (restored stained glass windows, pews), preserved and protected (envelope repairs, lighting replaced), and more able to accommodate worshippers and visitors alike (new restrooms and kitchenette).

BMA introduced functional spaces into underutilized areas in a manner sensitive to the rich and historic interior architecture.  The comfortable lighting, warm material palette, and ADA-accessibility upgrades create a welcoming environment that reinforces the parish’s values of acceptance and inclusivity.

The project was awarded a prestigious 2025 Preservation Design Award by the California Presevation Foundation.

client: St. Ignatius Parish; owner’s rep: Josehart Construction Management; interior architect: BMA;  exterior architect: WJE; structural engineer: Simplengi; general contractor: Plant Construction Company; photography: Eric Rorer, BMA, Plant