Gary was born and raised in Redwood City, CA and graduated from Sequoia High School. Gary later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Design from the College of Architecture & Environmental Design at Arizona State University.
With a lifelong passion and desire for architecture, Gary embarked on his architectural career at the age of 15. After working for several other local notable architects, Gary founded Gary J Ahern, AIA – Focal Point Design in 1989.
Since that time, Gary has been one of the premier boutique architectural practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. Gary has been involved with close to a billion dollars’ worth of residential, multi-family, commercial and retail projects. Gary’s portfolio of projects include homes in Alaska, Arizona, and Idaho as well as up and down the Peninsula.
Focusing on his passion for architecture, it is Gary’s belief that the project architect should be personally involved not only with the design of each and every project, but also in the development and detailing of the project documents, and throughout the construction process.
Gary approaches each project, regardless of size or scope, with the same level of attention and detail. Having designed and built several projects for himself, Gary intimately understands the process that each client will experience in their own project. Because of his personal experiences coupled with his practical understanding of the construction industry, Gary is able to offer his clients significant insight and direction to help guide them through this exciting chapter in their lives.
Gary’s community involvement includes an association with the local non-profit Rebuilding Together Peninsula, where he sat on the Board of Directors and has participated in designing playhouses for the Dreams Happen Playhouse Auction fundraiser.
Gary is licensed to practice architecture by the State of California and is a member of both the national and local chapters of The American Institute of Architects.