Architect Explores San Francisco's Distinctive Styles | Walking Tour | Architectural Digest

Today on AD Architect James Dixon leads us on a walking tour of San Francisco, highlighting the captivating details found in its storied architecture. From the iconic Transamerica Pyramid and Hallidie Building to Postcard Row, the Presidio and more - discover the history behind San Francisco’s most famous buildings and neighborhoods through James Dixon’s expert eye.
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Florian Pilsl
Editor: Tristen Rogers
Talent: James Dixon
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Producer: Skylar Economy
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
AC/Media Management: Ariel Rozenbaum
Audio: Simon Gordon
Production Assistant: Carlo Betia, Rahbar Khan
Post Production Supervisor: Nick Ascanio, Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Graphics Supervisor: Ryan Powell
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[@ronripley2247]

MORE of this, please! James' passion and extensive knowledge completely pulled me in and spoke to my own adoration of architecture and design! I am a Bay Area native yet I still learned a TON from this tour. Bravo!!!

[@DoahnKea_Tuber]

Well Said.

[@huntrrams]

Ikr! I love this!

[@IvyFox1]

Agreed!!!

[@annabellemerlin8502]

SO well said and I could not agree more!

[@WineCrazed]

10000000% agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ebeyslough]

Incredible. San Francisco needed this to combat all the negative press. SF at its core is beautiful.

[@sulevisydanmaa9981]

To put it ,mildly ...

[@luistinoco7794]

@@phillipbanes5484you don’t know anything about SF and it shows

[@63artemisia63]

@ebeyslough Where are you seeing “negative press” and what is it?

[@63artemisia63]

@ebeyslough What “negative press”?

[@fadedidentity]

@@63artemisia63have you been living under a rock for the past decade? all everyone talks about nowadays is how SF is a total wasteland entirely overthrown by homeless, drug addicted zombies

[@bluepearlgirl-emelie]

I could listen to this guy talk about the architecture in my town for hours and hours! This is my favorite thing to be doing. THANK YOU! Bravo!

[@chriscatton705]

I agree!! So articulate and descriptive

[@TylerShibata]

@@chriscatton705 lol poo

[@tallSycamore]

Oh, how I miss living in San Francisco. America's most beautiful city wrapped in a living veil of fog and light. Every day was a changing visual delight. I never felt frustrated when traffic snarled - there was always something new to rest my eyes on.

[@noble604]

WOW what a great attitude! May this be the pleasant attitude for us all! Thanks

[@juicehammer]

I never realized that before. I don't car commute in SF but traffic never bothers me because there's so much to see

[@TG8.]

Love this!!

[@omitina7156]

Oh my Lord God. Serious delusion here. I was born and raised here. I continue to live and work here. What a joke of a video.

[@sashabootcher888]

@@omitina7156 I agree with you, I came from the Midwest to San Francisco and the cheapest rent was the tenderloin, now I know why! Wonder what he thinks about the architecture down here 😂

[@dansdans4885]

I love how he explains the 2nd and 3rd Bay Area styles in an architectural manner, and then 1st Bay Area Style is just "drop dead gorgeous". Couldn't agree more!

[@jakeryans2196]

San Francisco is such a unique city in America. Almost like why would anyone think to build a metropolis on such rugged terrain. But also, I've never seen a city that boasts such beautiful views from so many vantage points. Looking at it from a financial standpoint, this city has gone through so many highs and lows but it will never go out of style because of how goddamn beautiful it can be.

[@arifjohariali]

Love seeing more coverage of NorCal! I'd love to see an explanation of the different types of Victorian in SF.

[@MoonChild-po9du]

And what places are you recommending? And what architect?

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

They did it kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXm1Z5WraaegeNk

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

@@MoonChild-po9du What do you mean? They already said, “Victorians in San Francisco”! Or are you asking for a specific list of all the addresses?

[@tatianafoule6257]

Too many likes ... respond to my sugestion here up please....... ....

[@tatianafoule6257]

@@MoonChild-po9du ohhh do you still eating salmón ?

[@axnyslie]

I was a bike messenger in San Francisco in the 1990s. I've been inside all these buildings many times. The internal designs were just as intriguing it was a fun job always exploring the streets and buildings of SF.

[@andyprice]

I wished I was been a bike messenger in the 1990s.

[@1Skorpia]

James needs his own series here. He's natural teacher that keeps the class hooked. I love his energy and passion. I love anything design and learning new things. I'm dying to see more of him😁

[@napanest1019]

Thank you for finally giving SF some love. It’s an architectural treasure trove and I love walking this city every day! ❤

[@tatianafoule6257]

Fluid of a river moves my strenght to live.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

His hair is unreasonably fabulous

[@DrFrankyDolan]

THANK YOU for this! San Francisco is sincerely one of the most BEAUTIFUL cities in the entire world! The architecture, the hillsides, the ocean views, the bay views, the rich art history, the surrounding areas with vineyards, redwoods and coastline, and a culture of extreme kindness and acceptance… Truly, truly, it is a life-changing experience for most people just to visit! The song that sings of leaving your heart in San Francisco is a very true and real sentiment. The fog is so soft, it’s like cotton clouds soothing your skin, and the sun is as golden as the gate, feeling like a warm hug whenever it kisses your face. Yes, I absolutely love this amazing city in the world. My favorite place to ever live. When I am there, I am home. And so many people feel the exact same way. LOVE San Francisco!

[@TG8.]

Your and others' comments are like love letters to San Francisco. Something about this city makes people write poetry!!

[@DrFrankyDolan]

@@TG8. Yes, what a beautiful way to say that! There is truly a warm sparkly spirit to the city, one that you can feel in your cells. It ignites creativity and inspiration. It's amazing. Thank you for your kind reply as well. It means a lot! ~ Wishing you well, my friend!

[@ownedbymykitty270]

I’m a Bay Area native who’s been all over the world and especially blown away by places like Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Tokyo, but… SF is still the most beautiful city in the world. All the ones I mentioned above have mostly flat topography, lack microclimates, and don’t have the sheer diversity and West Coast wackiness of SF.

[@dopenerd]

As a native San Franciscan, I've walked or drove by these places and it's always a treat to hear their history. One other building that has a unique "Mayan" theme is the building at 450 Sutter, Google it. I used to go to the dentist there, it's a beautiful building in its own right.

[@Benjorunner]

I did check it out on google maps, its a beautiful building!

[@LenaMMcKee]

What I learned in school being a native from there is that after the 1906 earthquake they decided to rebuild it as the Paris of the Pacific so they borrowed a lot of ornate architectural styles from Europe

[@CooperJeanne]

This is the best walking tour in the series! Jam packed with information in a story telling style, James Dixon is a talented lecturer!

[@minime4644]

Just moved from NY to SF and this is a great guide to understanding the city for me! This is so helpful ☺️👏

[@californiamade5608]

What made you move to SF. Curious.

[@kyuj2884]

@@californiamade5608 homeless in NYC isnt enough for him... he want more lol.

[@michaelwilliams5506]

​@@kyuj2884 you know, there aren't homeless encampments in all parts of sf. Most of the city doesn't have that problem

[@03200320z]

As a San Francisco native, this makes my heart sing

[@huntrrams]

I want a full hour tour of this guy talking about SF buildings! This was a pretty good video!

[@susanbaker2796]

Agree. This was an excellent video. I was blown away by the host.

[@blairwilliams136]

Did a full day walk around SF last summer, the architecture there is something truly special and amazing.

[@dolcevitausa6448]

Thank you for reminding me why I love my city even with an ineffective administration and all the challenges it is facing at this time....

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

I love the way he uses all words he can to compliment the old buildings for their beauty. It shows passion and I am here for it! Do Charleston next.

[@wwaxwork]

Oh Charleston would be amazing to learn about.

[@befoogii1134]

James Dixon is an incredible guide - thank you!

[@dre.supreme]

WOW love this walking tour. James thanks for your outstanding dictation!

[@abyrupus]

Love his passionate opinion on hippies painting houses pink. More from this individual please.

[@MisadventuresOfJason]

LMAO me too! Comment I was looking for

[@laucon11]

More of this and fewer celeb homes please.

[@santiagogunterg]

these series exploring the architecture of cities are by far my favorite thing in AD´s youtube channel! please keep doing them! would love to see Chicago or Savannah next.

[@planecrashcorner7283]

I'd love to see walking tours of north beach, the mission, the sunset, the Richmond, etc

[@timothymacdonnell9079]

Thank you, James, for setting the record straight about painted ladies!

[@StudioBAS]

As a resident of this amazing city I’m loving all the San Francisco content lately! This video was fantastic! Id love to see more about all the housing styles here

[@szymonpifczyk]

This series needs to be continued! Some ideas: 450 Sutter St (mind-blowing Mayan revival lobby), houses in the Sunset and the Mission Dolores basilica

[@b.l.8611]

Please do these types of tours all over the US….great speaker and tour guide on architecture!

[@modernvillacompany]

Hello B.L. dear friend I hope you are fine . I guess you are interested in architecture and villa design. If you are interested in these topics I'm glad you visit my channel Our team uploads new videos every day, I am sure you will like them

[@KMELT]

James ❤this👏🏻is 👏🏻so 👏🏻much 👏🏻fun! +1 for “MORE of this, please!“

[@dbowe4415]

This is the best walking tour I’ve seen on this channel. My guy has so much knowledge, yet never sounds presumptuous. He explains what the viewer is looking at so effectively. Well done!

[@XxDreamBotxX]

I can listen to this man talk about architecture for hours. He's got the look, great lecturer, and does not make the topic come off pretentious

[@FridayAdventureClub]

Never been more HYPED about first Bay Area style!

[@dcflow7859]

This man is enlightened with the spirit of passion! What an incredible energy and what a fluid and entertaining speaker. Love this along with the presentations of the buildings.

[@paillette2010]

Omg…he’s marvelous. I think you need more of this gentleman.

[@FlyAVersatran]

Mr. Dixon, YOU are a fabulous presenter. Thank you.

[@63artemisia63]

James Dixon is a ROCK STAR! 🤯 More, please!

[@DingoAteMeBaby]

Man this guy is so likeable

[@BobbyBermuda1986]

Palace of Fine Arts is another beautiful structure

[@user-gu8jn7cy5d]

Absolutely adored your walking tour, it makes one want to visit the place and see with one's own eyes!

[@ginabonina6427]

So great! I could listen to him all day. Great hair and love the collar on that shirt. Proud to say that I've been to nearly all of those locations, including under the Bay Bridge! Yay Area!!

[@danielheaton]

Very, very fascinating. I went to San Francisco in 2015 and saw many of the locations mentioned in this video. LOVE San Francisco and I LOVED this video.

[@elenayee3093]

I'd love to see walking tours of smaller cities like Providence, RI

[@random22026]

SUBLIME tour. Compliments to Mr. Dixon! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@raystaar]

I lived in SF during the construction of both the Transamerica and B of A Headquarters buildings. They were almost universally hated at the time and many old timers still regard them as anathema.

[@matthewadams5476]

Cities like NYC and San Francisco come up on this channel every other week, lets get some variety!!

[@laus7080]

17 percent of Americans live in California and NY, so there is quite some diversity to be found in these highly urban areas.

[@pascale110]

@@laus7080 there’re other places within the US and 17% isn’t much .

[@annetteziegler7944]

Well done! More from this guy Dixon, please. Keep up the great work, AD! Thumbs up.

[@Darciinz]

Bravo....Bravo....An amazing lecture while walking the streets, and Mr James Dixon was wonderful, and I was captivated by his knowledge and great descriptions and insight. Please do more of these small docos.

[@fixpacifica]

Fascinating stuff. I walk through a lot of these areas in SF and am always happy to learn something new about them.

[@Inspower]

There’s so much

[@bhristian]

My old neighborhood off Green and Montgomery, what an insane view of the transamerica building and cityscape

[@jamesr1703]

Learned a lot here and the narrator's way of speaking was extremely easy to understand.

[@thittysanbar]

I am so inspired by this KZbin channel, I'm about to graduate from highschool and ever since I've been 8 years old I knew i wanted to be an architect. It what keeps me going while maintaining good grades. I know it's a hard and intimidating thing to study especially cuz math. Yet I think i have what it takes. And even tho I'm scared I will push my self to do my absolute best! Thank you so much Ad for inspiring me every day!!!

[@bananasplit4501]

you got this! it is okay to be unsure, pursue what makes your soul sing anyhow!!!!

[@susanbaker2796]

I could listen to James Dixon talk for hours. He is fascinating. I hung on his every word. Seriously. More of James, AD. Please!

[@ayemyatmon2692]

I went there in 2019. The city are beautiful and the building are so unique.

[@peacenow4456]

My dear Dad worked on 43th floor of B of A building. As Dad was an Exec., I could stand in the apex of his office window and be beyond the building... and force myself to look down, and I once had a date take me to the restaurant at the top of B of A... I interviewed in TransAmerica building when it was new and I was young and I remember how rickety it felt going up and down in the elevator and it seemed hot inside the offices.

[@geoffnmn2511]

Love this guy. Wish the video was 2 hrs long.

[@degraham9198]

I'm glad you're here.

[@Beck-Stein]

This guy is awesome. I live sf history and this guy has it all in his head.

[@lani2023]

Wow!!! This was one of the most incredible, informative things I've ever watched on KZbin, across subject matter. Thank you!

[@bauman7962]

Wow! I drive by almost all of these buildings every weekend and I had no idea. Thank you

[@kaitlinroth7555]

more of this guy please!! he's such a joy to watch.

[@Dev1nci]

A very passionate tour. Thank you 👏🏽👏🏽🤩

[@Justin1an]

Those Queen Anne house row is so gorgeous!

[@rygregory]

He’s such a great storyteller! He should do Berkeley next. Some excellent First Bay Area style buildings there!

[@AKhan.28]

Those shingle houses are drop dead gorgeous

[@californiamade5608]

Some impressive underrated architecture in San Francisco. People always think Chicago, NYC for architecture. San Francisco has some of the best in the nation. The pyramid was also the 8th tallest IN THE WORLD when completed. It also has some of the best earthquake engineering in the world. As well as Salesforce Tower, 181 Fremont, Bank Of America Building (555 California), park tower, Rincon hill tower, and so many more. The Salesforce Tower would be the 5th tallest tower in Chicago if it was standing there today. The city deserves so much more credit.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Recommend the A24 film "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" which illustrates the passion many of us have for historic homes like those found in San Francisco.✌

[@walkalong2811]

Never been in California. It is definitely on my bucket list. Meanwhile I enjoy it through your videos. You just got a new subscriber!!!!

[@posthocprior]

That was fantastic. This architect presents SF's with a great amount of knowledge and passion.

[@jasminepetal3972]

I love these architect vids where they explain styles whether they're sitting in the office or actually out n about like this vid. Keep these comin pleaseee!!!!

[@garytours3588]

Thank you James ! Fabulous ! I'm a private tour guide and a few weeks ago I was picking up people at the Galleria Park Hotel on Sutter. Across the street the Hallidie bldg caught my eye and I shot a photo. Didn't know what it was but it caught my eye. I thought it was New Orleans-esque. Stunning !

[@BrennenL]

See, Architects are incredible - yet, the people; the teams who take those blue prints and piece all of these things together, is what really mesmerizes me.

[@caesaraugustus7587]

James is the BEST architect so far! OMG! We need MORE of him!!! WOW!

[@dianadelahaye7660]

The glass and metal. Is stunning

[@paul1458]

I could watch this for hours! So interesting! Start a series with different architects showing different cities

[@alanajean3568]

what an intelligent guy

[@LanceRoylo]

This was excellent. James knows his stuff and knows how to present it interestingly.

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

Loved the scene in Zodiac where we see the San Francisco skyline change

[@craigcab1656]

What a great video! So much history in these buildings.

[@jakobdees3489]

wow this guys knows his stuff AND is a very entertaining though clear speaker. Loved it!

[@lauramurphy4199]

James you are amazing! I loved your tour of San Francisco and all the detail of these beautiful buildings in SF. Hoping to visit your beautiful city one day.... It's been a dream of mine since 1966...You are a true gift to your profession!

[@MisadventuresOfJason]

I love the passion when he speaks about the Presidio block!

[@ricamaeguiyab3529]

I’m going to San Francisco in November so the upload of this content is quite timely! I can’t wait to see these places in real life.

[@oakblaze433]

How was it?

[@alanajean3568]

pleasssseee do more walking tours. they're fantastic

[@lupearenas5994]

I could listen to Mr. Davis all day. More PLEASE!

[@elopez1882]

Amazing how many of these buildings I've encountered and given little thought beyond how fascinating their designs are. So much history.

[@prestondufauchard5919]

Terrific video. For years I worked in downtown SF so I’ve been in most of these buildings, but didn’t realize the architectural intentions. Thx James, you are great.

[@lj1688]

This was great to watch and very informative on a most beautiful city. Thank you!

[@SteveHolst]

Very well done. Please make a part two. There are a lot more interesting designs in town.

[@KevinBingham]

The Hallidie Building ( 3:50 ) is an office building in the Financial District of San Francisco, California, at 130 Sutter Street, between Montgomery Street and Kearny Street. Designed by architect Willis Polk and named in honor of San Francisco cable car pioneer Andrew Smith Hallidie, it opened in 1918 and though credited as the first American building to feature glass curtain walls,[3] it was in fact predated by Louis Curtiss's Boley Clothing Company building in Kansas City, Missouri, completed in 1909.

[@RoseEyed]

I'd love to see a series like this on Chicago. All the stories behind buildings we see in passing is fascinating!

[@californiamade5608]

There’s plenty on Chicago

[@palomamarizz]

This guy is amazing! I want more tours with him!

[@michaelambrosano938]

oh my heart swelled watching this video of my SF and all it's beauty,..I grew up in the Bay Area and lived in SF for 15 years until 2005,,.even with all its blemishes it is still the jewel of California

[@pyrodoll2422]

That video simply filled me with joy, thanks so much.

[@alvanosm]

More James! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@CoronaTheVirus]

100% more of this!! This was great , listening in the morning, this guy is awesome, I quit working in architecture but I still love architecture.

[@lilanahrgang5692]

I have lived there for twelve years, and gosh I miss it🥲

[@dianadelahaye7660]

The glass and gol metal is stunning ,