Eugene Sakai

Partner, CEO

Eugene is the CEO of S-Squared, and one of its two co-founders (Ms. Karen Smith).  A lifelong Bay Area resident and graduate of both Cal and Stanford, he has a deep love of the cultural and architectural diversity unique to this area. Eugene grew up as the son of a Japanese gardener and grandson of a walnut farmer, learning at an early age to appreciate the relationship between man and nature, and the value of a hard day’s work. 

Eugene now delights in nurturing the careers of his younger team members nearly as much as he enjoys designing buildings for clients. He leads the team in making connections between building users and the environment, using natural resources wisely, and helping build a sense of community. He is a longstanding member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a LEED Accredited Professional, and former consulting architect on the City of San Carlos Residential Design Review Committee. Eugene also  served for six years on the San Jose Arts Commission as Chair of its Public Art Committee.

Eugene has lived in San Francisco since 2007 with his wife and their three children in various contemporary houses of the firm’s design. In his spare time, Eugene enjoys playing pickup basketball, cheering on the Warriors, Giants, and Niners, and trying to keep up with his kids’ sporting pursuits.