Bob Buckter: Architectural Color Design

A Photographic Tribute to San Francisco’s “Dr. Color”

About the Book

This beautifully produced photographic book celebrates the life and work of Bob Buckter, known throughout San Francisco as Dr. Color. Since 1970, Buckter has shaped the visual identity of the city by consulting on color for tens of thousands of buildings, helping define how San Francisco—and its iconic Painted Ladies—are seen around the world.

Bob Buckter: Architectural Color Design is a comprehensive career retrospective spanning more than five decades. The book features over 120 projects, documenting Buckter’s influence on Victorian architecture and the broader urban landscape.

Written by local historian Ben Zotto and richly illustrated with photography by Anson Moran, the book also includes:

• An in-depth biography of Bob Buckter

• Historical context on San Francisco’s Victorian architecture

• Profiles of two of Buckter’s closest collaborators

• A bonus essay by Dr. Color himself, explaining his philosophy and approach to color selection

This hardcover volume is printed on premium heavy gloss paper, making it both a visual showcase and a lasting reference for architects, designers, historians, and San Francisco enthusiasts.

For more information about this book, please contact info@drcolorbook.com.

If you’d like to hire Dr. Color for your own project, please visit drcolor.com.