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Bob Buckter

Discover ‘Dr. Color’: The Maestro of Hues

Meet Bob Buckter, affectionately known as ‘Dr. Color’, a true San Francisco original since 1978, painting life with vibrant colors against the backdrop of Dolores Park. When he’s not gliding on the slopes of Squaw Valley or globetrotting, Bob’s mind is a whirlwind of color palettes.

Kicking off his journey in architectural color design back in 1970, with his inaugural project at 1908 17th Street, San Francisco, Bob has since become the go-to expert for not just historic homes, but a kaleidoscope of projects. From chic apartment blocks to bustling shopping centers, serene churches, and cozy single-family homes, his brush knows no bounds. Bob’s color wizardry extends to new constructions and intricate interior designs, custom-tailored for every client’s unique vision.

More than just a splash of paint, Bob’s work is a blend of added real estate value, enhanced marketability, and a deep sense of ownership pride. Offering specialized color consultations far beyond the San Francisco Bay Area, he’s the architect of your dreams, ready to revitalize any space with his signature blend of color and creativity. With Bob, a formerly ‘dull’ building transforms into a standout landmark, proving that the right color scheme is not just an aesthetic choice, but a smart investment.

COLOR IN SAN FRANCISCO: REIMAGINED BY ‘DR. COLOR’

Bob Buckter’s Journey as ‘Dr. Color

The Colorful Odyssey

In the early 1970s, fresh out of college, I started as a Victorian Painting Contractor in San Francisco. It was during the last three years of contracting that I discovered my true calling — developing captivating color schemes was the most intriguing and fulfilling aspect of my work. Beginning with Victorian and other historic homes, I crafted color schemes that guided painters in their work. It wasn’t long before signs emblazoned with “Bob Buckter Color Consultant” started dotting the San Francisco landscape, a signature that remains prominent to this day.

In the early 1980s, my passion led me to broaden my horizons, extending my expertise to modern residential and commercial/industrial buildings. Today, my business portfolio is diverse: 10% is commercial, about 25% involves modern residential projects including homeowners associations, while a significant 55% is dedicated to historic buildings. The remaining 10% focuses on interior projects, often in tandem with exterior work. Annually, I handle approximately 300 jobs, a testament to my unyielding commitment and passion for color design.

My clientele is as varied as my projects — from regular property management groups who rely on my expertise frequently, to individual building owners who seek my advice for each of their properties, and a steady stream of new clients who have either heard of my work or witnessed the transformation I bring to the city’s buildings firsthand. Each project, each building, each color choice tells a story — my story as ‘Dr. Color’, and the vibrant legacy I continue to build in San Francisco.