Co-revolutionaries transforming Oakland's built environment through authentic, community-centered design.

a love letter to oakland

Plenum's story begins with transformation—from trauma and burnout to purpose and love. Our founder spent years working within systems that perpetuate inequality, becoming increasingly aware of architecture's role in both harm and healing.

When personal crisis made it impossible to continue, Oakland's community became our teacher. Friends and neighbors from "the Town" showed us what care looks like, turning anger into love and isolation into connection.

a new vision for architecture

We believe the built environment shapes our future. Housing and climate crises aren't separate issues—they're symptoms of systems that sacrifice social equity for profit.

At Plenum, we're building a different model.

As an employee-owned Public Benefit Corporation, we prioritize public good over profit. Every member-owner has a voice in decisions, creating shared responsibility and collective action. This isn't just business—it's democracy in practice.

hablemos de revolución

In 2018, our founder challenged the architecture profession assembling an AIA panel on "Practicing Values." By 2023, that vision became reality when Omar joined as co-founder, bringing union carpentry expertise and deep Oakland roots to Plenum.

Together, we're more than colleagues—we're co-revolutionaries. "Hablemos de Revolución, Oakland" isn't just our rallying cry—it's an invitation to anyone committed to transforming communities through equitable, restorative design.

  • We support one-another to center mental health and wellness in everything we do. When well-being thrives, everyone rises together, and that’s how we lead!

  • Fueled by fearless and unstoppable energy, we deliver powerful solutions that not only conquer client challenges but also ignite employee growth and skyrocket our success!

  • We fiercely promote a culture where authenticity prospers, empowering everyone to bring their true selves to work! Dissonance? We welcome it—because that’s where the magic of innovation happens!

  • Our designs ignite and uplift the human spirit, radiating energy and inspiration in every detail. We don't just create; we elevate!

  • We channel our lived experiences to tackle challenges head-on, crafting solutions with and for our community. We funnel understanding into action!

  • We work on collective imagination, dynamic discussion, fearless exploration, and decisive acts. We're not just responding to change—we're shaping the future!

  • Plenum’s culture is of shared responsibility and bold collective action that is guided by clear principles, strong goals, and an unwavering commitment to our values.

Bridget Basham

founder & architect

A fearless, community‑driven architect with 25 years of experience across the full breadth of architecture and construction. Educated in Australia and shaped by work with leading practitioners, she later brought her craft and convictions to the United States, where her career has spanned public, institutional, and commercial projects across California.

Her path has included documenting the Vesey Street Stair at Davis Brody Bond, rebuilding homes in post‑Katrina Louisiana, and contributing to major civic and campus projects. Over the past decade, she has become a trusted leader in multifamily, affordable, and senior housing — guiding impactful developments such as the Casala Apartments (Hope SF), Viamonte at Walnut Creek, Brooklyn Basin’s Paseo Estero and Vista Estero, Oakland’s Wilkerson (Adcock Joyner) Apartments, and the Maudelle Miller Shirek Community in Berkeley.

With Plenum Architecture, Bridget B. moves beyond the limitations of traditional practice to expand what is possible for communities historically excluded from high‑quality design. Her work is grounded in dignity, access, and the belief that architecture can uplift the human spirit.

Omar Guzman

co-founder & project manager

A proud Oakland native, Omar began his career as a journeyman carpenter with the local Carpenters Union, contributing to flagship Bay Area projects such as Salesforce Tower, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, and the Moscone Center Expansion. A project manager and seasoned trades professional with over a decade of experience in core and shell concrete carpentry, his technical expertise in structural systems and concrete work reflects a commitment to precision and quality.

Omar has also worked at the City of Oakland’s Department of Sustainability & Resilience Division. As CCAC Climate Fellow partnering with the Housing & Community Development Department to conduct energy audits and deliver technical assistance through the BAMBE program, which provides rebates and incentives for building electrification. He has supported the ICTP program with WOOEP, educating OUSD students on the health impacts of gas cooking and the benefits of induction technology. Additionally, Omar promotes green careers—sheet metal workers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and respiratory health professionals—while advocating for local labor prioritization. His work extends to OPYRD CIP project support, reinforcing his dedication to community growth and equitable workforce development.

Omar completes an Associate of Science in Construction Management from Laney College in 2026.