Engineering San Francisco’s Mechanical Infrastructure
for Over a Century.
We believe in craftsmanship, strong relationships, and
lasting value.
Our Work Is Embedded in the Physical History of San Francisco.
Since 1921, AR&B has helped build the mechanical systems and infrastructure that support San Francisco. For more than a century, we have delivered the HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems serving the offices, industrial spaces, and commercial buildings that keep one of the world's most dynamic economic centers operating.
As San Francisco evolved into a global center of innovation, finance, healthcare, and technology, AR&B evolved alongside it. We have continuously adapted to meet the increasing complexity of modern building systems while preserving the craftsmanship, discipline, and technical expertise that have defined our company from the beginning.
Building in San Francisco requires more than technical skill. Historic architecture, evolving California building codes, seismic engineering requirements, dense urban construction, and demanding environmental conditions require experience that extends well beyond a set of construction drawings. For generations, AR&B has combined engineering expertise, local fabrication, and self-performed execution to deliver complex mechanical systems designed to perform for decades.
As a family-owned company, continuity has always been central to who we are. In May 2026, Bob Buckley III retired, and leadership transitioned to Richard Buckley, who now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. While leadership evolves, the values that built AR&B remain unchanged: integrity, craftsmanship, accountability, safety, and an unwavering commitment to doing the work the right way.
San Francisco continues to evolve.
AR&B continues to help build what comes next.
Built on Craftsmanship. Sustained by People.
Every successful project is built by people long before it is built in the field.
For more than a century, AR&B has remained committed to creating long-term careers, investing in employee development, supporting the San Francisco community, and building an environment where craftsmanship, accountability, safety, and teamwork are valued every day.
We believe great mechanical construction professionals are developed through mentorship, hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a willingness to learn from those who came before them. Every anniversary we celebrate represents another year of knowledge shared, relationships strengthened, and trust earned among coworkers, customers, and partners.
Whether someone has been with AR&B for six months or three decades, every employee contributes to a culture built on professionalism, continuous improvement, and pride in doing the work the right way.
One tradition we'll happily continue is celebrating milestones together. Around here, that usually means pizza from Tony's in the Mission.
Generations of Knowledge. Built Together.
One hundred years of building San Francisco is only possible because generations of skilled people have chosen to build their careers at AR&B.
Today, the average employee tenure at AR&B exceeds eight years, with many team members dedicating 10, 15, 20, and even 30 years to the company. Those years represent far more than longevity. They represent institutional knowledge developed through decades of solving complex mechanical challenges across San Francisco's unique built environment and regulatory landscape.
Working in San Francisco for generations means understanding far more than buildings. It means understanding how the city itself works. It means knowing how to navigate complex renovations, evolving regulations, challenging site logistics, occupied facilities, historic structures, and the countless field conditions that only experience can anticipate. That knowledge helps our teams execute projects more efficiently, safely, and collaboratively while delivering better outcomes for our customers.
Rich Buckley joined AR&B in the summer of 1989, and his career reflects the same long-term commitment shared throughout the organization. Today, experienced professionals continue passing their knowledge to the next generation of project managers, estimators, foremen, and journeymen. We are equally proud to see the sons and daughters of longtime employees building careers of their own at AR&B, continuing a tradition of craftsmanship that spans generations.
