[1] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 25, 1982, along with 16 other sites on the Berkeley campus.

[2][3] Giannini Hall is a C-shaped reinforced concrete building in modernized Classical style.

On the east facade, the windows on the top floor are flanked by cast concrete figures raising symbols of agriculture such as bags of grain, designed by the architect's wife, Ellah Hays.

The main entrance has Regency detailing and an Art Deco wrought iron door; the two-level lobby, more ornate than was usual on the campus, has a polychrome beamed ceiling and metal chandeliers, also Art Deco in style, and a memorial to Giannini.

The area was landscaped with stone pines (for which Howard brought seeds from Italy), cypresses, and olives.