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Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.

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Orinda / 50 mi
Architects & Building Designers
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7,044 Professionals

Featured Reviews for Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.

Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars1 November 2012
“We worked with Dotter & Solfjeld most recently to design an Italian villa on a hillside in Saratoga, CA. This was actually our third project together as they worked on an expansion and remodel of our previous house in Palo Alto as well. As soon as we bought the lot in Saratoga Russ and Wencke, of D&S, began studying the landscape, spending significant time at different points in the day to intimately understand the light, the views and the flow of the hillside. Russ and Wencke are experts at both exterior and interior architecture and design, and they are an amazing team! Once they felt they knew the property, they spent time with us to understand what we liked and disliked and then began designing our house based largely on Italian building principles of thick walls and simple, yet elegant, construction. D&S involved us in every step of the process and ensured we were completely comfortable with each phase of the design before moving forward. They totally went above and beyond the call of duty by diligently working with our planning department and even one neighbor. They were our advocates with the City and were clearly extremely well respected by everybody they interfaced with. During the building process, D&S worked closely with our contractor and foreman to ensure that the project ran smoothly and stayed on budget. Often times, there is tension between architects and contractors, but our contractor loved working with D&S. Some of our friends have also used D&S to design ultra modern homes...D&S is super versatile and we unequivocally and enthusiastically recommend them.”
Sofiov Design
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars13 March 2023
“I have been working and collaborating with Allen for a few years. He has been helping me with my projects and helped me to create stunning renderings and designs for my clients. I truly recommend them to everyone that looks for stunning interiors & exterior deign”
Mikiten Architecture
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars30 August 2014
“We hired Erick Mikiten as the project architect for a major kitchen remodel and some ancillary work on the entrance porches to the house in 1994/95. We wanted to expand the kitchen, remodel the interior to include new cabinets and an island, provide a new seating area in an addition at the rear of the house, and improve what was then an awkward connection between the kitchen and a rear bedroom. Erick came up with a very creative solution to the space constraints in the existing kitchen that resulted in a much more spacious kitchen with a larger island than we had anticipated. The addition on the rear of the house not only provided a seating area with views into the rear garden that we use on a daily basis, but included a very attractive raised ceiling and exterior architecture that continue to receive admiring comments from friends and visitors almost 20 years later. Erick's firm also recommended a new color scheme for the exterior of the house, which we adopted. Even now, from time to time complete strangers stop by to ask about the specifications of the paint colors because they find it so attractive and are considering doing something similar. Throughout the project Erick made great efforts to understand what we were looking for and present alternative options to achieve this, going through multiple iterations of the design as we refined the concept together, then producing a final design that satisfied our budget constraints. During construction, Erick visited the site on a regular basis and worked closely with the contractor to make sure that the work was being done in conformance with the design.”
KYLE CHAN ARCHITECT
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars19 January 2015
“Before I begin my remodel plan, I was debating whether or not I should hire a professional architect, and I am glad I did. Kyle is extremely knowledgable and resourceful, he organize and oversee the whole project, as well as fill in every little detail that I probably will neglect. Not only he design a cost effective layout for us, tackle all the structural issues, he also help me deal with all the permit and legal hassle so that I can concentrate on shopping for my new sofa and coffee machine. Working with Kyle is such a pleasant experience, he is responsive, honest, and detail oriented. Having Kyle as my professional architect is the best decision I made throughout the entire project!!”
ORR Design Office, Inc.
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars30 June 2014
“I had the great experience of working with Gary Orr. He actually opened a door opportunity for me. His passion for excellence in design and detail was contagious. I was a proud collaborator of each design that I participated. His level of expertise is amazing”
Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc.
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars4 October 2012
“Eugene Sakai stood out far above the pack of the 5 Architectural firms that we investigated to do our total house construction. He was simply the best to deal with, very professional, on time, and took a personal interest in the project, and within budget. We moved in 2 years ago and still love him and the contractor, C.W. Wright in San Carlos. We are pleased to show the house through Eugene Sakai at any time.”
SDG Architects
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars3 August 2015
“Jeff Potts at SDG designed us an incredible, award winning guest house! What I particularly like about Jeff is his open and approachable style. We've worked with many architects over the years and many simply don't want to listen to the client. Jeff listens and then delivers a design beyond your expectations. I would highly recommend working with them.”
Bay 9 Architects
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars24 February 2014
“The master bedroom,office and bathroom are superb. a big WOW. We couldn't be happier. Lun Chan Associates are artistic, creative, dependable, and very honest. The job was done on schedule and very reasonable....We highly recommend them.”
Trademark Architecture + Interiors
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars12 February 2013
“We are currently working with Kenny on a remodel of the front half of our home, consisting of a kitchen, great room, dining room and an office. He is a pleasure to work with, is extremely thorough and has great and innovative ideas. He listens to your wants and needs, delivers a great work product and he makes the design process fun. We would recommend him without any reservations!!!!”
RaBit Design Build
Architects & Building Designers in Orinda.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars5 April 2018
“This team was contracted to do the architectural work on an addition to my home. I sketched out the overall design. Nong listened and offered his suggestions. At the conclusion, his overall design and improvements when far beyond what I had envisioned. He walk through all the paperwork and time needed to get all the permits which allowed me time to take care of the family and talk about the new look. The project is still under construction, but I know my family and I will be happy with what we both (myself and Nong) envisioned.”
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Why Hire Architects & Building Designers on Houzz?
7,044Local Pros on Houzz Who Serve Orinda, CA
2,000+Total Number of Reviews Left by Homeowners
An architect or building designer in Orinda, CA can transform your needs and desires into a visual concept and habitable structure. They will help you determine what is possible in terms of your land and the budget you have, and then work with you to plan a home design that best caters to your lifestyle.

Architects and building designers have an extensive knowledge of architectural designs and trends, as well as construction methods and building materials, and are well versed in seeing the ‘bigger picture’. Depending on the architecture firm you hire, their scope of work can span project management and sustainable design for your renovation, to the selection of furniture and finishes. So whether you’re building from scratch, adding an extension or renovating your Orinda, CA home, engage an architect or building designer to make your dream home a reality.

How do I find the best architect for my home design project?


It is best to hire a home architect or building designer who will be involved in all phases of the design process, from the initial concept to the completed construction. The architect is often the first person you will hire for your project. If necessary, they might also help you select and hire Orinda, CA general contractors, which can include builders, engineers and landscape architects. Interior architects are also involved in negotiating contracts for all involved participants. It is for these reasons that it is extremely important for you to have a good relationship with the residential architect you hire. He or she can be the tie-breaking vote between you and the general contractor and can be your biggest advocate during the construction process.

As far as the process goes, the architecture firm that you choose will start with concept drawings and finish with construction drawings and documents. Some firms even design with 3D renderings and videos, but that should not be assumed. One of the most important duties of an architect is project management – that is, to serve as managers and supervise most aspects of construction, as well as facilitate communication between all other contractors.

It is very important to hire the right professional for the job. Remember that the most well-known or established architect or building designer might not provide the best architectural services for your needs. It all comes down to the individual project. Research and ask people whose work you like for recommendations. It's important to have an idea of the style of architecture you prefer, as well as the amount you would like to spend. Architects are natural problem solvers. They will assess the entire situation and help you to solve your problems too. Don't settle for a single company too early. Call and interview a few. Make sure that you feel like your personalities will mesh well and that you like their professional perspective.

Questions to ask prospective architects and building designers in Orinda, CA:


  • What is your fee structure?
  • What does the cost include?
  • Do you have professional liability insurance?
  • What types of renderings (3D, video, illustrative) will you produce?
  • What is your experience with similar projects?
  • When do you expect to start and be finished with the project?
  • What do your services include? (It's best that the services are until construction is completed.)
  • What happens when the cost exceeds the budget?
  • Can you provide me with references?
  • Would you say your work has a defining style? (This is important in case the architect's personal style will interfere with
  • your vision.)
  • Will you help with hiring general contractors and renovation contractors?
  • What do you estimate the cost will be?
  • What will I need to provide?
  • Are there any complications you foresee with this project?

    Find a home architect or building designer on Houzz. To find the best Orinda, CA architect or building designer for your house design or home improvement project, narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to Orinda, CA architect and building designer. Then browse professionals’ latest projects and read reviews.

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