DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING
At Design Draw Build, we believe that adding housing isn’t just about increasing numbers. It's about building thoughtfully, within context, and with craftsmanship. Our real estate consulting practice focuses on development across the American West — unlocking density on existing multifamily sites in a way that uplifts both property value and the lives of residents.
INFILL HOUSING WITH INTENTION: REALIZING MULTIFAMILY POTENTIAL
Our Integrated Approach to Density
We’re rooted in the Bay Area, and we know the tension: the need for more housing vs. the realities of zoning, construction cost, and community character. That tension is where our experience shines. With a deep understanding of state laws, local regulations, and design-build logistics, we help property owners and developers maximize their site’s potential.
-
Tell us what you own. We audit your properties to identify which ones are primed for infill. No fluff; just real-world ranking based on density, structural opportunity, and regulatory potential.
-
We dive deep. By examining as-builts, surveying the site, and running preliminary analyses, we model scenarios: where can new units go, how much parking might change, what the cost-benefit looks like, and where the regulatory risks lie.
-
When a path forward emerges, we don’t just draw options — we ground them in financial reality. Through collaborative schematic design and cost estimating, we help you fine-tune unit mixes, circulation, and even parking strategies. If necessary, we engage land-use counsel to validate zoning strategies.
-
Once a direction is chosen, we execute. Our architects produce permit-ready drawings, while our builders help coordinate bid solicitations. We navigate city review, zoning boards, and permitting authorities — all with an eye toward design integrity and cost clarity.
-
As a design-build firm, we don’t stop once the permits are approved. We help you evaluate contractor bids, and if we’re leading construction, we bring our team to the table — ensuring quality, craftsmanship, and fidelity to the design vision. If you prefer to self-manage, we can guide you in selecting a construction lead.
-
During construction, we stay deeply involved. We coordinate the on-site details, make design decisions grounded in practicality, and ensure that when the dust settles, the building feels intentional, crafted, and whole.
Legislation & Design-Driven Solutions
Over the last decade, we’ve leveraged regulatory tools to make more happen on fewer acres. These include:
State density bonus programs: helping existing sites add units more efficiently
Multifamily ADUs: converting underutilized areas (storage, carports, parking) into up to 25% more housing
AB 2011 strategies: turning commercial parcels into residential sites
SB 9 lot splits: unlocking duplex and four-unit potential on single-family parcels
SB 35: leverage regulatory tool to streamline approvals for qualifying housing projects.
SB 1123: a by-right pathway we use to unlock small-lot and missing-middle housing through streamlined approvals.
SB 1211: enables significantly more accessory dwelling units on multifamily properties by streamlining ministerial approvals for up to eight detached ADUs and removing barriers like parking replacement requirements—helping clients increase density and design-feasible housing capacity.
AB 2097: reducing parking burdens near transit to free up space.
Office-to-residential conversions: to repurpose underused commercial buildings
Get in Touch
If you’re a property owner, portfolio manager, or developer questioning how to densify smartly — we should talk. We believe in design-led growth, not just building more: growth that’s enabled by regulatory insight, rooted in craftsmanship, and delivered through a unified design-build team.
Get in touch to start a conversation about how to unlock your property’s potential. Let’s craft something meaningful — together.