Projects

What services do you provide?
We are an architect-led design-build firm, meaning we integrate architecture and construction under one roof. We offer full service from initial concept through move-in: feasibility studies, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, construction, and post-occupancy review. The unified team approach helps us control cost, schedule, craft and quality.

What types of projects do you enjoy working on?
We specialize in warm-modern architecture, residential and site-specific design in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond (the American West). We are especially drawn to projects that respond to their environmental and cultural landscape, and clients who are committed to craft, meaningful design and lasting value. Our firm works across typologies with active and complete residential, community, hospitality, and educational projects.

Will you consider projects beyond your typical geography?
Yes — we are headquartered in the California Bay Area but work on all projects where the site and client fit our collaborative process. For very distant locations, we’ll discuss how we support site-visits, local consultants, travel logistics and travel-related cost.

How long does it take to complete a project?
Typical lead-times depend on project scope, site constraints, permitting, budgets and schedule. From project commencement through permitting may take a year or more; construction timelines vary widely depending on scale and complexity.

Can I use my own contractor, interior designer, or landscape architect?
Yes — because we are both architects and builders, we bring our in-house building team, but we are open to working with client-preferred consultants. Our model is built on integrated collaboration rather than rigid roles. As you’d expect from a design-build practice, we’ll explore how any third party fits into our unified process.

Do you work on renovations and/or additions?
Yes — while many of our projects are ground-up custom homes, we do undertake additions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), renovations and re-use projects, especially when the architectural intent, site context and client story align with our values.

When should I reach out to an architect & builder?
The sooner the better. Early engagement allows us to understand your goals, budget and site thoroughly. If you wait until major decisions have been made, your flexibility may be limited. Also, given our project load and the demand on our time and team, early contact ensures you’re in a proper position for next steps.

Process & Budget

What is your process?
Our process is laid out clearly on our “Our Process” page:

• Feasibility Study — exploring dreams, analysis, massing studies.

• Schematic Design (SD) — concept development and early costing.

• Design Development (DD) — materials, systems, interior finishes & coordination.

• Construction Documents (CD) — drawings and specifications for construction.

• Construction — building, oversight, quality control.

• Occupancy & Post-Occupancy Review — we believe the architecture should perform over decades, not just at completion.
  
  Because we are both architects and builders, we integrate real-time cost estimating and construction feedback throughout; this helps anticipate constraints and adapt as needed.

How should I think about budget?
Budget-setting is a collaborative process. Early in the Feasibility or SD phase we begin rough cost estimates; as design progresses we refine them with more data (materials, systems, site conditions). Because of our build capability we are able to provide more accurate cost forecast and fewer unknowns. We encourage clients to engage with both design and budget questions early, because changes later have bigger cost impacts.

What happens if the budget changes or unanticipated conditions arise?
Our integrated model helps identify constructability issues early (site conditions, long-lead items, phasing) and provides opportunities for value-engineering alternatives without compromising design intent.
That said, all construction has inherent risk, and our process includes mechanisms to track allowances, contingencies and emerging costs.

Timeline & Logistics

What’s the typical project timeline?
It depends heavily on scale, site, permitting, and complexity. As a rough guideline: after contract, Feasibility + SD may take several months; DD and CD another few months; then construction may be anywhere from many months to 1-2 years depending on size and complexity. Early scheduling and phasing planning help ensure clarity.

How do you handle permitting and approvals?
We work with local authorities, consultants (structural, MEP, geotechnical), and guide the process so that the drawings and documentation meet requirements. Because we are builders as well, we understand how permitting logistics affect construction scheduling and budget.

Can construction happen in phases?
Yes—if that aligns with budget, site constraints or client needs. During the early phases we will review phasing options, scheduling and how budget and program may be staged for practical implementation.

Collaboration & Communication

How do we work together as client and firm?
We believe in collaboration from the earliest stages — listening carefully to your story, goals and site context; translating them into design; and engaging you in decisions about materials, systems, finishes, budget and schedule. Because our team includes both design and construction expertise, you’ll be informed of real-world implications of design decisions throughout the process.

How often will we communicate and how?
We’ll agree a communication plan early: regular design meetings (in-person or virtual), construction updates via site visits and/or reports, budgets and schedules tracked and shared. Transparent and timely communication is central to managing cost, schedule and quality.

What if I have my own interior designer, landscape architect or other consultants?
We welcome and engage with client-selected consultants. We ask that the scope, roles, communication lines and timing be clearly defined so that our integrated design-build team can coordinate efficiently. Because our firm is architect-builder led, we will curate how these functions mesh with our process.

Sustainability & Craft

What is your approach to sustainability, materiality and craft?
We believe architecture should respond to both environmental and cultural context. We integrate passive design principles, efficient systems, quality materials and craftsmanship in each project. As stated on our site: “We believe this produces exceptional and enduring architecture imbued with handcrafted moments that enliven spaces and enrich the lives within.” designdrawbuild.com+1

Will you consider using sustainable or unconventional materials?
Yes — our process includes research, fabrication and design iteration. We can evaluate alternate materials and methods when they align with design intent, budget, site context and long-term performance.

Next Steps & Engagement

How do I initiate the project?
You can contact us via email or phone (info@designdrawbuild.com / 510-833-2643) to schedule an initial conversation. We’ll talk through your site, program, budget, timeline and how our process works, and determine fit.

What information should I prepare for our first meeting?
It helps to bring or consider:

• Your project goals, priorities and program (how you live or how you want to live)

• Site information (location, size, conditions, slope, orientation, any known constraints)

• A budget range or budget guidance (even a conceptual number is helpful)

• Any inspiration or precedents you like (images, sketches, ideas)

• Timeline or schedule expectations
  Preparing these helps us use our time together most effectively.

When can we start?
Our availability varies depending on current project load and scope. Because we engage deeply with each client and project, early contact is best to secure scheduling and allow the process to begin in the appropriate phase.

What if my project changes scope later?
If program, budget, site or schedule parameters change, we’ll review impacts together: design ramifications, cost adjustments, schedule shifts. Our model gives us agility, but changes still require coordination and decision-making.