3,753 Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

Orinda, CA Architects are masters of building design and can make your dream house a reality. Perhaps you would like to find Orinda, CA architects to help you extend the kitchen and install bifold doors opening out onto a newly landscaped garden? Maybe the challenge is a loft conversion but you’re not sure how to make the most of the limited space up there? You might even wish to hire architects in Orinda, CA to help you build your own house from the ground up. Architects can help you to get a clearer idea of what is possible, both in terms of the land you own and the budget you have. They have extensive knowledge of architectural design, construction methods and building materials, not to mention a strong appreciation of ergonomics – warmth, light and flow within a property. Architects will also be far more capable of seeing the bigger picture – carefully balancing aesthetic appeal with structural safety – and navigating all those little steps from concept through to completion. And with their local knowledge, your Orinda, CA architects will also often help to obtain planning permission and building regulations approval. More

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Featured Reviews for Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

Koch Architects - Joanne Koch

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

29 January 2014

“I just completed a complete remodel of my San Francisco Edwardian flat and build out my basement. Joanne and her staff did a fantastic job. It started out as a kitchen bath remodel, but once the design process started expanded to include every room as we discussed how different spaces would be used and what I didn't like about the current space after living with it for 20yrs. Might as well do it right! Joanne's attention to detail, listening, and high ethical standards are unmatched. She would listen in the meetings and ask questions then come back with some ideas and sketches to get my reaction. She knew what I wanted without me even knowing it. She was also sensitive to the project budget which was important. I was able to complete the project within my budget. She was also key to working with the general contractor. She brought with her experience in projects of my scope / scale and working with different contractors and even her own remodel. This helped immensely. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Koch Architects again.”

Barry & Wynn Architects, Inc.

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

21 March 2016

“Barry and Wynn are talented, visionary architects who create beautiful works that both blend with the surroundings but also stand on their own in terms of individual character and timeless beauty. They have completed two commercial projects for me, one having one the prestigious Gold Nugget Award.”

Impluvium Architecture

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

20 August 2015

“Impluvium listened to my spiritual desires to create a contemporary space that made guests feel instantly welcome while providing function for everyday life. I described a desire that my home subliminally feel like a space where East meets West. Many visitors comment on how "happy", comfortable, and Zen like my home is. Mission accomplished thanks to Tim Haley! The project involved an extensive remodel of my 3 bedroom/2 bath townhouse inclusive of footprint expansions (addition of ~75 sq. ft.), relocation of all plumbing and electrical, removal of demising wall, new windows, doors and skylights, and creative solutions designed to maximize space. In particular, Impluvium not only designed an aesthetically beautiful ceiling in the great room, but it also provides layers of light for multiple uses at all times of the day and night, functionally it is a chase which delivers the in-home sound system and HVAC system, and it masks the new structural beam required when the demising wall was removed. The accuracy and completeness of Impluvium's design and architectural drawings were instrumental in expediting HOA approvals and permits.”

MKB Design & Management

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

6 April 2014

“We are preparing to update an 80's galley kitchen. I contacted MKB Design based on a colleague's recommendation and after viewing their posted designs. I let them know that we were not going to move on a project immediately, but that we needed to have a realistic plan in place so that we would know what to save for. Melissa and her associate Sarah, have been extremely professional in their approach and kept things real as we discussed the goals and associated costs. After coming up with several designs, we picked a hybrid plan that we like. From there MKB presented us with three options, (a) we gather the necessary information on appliances, lights, flooring, counter tops, etc., (b) they work with us at the various vendors; or, (c) they do most of this leg work. We accumulated most the information to the point where the design took on a more finished look and with a tighter budget estimate. Likewise, when the time comes for actually moving forward, MKB will be as involved in oversight as we chose. Frankly, when it gets to that point I have confidence that we can rely on MKB to look out after our best interests. In summary, working with MKB has been easy. They are as attentive as you want them to be, but still prodded us when necessary. We really like the plan and look forward completing this kitchen.”

Wm. F. Holland/Architect

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

23 March 2012

“We spent two years with Bill Holland, the first conceptualizing ideas for a major remodel of our 1916 Craftsman style house, the second in construction. We loved working with Bill and today appreciate his talents as we enjoy living in our evolved home. Bill is a gifted architect – able to visualize the design and construction of a three dimensional space in his mind’s eye, and then communicate his vision to clients in an understandable way. We wanted more openness and access from the rear of our house to our back yard. The result is stunning – truly an indoor/outdoor living space. Upon the completion of our project, Bill and we were honored to win an award from the City of Piedmont for the Best Outdoor Living Area in 2011. ”

Saikley Architects

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

20 May 2015

“We worked with Alexandra for a rebuild of our home, upgrading it from a 3bd/1.5 bath to a 4bd/3.5bath while adding a second floor and changing the layout of the house dramatically. We chose Alexandra based on two critical expectations: that she would be good to work with (after all, you spend countless hours with your architect on a very expensive project), and that she would share our philosophy regarding the importance of combining form and function in house design. We were very lucky to have chosen her. Alexandra indeed spent countless hours with us. She paid careful attention to our wishes and needs. She worked patiently through every detail of the house, helping us maximize not only our living space but also important functional aspects of the house. From beautifully located and proportioned stairs to storage for kids backpacks under an entryway bench and built-in cabinets to roof segments and their slopes, everything was thoughtful, detailed, and practical. Alexandra also showed great professional and personal skill in navigating the permitting process, developing a good relationship with the city’s planning department that allowed us to enjoy all the benefits of the zoning code. She was always ready to help and mediate successfully when issues inevitably came up with our contractor. She followed through with everything she said she would in an even, friendly, and professional manner. We are delighted with our home and, truth be told, also take joy in the many compliments we get from anybody who visits our home or even passes by it. Alexandra was wonderful and we can’t recommend her highly enough.”

TEAC Structural Engineering

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

7 May 2020

“I have known and work with Perry Tabor from TEAC for about 20 years know and we have worked on various projects over the years. Perry will come out to a project early on and help with design solutions and how these solutions impact the project from a structural (and therefor cost) perspective. Many engineers would not do this until they are hired and even when they are hired by the client might charge extra for this. I have also worked with various other engineers at TEAC that Perry has hired and they have all been exceptional also showing Perry's talent as a manager as well. I look forward to working with him on many other future projects!”

Mark Molinar

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

4 May 2016

“We worked with Mark to design our new home. He spent the time with us to understand what we wanted. He incorporated our needs and requirements into various plan options and provided us with information on costs, pros and cons, etc. We had a very complicated project - Mark took the initiative to lead us through the planning a design process, acting at times as a project manager and presenting the plan to the city, other engineers and representing us when needed. He was very easy to work with and very professional. Building a custom home has significant challenges - Mark's help was instrumental in getting the project completed on time.”

Lorin Hill, Architect

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

12 August 2014

“We were terrified to finally remodel. Now we're halfway through the job, and I'm wondering how it could possibly be going so well? The answer: Lorin Hill, Architect, and his team. Ours is not a small job - we've excavated a basement; moved the kitchen, downstairs powder room, laundry room (which went from 1st to 2nd floor); and moved a lot of walls and reconfigured closets to dramatically improve our space. We didn't know where to bookend the project, and could see endless options for how to improve our home. We interviewed multiple architects - familiar names that had signs up on the best streets. It was immediately clear that Lorin was the architect for us - he took in the important character of the home (and setting/land, neighboring homes, and street), he saw how we could shape the project to make the most of our resources and opportunities, and his communication style was unmatched by larger and smaller specialty firms alike. He's insightful, funny, has decades of experience in his craft, and (this is where Lorin really hits it out of the park) his design eye is so excellent that he is saving us from hiring a host of other professionals to make our finished result truly sing. In some ways I'd love to keep Lorin Hill our little secret - I can count on only one hand the service providers that so exceed my expectations that their fees don't seem high enough for what they provide (note the design comment above, and he's smoothed enough husband/wife remodel debates - helping us each see logic - that we'll happily enjoy our home for years to come, marriage intact). If you're lucky enough to find Lorin Hill with a space in his schedule that fits your project, grab it. If we ever win the lottery and have unlimited funds, we'll be back to take up all the rest of Lorin's time.”

Baran Studio Architecture

Orinda, CA Architects and Building Designers

24 March 2013

“We have worked with Baran Studio on five new construction homes and many rehabs/remodels. He is a professional in every way - creative, easy to communicate with, honest, knowledgeable, responsive and quick. What I have been most impressed with over the years, is his ability to design and build to each site's / client's needs without ever subjugating the art of the design.”

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How do I choose the right Orinda, CA architect?

Begin by determining the type of architectural service you require. Is it merely advice that you need? Or a detailed set of architectural design plans? Are you hoping to add a single-storey extension or are you really looking for someone to design you a custom home and handle construction management right through to completion? One of the most important duties of full service architects in Orinda, CA is to serve as project managers and supervise most aspects of construction as well as facilitate communication between all other contractors.

Architecture is an incredibly technical profession and one where getting things wrong can literally put lives at risk, so do background checks on your Orinda architect. Check they are registered with architecture associations such as the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) and The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Being part of an architecture association means that an architect or architecture firm has met certain standards, qualifications and practices, and can be held accountable if they don’t meet these standards. It’s advisable to choose architects that specialise in the kind of project that you are undertaking as their existing experience will shine through in the completed design. Look for an architect in Orinda, CA that can provide references and reviews of their previous work.

Once you have determined the service level you need, your next consideration will be architectural style. Some architects specialise in designing for traditional housing such as period cottages and country homes, or even in designing modern replicas in a period style. Others have a knack for imagining bolder, more futuristic architectural design in Orinda, CA incorporating the latest green technology. Check their Houzz profile and website for examples of previous work. Early on, try to gauge availability – there’s no point in choosing an architect that’s going to be booked for months if you have a tight deadline. Some architects are happy to do all their work online or over the phone with you, but if you’d prefer to work with an architect in person then check that your chosen architects in Orinda, CA will travel to you.

What is the process to hire an architect?

At the first meeting, preferably at your property or building site, give as clear a picture as possible of the kind of home you are trying to create to your architects. Chat through your goals, projected budget, scope of work, schedule and feedback, together with any very specific requirements you might have. It is crucial that your architects are clear about their responsibilities and that these are documented in the contract. Ask them to walk you through the process, including the number of architectural design consultations, site visits and what they will be delivering and when, e.g. feasibility study, a technical drawing, tender package and/or planning application drawings. They could illustrate this using a previous client’s project. Also, what does the architect need from you? Deeds, rights of way, deposit, staged payments etc. Once you have covered all this detail, you are ready to make your choice and get started. The architecture company in Orinda, CA that you hire will likely start with concept drawings and finish with construction drawings and documents. Some firms even design with 3D renderings, CAD and videos, but this is by no means essential.

What makes a good architect?

You are looking for architects in Orinda, CA that have the right balance of creative flair, technical nous, practicality and impeccable service to see you through. Get a sense of whether they are a good listener, collaborator and problem solver. Checking their references will also be invaluable at this stage so look at their Houzz profile for past customer reviews. Ask to speak to previous clients, particularly regarding their responsiveness and ability to work creatively around a budget.

How much does hiring an architect cost?

There is no set payment structure for an architect. Some Orinda, CA architects will charge an hourly rate, others base their fees on a percentage of the total construction cost or propose a fixed fee (payable in instalments) for projects such as house extensions or a complete home design. You may wish to pay in stages to safeguard against any possible dissatisfaction with the quality of service. Make sure the total figure and payment schedule is agreed as part of your contract, particularly if you are trying to accurately estimate the cost of building a house.

What are the important questions to ask architects in Orinda, CA?

How long have you been an architect in Orinda, CA? Are you part of ARB and RIBA? Are you part of any other associations of architectural design in Orinda, CA?
How would you improve my current property and what do you think is the best use of my available budget?
Please can you tell me about similar projects you have undertaken and why you are the right person for the job?
What will be some of the main challenges?
Do you have experience of managing the construction phase?
Will you be the lead architect on this project?
Can you give me an overview of this project and tell me who will be doing what?
How long will the project take?
What will you charge, and will that be based on an hourly rate, a percentage of the project cost, or a fixed fee?
Can you recommend builders and contractors in my area?
Is there other expenditure that I might have missed and and how can I sensibly cut those costs?
What happens if there is a dispute? How would you resolve it?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
How often will you be updating me on progress, either face to face or on the phone?

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