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TRUSTED BY ORINDA, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.9
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon29
    Verified architectural services reviews

Top-Rated Architects in Orinda - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Mark Brand Architecture
Mark Brand Architecture
5.0(
8
)
ArchitectDesigner - Building

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mark Brand asked all of the right questions and worked tirelessly with the city permit department to make sure everything we wanted to do would be approved. Beyond being amazing on the phone with the city, his design fit with our mid-century home and anyone who has seen it is amazed at the transformation of our small back yard. We started this project with Mark in 2019, long before COVID-19, and completed the major construction in October of 2020. The actual construction began in May 2020 with demo, to completion in October 2020. Mark and his staff were with us through the entire process, communicating with our Contractor and Pool installer and keeping everyone in the loop and on track. I had never worked with an architect before, and feel grateful that my first experience was with Mark Brand and his team. Fees are explained up front, and although the fees were a healthy part of our budget, I know I got what I paid for! Communication with email and phone calls, as well as site visits were always timely, with any issues explained and problems worked through and resolved to avoid delays."
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!

+37

Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Team2 Architecture + Design
Team2 Architecture + Design
4.5(
25
)
ArchitectArchitect - For BusinessDesigner - Building+1 more

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1997

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

"Shilpa working with her structural engineer completed all the architectural and structural plans and calculations for a 400SF single story addition, complete with drilled piers and grade beams, in just over two months for submittal to City for review. Shilpa is very easy to work with and is quite readily available to fit my work and project schedule. Shilpa is very responsive to my comments and timely completion of required documents. Cost is reasonable. City has few review comments and issued permit for construction. I would definitely retain Shilpa again when the need comes up."
Response time1 day
Recommended by72%of homeowners
Avatar for Ogle Design
Ogle Design
4.9(
8
)
Architect - For Business

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was such a great experience working with Will and his team at Ogle Designs. They helped us design a blueprint for creating additions to our house including designs for the inside and patio/landscape design We so impressed with Ogle Design's high level of professionalism, expertise and overall delivery of our project. They completed everything on time and within budget! Thanks for your excellent service."
Modern Deck
Modern Deck 2
Exterior Contemporary
Kitchen Island
Living Room

+14

Response time2 days
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
StudioNorth
4.9(
7
)
Designer - BuildingDraftsperson/CADD

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Customers say: Quick response

"Esther was amazing! We are so glad we had Esther complete our kitchen plans! She presented different options which were great. She's very professional & always accommodating. Was always willing to make any changes. She's a gem. So glad we did plans, as wasn't going to but glad we did. Thanks Esther!"
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Evolution Drafting
Evolution Drafting
3.7(
127
)
Draftsperson/CADDArchitectDesigner - Building+1 more

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired them to create plans for an apartment building. The process was quick and painless. Cost was good. The plans are full complete abd ready to take to builders for quotes. I will definitly use them again."
Zeal Floor Plan
Charcoal
Palm Floor Plan
Charcoal Floor 2
Charcoal Floor 1

+23

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
69 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Design Haus
Design Haus
5.0(
5
)
Designer - Building

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We are the premier company for interior design, decorating, and interior space planning serving the California area. Our showroom allows you to make all of your custom selections in one location. From beginning to end, all phases of construction under one roof! Call today!

Modern Kitchen Remodel
York Rustic Wallpaper
Wallpaper
Kitchen Remodel
Living Room Remodel

+7

Response time2 days
Response rate93%
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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Architects FAQs, answered by experts

A home elevator is a fantastic way to improve your home’s accessibility. Elevators allow anyone, even those who use wheelchairs or walkers, to safely move between floors within your home.

Dumbwaiters may allow you to move items up and down floors, and stair lifts can move people up and down, but elevators are the best option if you need space for people, their belongings, and/or mobility aids such as wheelchairs.

That said, home elevators cost more than other options, such as stair lifts. Consider your needs and your budget when deciding the best way to make your home more accessible to a person with a disability or a person who is aging in place.

The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.

A floor plan is a less detailed illustration showing a building or room's layout from above, including elements like windows, doors, walls, and fixtures. It offers a simplified view for homeowners. In contrast, a blueprint is a more detailed, to-scale architectural drawing that includes all parts of the building plans, such as structural elements, construction details, and utility schematics. While a floor plan can be a type of view within a blueprint, the complete blueprint contains all the necessary details to turn the plan into a reality.

Check reviews, compare quotes, and verify licensing. Ensure the builder has experience with modular construction.

In most cases, you should get an architect before you hire a builder. An architect will be the one to draw up formal plans for your project, including guidelines and even material lists for your builder to follow during construction. Many architects can even help you find builders, choose one for your project, and negotiate prices. Some are also willing to act as project managers throughout the process, working closely with a builder from start to finish.

The Orinda, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.