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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%
75 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

It is technically possible to draw your own blueprints, but the process is extremely involved and really demands help from an expert. A professional architect has an understanding of design elements, interior design, the functionality of different rooms in a home, and how everything from furniture, outlets, and light switches should be laid out to serve you and your family best. Hiring an architect for blueprints can get expensive, but it’s the most responsible way to begin a new construction project. If you’re keen on DIYing, you could consider starting the process and then having a professional take over.

In most cases, yes, hiring a draftsperson will be more affordable than the cost of hiring an architect. However, it’s important to note that the reason is because these professionals provide different services. Draftspersons are more affordable because they do more general mock-ups that help align your contractors with your vision for your home renovation project. An architect will provide more detailed drawings that include technical specifications, structural considerations, and even mechanical components, like electrical box and HVAC ductwork placement.

An architect is usually involved in the process of determining the layout and structural features and requirements of the home itself, taking into account the local codes, climate, and materials needed to make the home structurally sound. Architects may communicate more with contractors and subcontractors throughout the building process. In comparison to architects, interior designers typically focus on the aesthetics of a home interior and possibly exterior, helping the homeowner decide on color schemes, textures, and materials to incorporate into the design. 

Fees depend on project size, design complexity, required permits, materials, labor, and whether additional consulting services are included.

The country's most famous Neoclassical architecture appears in major government buildings and college campuses. The White House is unmistakably the most famous example, though the Capitol Building and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello are also iconic uses of the design.

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.