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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
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

Building a house without blueprints is not advised. It will prevent you from obtaining necessary building permits and meeting building codes and is likely to result in shoddy construction and unsafe living conditions. Detailed blueprints ensure that a house is built to exact specifications and is constructed safely and structurally stable.

Designs typically take 2-6 months, depending on factoring, project size, and customization needs. Larger or more complex designs may require additional time for approval and revisions.

Architects often oversee project management to ensure design adherence, coordinate with contractors, and address onsite challenges.

You likely need to hire an architect for your new house design and build, unless you have the design skills and experience with building regulations and standards needed to get your plans approved. If you are able to meet the design requirements, you can hire a draftsperson to create the blueprints for the builders to follow.

While classic Palm Springs architecture in the Palm Springs area will naturally cost more due to the high cost of living, prices across the rest of the country will vary. Remember that older homes, including those built before 1970, will cost more to renovate due to updated building codes—something to keep in mind when considering the upfront cost of the house.

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.