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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

Find Architects in Orinda

Avatar for Padir Consulting Engineers Corp.
Padir Consulting Engineers Corp.
4.8(
28
)
ArchitectDraftsperson/CADD

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very honest engineer. He performed a mandatory seismic inspection that was required for the city of Hayward. There was no foundation issue whatsoever. Before Mr Padir did the inspection I had a retrofit company look at my building and they told me it would cost $58k to fix the problem and I almost fell for it. It turns out that one joist was rotten from a sewer leak that was repaired. It is hard to find honest people these days. I am so glad it is only a cosmetic fix and a sister joist installed next to it to relieve the pressure on the building. Thank you once again Mr. Padir. Excellent job and quick turnaround."
Dana Condominium
Richmond single family dwelling
Addition to the Single Family dwelling
Affordable Building for Non Profits
Historic Church of All Faiths

+35

Response time1 day
28 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Auburn Detailing and Construction Services
4.7(
32
)
Draftsperson/CADD

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Rich knows his business. He's thorough, very reasonable in pricing, and follows up until the job is complete. He's easy to work with, and responds instantly to questions. If you need building plans for permits or design, Rich will get it done."
Lay-out,Installation
Frame work
Access Stair, 1 of 2
How we found them, 1 of 6
2 of 6

+10

Response time1 day
Response rate85%
Recommended by77%of homeowners
Avatar for Mark Brand Architecture
Mark Brand Architecture
5.0(
8
)
Designer - BuildingArchitect

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mark asked the right questions about our project and I knew by how he spoke to me about the project that he understood what needed to be done to get started. Mark pursued the information needed from city planning and permits to the specifications and details about our swimspa which is the focal point of our project. We've been delayed in demolition and construction because of Covid-19 but I know it will get done and be perfect because of Mark's team and their meticulous attention to detail. I can add more when our project is complete!"
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!
Raise the Roof!

+37

Response time2 days
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
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
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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
Avatar for McCormick Home Builders, Inc.
McCormick Home Builders, Inc.
4.7(
42
)
Designer - Building

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"We decided to remodel our outdated bathroom, and McCormick Home Builders was a fantastic choice. Khaled and the team delivered high-quality work within the timeline and our budget. Every detail, from the tile work to the lighting, was beautifully done. They communicated well throughout, keeping us informed at every step, and the end result was truly a spa-like bathroom we can enjoy daily. We’d love to work with them again!"
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+1

Response time6 hrs
Recommended by17%of homeowners
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Architects questions, answered by experts

Universal design costs can be minimal when you add them during construction; however, adding universal design principles to existing homes can sometimes increase renovation costs. For example, a mid-grade bathroom remodel is estimated to cost around $30,000, while a standard universal design remodel can cost closer to $40,000. Adding accessible design components can include widening hallways ($500 to $2,000), curbless showers ($2,000 to $8,000), and widening doors ($400 to $800). Keep in mind that these increased costs can lead to higher resale values because universal homes may appeal to a wider variety of buyers.

Federal and Colonial architecture are similar in that they both appear mostly utilitarian and symmetrical, but Federal architecture is a bit more ornate. Federal design often includes decorative palladium windows, window lintels, and, sometimes, columns surrounding a more decorative portico. Inside, Federal architecture is set apart by its centrally-located oval room. Additionally, Federal homes tend to have brick facades, whereas Colonial homes more often have wood siding.

Open floor plans can come with drawbacks—mainly the lack of privacy and noise dampening. Walls act as an important barrier for traveling sounds, meaning in an open floor plan you could hear your dishwasher running while sitting in your living room. Storage limitations and separation of activities (for example, keeping the kid’s playroom away from the dining room) are other reasons some homeowners are opting out of an open floor plan.

You have three options in terms of professionals who can draw up blueprints: a draftsperson, an architect, or a structural engineer. A draftsperson can sometimes draw up plans for new construction, but they more often work from approved plans for alterations or to provide 3D drawings. Architects are usually the best option for standard residential construction projects. Structural engineers might be necessary for custom home builds or for alterations that could affect your home’s structural integrity. Draftsmen cost the least of the three, followed by architects and then structural engineers.

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.