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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

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
)
ArchitectDesigner - Building

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
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

"Delays are always headache. So, Ogle Design is a high level group of professionals that delivered my project on time. No delays!!"
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

Yes, you can finance cottage construction through several options. Construction loans provide funds in stages as work progresses, while home equity loans or lines of credit are available if you have existing property. Some lenders offer a combined construction and permanent mortgage. Always review loan terms and payment milestones before committing.

In most cases, you don't need to hire an architect for a garage conversion. Your garage conversion contractor should have the skills and experience to help create your desired design. However, if the scope of the conversion is large and complex, and your budget allows, it's smart to hire an architect to oversee the design.

There are differences between universal design and ADA accommodations, but the outcomes are often similar. While universal design is a proactive process that takes a social justice approach to accessibility for all, ADA accommodations are focused specifically on accessibility for individuals living with disabilities. ADA accommodations often take the shape of wider doors and hallways, ramps, elevators, lower counters and sinks, and easy-to-grab door handles; universal design can include these plus emphasize better lighting, tractioned floors, and other building elements that allow all people to use buildings more comfortably.

You can draw your own house plans using three-dimensional modeling software, but in most cases, you’ll need an architect to draw up the final plans. Architects understand local building regulations and requirements, so their plans will be necessary for getting permits approved, and they’ll also ensure your home is structurally sound. DIY house plans can be a good place to start to help visualize your project, but you should always defer to a professional before trying to proceed with the project.

The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.

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.