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Verified Reviews for Architectural Service pros in San Rafael, CA

*The Angi rating for Architectural Service companies in San Rafael, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Architectural Service companies in San Rafael, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

Last update on July 24, 2026

Top-Rated Architects in San Rafael - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Whitfield Architects, Inc.
Whitfield Architects, Inc.
5.0(
7
)
ArchitectArchitect - For Business

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Offers commercial services

Customers say: Quick response

"Great collaborator and really listens to clients. Worked with a level of urgency I haven't seen form other people I've worked with."
Noe Remodel 01 Restored Entryway
Custom Mountain House 01
Contemporary Kitchen
Castle Hill limestone preserve
Dramatic section using modeling software

+47

Response time1 day
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by75%of homeowners
Request Quote
Auburn Detailing and Construction Services
4.7(
32
)
Draftsperson/CADD

Serving San Rafael, 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
Request Quote
Avatar for Ogle Design
Ogle Design
4.9(
8
)
Architect - For Business

Serving San Rafael, 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
Request Quote
Avatar for Fredrick Stoenner Architecture
Fredrick Stoenner Architecture
4.1(
11
)
ArchitectArchitect - For Business

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Fred is a God send. His work is amazing he is the definition of professional. This is the best architect in Sacramento he helped me build Daddy Os Smokehouse the best bbq on Sacramento. I'm forrver grateful and I'd recommend Fred to anyone looking for architectural services. I've sent him to my close friend to help build his restaurant and he's doing a great job as well for them."
Response time10 hrs
Response rate95%
18 neighbors recently requested a quote
Request Quote
Avatar for Evolution Drafting
Evolution Drafting
3.7(
127
)
Draftsperson/CADDDesigner - BuildingArchitect+1 more

Serving San Rafael, 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%
66 neighbors recently requested a quote
Request Quote
Avatar for McCormick Home Builders, Inc.
McCormick Home Builders, Inc.
4.7(
42
)
Designer - Building

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Our kitchen remodel exceeded our expectations, providing us with a beautiful and highly efficient space for cooking and gathering. We're thrilled with the results, as the new design seamlessly integrates style and functionality."
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.
.
.
.

+1

Response time6 hrs
Recommended by17%of homeowners
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Avatar for BlueSquare Studio
BlueSquare Studio
5.0(
5
)
Architect

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Adam is awesome! He assisted me with my project like a pro and helped my clients tremendously. I will definitely be hiring him again for my next project!!!"
BluePrint Plans
Response time12 hrs
Response rate90%
Request Quote
Avatar for M. Holz Design Studio
M. Holz Design Studio
5.0(
5
)
Designer - BuildingDraftsperson/CADD

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mary helped me with a new barn/adu design and also a second dwelling design. Sheâ s so easy to work with and made the process easy and streamlined. I highly recommend her!"
Front Entry
Back Deck
Dining Room
Main Residence and Barn
Kitchen

+20

Response time1 day
Response rate98%
Recommended by75%of homeowners
Request Quote
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Showing 1-10 of 278
Architects FAQs, answered by experts

When planning a new build, meet with an architect as your first step. Architects will often work with specific contractors and can ensure the contractor on your project is qualified and experienced to handle your build. Both the architect and the contractor should be involved with the project from the early stages, but the process may be smoother when you start with an architect.

Typically, architects do not build homes in a hands-on sense of doing the actual framing, roofing, or other building. Architects usually do not have the training and experience to build the homes they design. An architect would need to know how to do the specific trades required to build a house, which is possible but not a common practice. A general contractor or homebuilder typically oversees the actual details of building the house that the architect designs.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

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.

The San Rafael, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services

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