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Avatar for Geico Builders
Geico Builders
5.0(
61
)
Architect - Landscape

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I reached out to Geico Builders through referral program. Project Manager Mila was super responsive and came out to give me ideas and quote. Once we agreed to the bid they were able to start work in just a few days. I already had a plan and plant list from a landscape architect so I was able to share those documents with them. I had biggest issue with the goffers all over my front yard, the suggestion that Mila gave me was priceless. The way how they did concrete an the amount of rebars they use I knew at that time this concrete stays here for a very long time! Team worked very quickly and efficient always left the job site clean when they left for the day. Mila was also helpful when we added more elements to the original plan. I got several quotes for this job and Geico Builders beat them all. The quality of the work was great so I feel like I got a great deal. Geico Builders thank you so much for all your hard work. We love our new yard!"
Composite Deck Replacement Trex
Full Backyard Remodel with Outdoor Kitchen
Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom Project
Deck Replacement Composit
Composite Deck

+270

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
16 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for IVP Design Studio
IVP Design Studio
5.0(
9
)
ArchitectDesigner - Building

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Small jobs welcome

Customers say: Quick response

"We have an office space below our home with a storage space next door to it. We wanted to install a bathroom in that empty storage space to, hopefully, make both rooms into a small inlaw unit. But first, we needed a designer. Someone in the construction industry recommended Igino Pellizzarri for the job. We called him and he responded quickly. My husband is very hands-on and wanted Igino to help guide his vision and create a full bathroom that would look great without breaking the bank. Igino was very accommodating; he gave us several design options and even showed us what a full expansion of the area would look like if we chose to build the space out for an ADU. He also supplied 3D drawings of the space to give us a better idea of the outcome. He was always ready to answer questions, and took care of getting all permits from the county for us. Igino is easy to work with and has an engaging personality. Give him a call!"
Novato Contemporary
Novato Contemporary
Novato Tuscan
Tuscan Hillside
East Bay Spanish

+21

Response time7 hrs
Response rate88%
1 neighbors recently requested a 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%
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
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

"David helps you understand/see the finished project and asks questions that will help the customer really understand their use of the space. He brings you into the design process with him with full transparency!"
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
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
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
StudioNorth
4.9(
7
)
Designer - BuildingDraftsperson/CADD

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Customers say: Quick response

"Esther responded quickly to my inquiry, made me feel comfortable in determining what could be done with the space on a limited budget, offered many options and followed through with updates and contacts efficiently so that I had the best solutions and products available to complete the project."
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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 by15%of homeowners
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

"Exceptionally competent high level professional Architect and building permit facilitator. He has my highest recommendation with no reservations. Ted Vinson, Ph.D., PE"
BluePrint Plans
Response time12 hrs
Response rate90%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Architects questions, answered by experts

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.

While Craftsman-style houses are bungalows, cottages typically aren’t, though they can be. But they also differ in other stylistic aspects. For instance, cottages usually have simpler designs and painted woodwork.

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.

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.

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.

The San Rafael, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.