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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 January 18, 2026

Find Architects in San Rafael

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
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Avatar for Whitfield Architects, Inc.
Whitfield Architects, Inc.
5.0(
7
)
Architect - For BusinessArchitect

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
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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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
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Avatar for Fredrick Stoenner Architecture
Fredrick Stoenner Architecture
4.0(
10
)
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%
17 neighbors recently requested a quote
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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 with McCormick Home Builders went beyond our expectations. Leoni and her team took the time to understand exactly what we wanted. The open layout design changed the way we use the space, and it’s been perfect for family gatherings. They were prompt, courteous, and genuinely invested in making sure we were happy. Really impressed!"
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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%
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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 is a knowledgeable and professional person who is very helpful and easy to work with."
Front Entry
Back Deck
Dining Room
Main Residence and Barn
Kitchen

+20

Response time1 day
Response rate98%
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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Avatar for RPS Design
RPS Design
4.5(
11
)
ArchitectDesigner - Building

Serving San Rafael, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Outstanding. Great to work with. Provides the direction and guidance throughout the project! Can?t go wrong with Rob"
Manderly Entry
Prince Royal Before and After
D Ranch
Briggs Ranch Road
Kerry Lane

+227

Response time1 day
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Request Quote
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Showing 1-10 of 279
Architects questions, answered by experts

An architect is usually involved in the process of determining the layout and structural features and requirements of the home itself, taking into account the local codes, climate, and materials needed to make the home structurally sound. Architects may communicate more with contractors and subcontractors throughout the building process. In comparison to architects, interior designers typically focus on the aesthetics of a home interior and possibly exterior, helping the homeowner decide on color schemes, textures, and materials to incorporate into the design. 

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.

A designer is a great choice for remodeling projects that don’t require significant structural work. For remodeling that includes structural work like removing load-bearing walls, altering exterior walls, or adding on a room, an architect can design and execute the renovations while ensuring your home remains structurally sound.

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 towers and turrets are frequently present in Queen Anne-style houses, these design elements are not necessary for a home to be considered a Queen Anne. Turrets and towers add visual interest and unique interior spaces, but many Queen Anne homes do not contain these features. 

The San Rafael, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services

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