Labra Design Build

We were so pleased with the project that Labra Design did for our Mid Century Modern house. I saw a project he did (found it through Houzz) and Rufino was very quick to respond to my request, and he was able to squeeze our smaller project in quickly. 

We had a huge hole in our main room, and we needed a stair rail, needed it quickly because we have a two year old and the house just wasn't safe as it was. He was quick to draw up sketches and seemed to understand our aesthetic and what we wanted without ever seeing the project in person. He was also very willing to research different price options to keep within our budget. I was impressed with his effort and commitment to making sure the stair rail was as safe as possible. 

The install went smoothly and was right on time. We can't wait to use Labra Design again when we redo our master bathroom and kitchen!

I highly recommend working with Rufino Labra and Labra Design + Build. The most important aspect of our project was demolishing our aging cedar deck overlooking a ravine, adding 120 square feet to it, and adding deck lighting which we had never had. We also needed an unused (except by the raccoons) smaller deck area demolished, the door removed and replaced with drywall. A smaller deck on the lower level was also rebuilt. Additionally, we had a curved bridge over a gully leading to our entrance on which we wanted the slope modified to make the tie-in to the landing gentler.

Initially we were looking at Trex or Azec (both "faux" wood) for the deck but after some investigation discovered cumaru, a Brazilian hardwood similar to ipe. Rufino was the only contractor we contacted to investigate this possibility, and offered to do the deck in the cumaru for the price of Azec, and included the lighting package at no additional charge. We were also initially considering glass railing panels, but knowing that we live in a wooded area and feed the local birds, Rufino mentioned that the birds might fly into the glass and get hurt or killed, so he gave us the option of stainless steel cable, and we are so glad we opted for that! The finished deck is spectacular! The woodworking detail is amazing. Rufino also offered to install soffit lights at no charge because he knew we would love them. We do!

Rufino and his crew showed up every day on time, they worked efficiently and with enormous attention to detail. He has a degree in architecture from Lawrence Tech, so in addition to being an incredibly skilled craftsman he is also artistic and talented. He was in constant communication on any changes or issues (they found carpenter ants had chewed up a lot of the old deck and advised us to call an exterminator -- we did!). They all really went above and beyond, they finished within the time Rufino had estimated despite some rainy days, and we are enormously pleased with the results. We will definitely work with Labra Design + Build in the future.

We worked over six months exploring ideas - Rufino's and mine and my husband's. Rufino did all the plans and layouts. Did simple kitchen, move a few walls, knock out walls for open concept and a huge blowout including changing garage to a library and adding a 4 car garage. All the plans were great ideas and helped us visualize what could be done and what we should ultimately do.
I gave Rufino Labra specifics of what I wanted to see. He used a computer design program and e mailed me everything including full color pictures. We even had a 3-d walk through with Visio of what our final would look like.Sooooo helpful.
Rufino is easy to work with. He's low key and casual, but quite capable, professional and has good ideas. He was very patient with me as I asked him to alter this or that until we got it right.

His furniture is way cool. He is a skilled woodworker and can custom build what you want.
I would have no reservation recommending him.