Find a Architectural Professional in Oakland

We found Kaplan Architects on Houzz! We had major design flaws in our existing house and needed to do our remodel right, so first priority was to find the right Architect! In researching on line, I knew we really liked their work and after meeting with 3 or so candidates, choosing Ed Kaplan and David Seltzer was easy. Their designs, their knowledge, their professionalism, their personalities exceeded my expectations. As the plans became reality, the project looked even better than I expected and their incredible ability to foresee how different materials and colors would come together was really amazing to watch. There were never any surprises or misunderstandings with them in any of our dealings. The communication was excellent. However, the best decision we made in the scope of things was requesting they be a part of the whole job and really do the hands on project oversight in directing and helping the builder follow the plan. Even though the plans were very specific and precise, things on site can change or availability of materials can alter and having Dave and Ed involved kept the project true to design. Even though the contractors may offer suggestions, they don't grasp the significance of what changing even small details can do to the whole vision, and what a difference that will make. I realized very early on when given a choice by the contractor on anything, I deferred to and chose whatever Ed and Dave suggested. I knew if I could convey what I was looking for, they knew how to get there far, far better than I and my trust in them was absolute and well founded! From ideas, to plans, to bidding, to building I know having them involved from start to finish brought that vision together and we are so thrilled with our "new" home! And in spite of the stress of construction remodeling it was a wonderful opportunity getting to work with them over the course of the project-which was a couple of years. They are amazing and we feel very fortunate that we were able to find them and made the right choice involving them throughout the entire process of seeing the plans come to life. There is no doubt we never would have come close to the home we achieved without their talent and guidance and patience throughout the job in its entirety. They're knowledgeable and incredibly reasonable and did so much keeping everything in perspective. We are grateful for the opportunity to know them and work with them.

Amar and his team at Design Everest Consulting Engineers were a pleasure to work with. We had a particularly difficult design and build in the Los Gatos Mountains, less than half a mile from the San Andreas fault. Our foundation was significant, including a sizable cut into the mountain and an engineered retaining wall. The structure itself was also somewhat complex, including a cantilever. Finally, because this new part of the house was mating with existing construction, consideration for matching of structural design elements was required.The structural drawings were of high quality. The county had very few comments, and they were addressed quickly. I can recommend Design Everest Consulting Engineers enthusiastically.

I asked my A-1 designer, Vaso Peritos if she could suggest a 1st class architect. Patrick Perez DESIGNPAD came to mind. I looked Patrick's work over at DESIGNPAD on line, checked out his professional backround and liked what I saw.  After setting up a meeting with Patrick, he was at my door ON TIME for our appointment.  We spent most of an afternoon going over my condo.  I agreed with his keen taste for design and remodeling. I was so pleased that Patrick knew the code here in San Francisco. His designs are all in agreement with today's never-ending building code upgrades. What a relief!  Patrick and I signed a contract within a few weeks. Patrick is shy, soft spoken, cool-looking and sharp as a tack!  He's not pushy but has a head full of all the right stuff for a very fine remodel to with today's world in the City by the Bay.  Holy Smokey, can he design, almost read my mind and draw!  Patrick refined plans to fit all my needs & desires and then refined them again and made gorgeous fully-detailed color renderings.  We did a lot of communications usually daily by email which saved much time and got so much done!  Patrick did everything I needed from an architect including pulling permits.I really knew I found a golden nugget when I choose him.  At the end of the beautiful remodel I owe everything to Patrick (BTW, Patrick's wife is a designer).  I feel I got lucky and appreciate Vaso's reference.  What a highly skilled and sharp mind they both have.  I employed just the right architect for a seriously eye-blowing $300K remodel in a San Francisco 3-story town house up in Diamond Hts.PS:BTW Patrick suggested a few remodlers. I choose his 1st choice, C.H. BURNHAM Inc.  Patrick took me over to his design and the work on a large 4-story Victorian home in the Noe Valley/Castro area.  Wow, what a show!  Patrick's design is nothing short of OUTSTANDING!  ***** of 5 stars.J.A. PommonPSPS: I choose the remodler doing Patrick's design, C.H. Burnham Inc to do the remod.Chris Burnham Construction is a first-caliber remodler w/ an excellent job-supervisor (Chris D).Having Patrick Perez DESIGNPAD and finishing w/Chris Burnham is the answer to a lifetime dream home.  Thank You Patrick!FIVE out of ***** stars.

Brad Gunkel and team are thorough professionals. They make sure the customer is heard and all his inputs are taken care of. I found Brad to be exceptionally capable and also very helpful in helping me understand the process of designing my project. They are responsive, efficient, and friendly to deal with. One of the best in East Bay

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ben on several projects. He is a very astute architect with a deep understanding of not only design but also how all components of a project come together. He is great at leaning in and understanding budget constraints and when necessary, adapting the overall design, detailing, and appropriate material selections in order to make thoughtful architecture. Ben loves to work collaboratively with contractors and subcontractors to deliver carefully thought out arhitecture and exceptional experiences for clients and contractors alike. I really look forward to my next project with Benjamin. Cheers!

I bought my house almost a year ago and it was more of a fixer upper but livable. Was introduced to Luxur DeZign to give me some ideas on what are the options on getting the whole place an overhaul kitchen,bathroom and the main living room. Their designers was very professional and came up with a couple of different plans and eventually after a couple of back and forth we decided on a design.I already had a crew which I was working on other projects so I teamed them up to bring the whole idea to life. Attached are a couple images of what they did. I'm working with them now to build a deck in the backyard. Will post images when it is done.