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Best Architects in Berkeley

2024

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Website
Oakland, CA 94607

Why choose this provider?

Larson Shores is a Berkeley-based firm providing architectural services. They focus on residential design, commercial design, and full-scale interior design projects. Their services include new construction, renovations, and interiors. Clients of Larson Shores speak highly of the firm’s talent, creativity, and knowledge.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (23)
Google
5.0 / 5 (19)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
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Website
Berkeley, CA 94702

Why choose this provider?

McGlashan Architecture provides ecological design solutions. The Berkeley-based firm has served California and Oregon with beautiful designs for more than a decade. They specialize in homes, churches, restaurants, schools, mountain cabins, small commercial buildings, and living roofs. Their buildings are centered around energy efficiency, natural lighting, and using salvaged materials. The founder, Scott McGlashan, graduated from Yale University and earned his Master of Architecture degree from UC Berkeley.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (7)
Google
4.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
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Detail

Website
Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Kava Massih Architects is a full-service firm with offices in both Berkeley and San Francisco. They have more than two decades of experience in creating architectural designs. Their services include feasibility studies, programming, space planning, architecture, interior architecture, and construction documentation. Their portfolio contains a variety of projects such as affordable housing, public institutions, restaurants, and medical facilities.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
4.5 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Oakland, CA 94618

Why choose this provider?

Jarvis Architects provides architectural and design services from their firm in Oakland, California. The firm has been a staple in the community for more than four decades. They specialize in historic and contemporary styles for institutional, residential, and commercial projects. They are winners of Oakland Magazine’s 2016 Best Residential Architect award and the 2015 BAHA award from the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (13)
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Oakland, CA 94608

Why choose this provider?

Buttrick Projects Architecture + Design is a commercial and residential design firm located in Oakland, California. They provide custom design projects for new houses, residential remodels, commercial spaces, retail, restaurants, offices, and institutional facilities. Their projects are focused on sustainability and include designs for energy efficiency and durable structures. They also make use of natural resources and recycled materials. Client’s speak highly of the firm’s knowledge and expertise.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.5 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Robert Nebolon Architects offers commercial, residential, and landscape design solutions from their Berkeley-based firm. The award-winning firm serves all of California and specializes in modern residential projects and modern beach houses. They have been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times. The business was founded by Robert Nebolon, who holds a BA in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Washington at Seattle.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
3.5 / 5 (2)

Website
Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Trachtenberg Architects is a design studio located in Berkeley, California. The firm has more than two decades of experience creating innovative and cost-efficient solutions. Their work has been featured in multiple publications, including Builder/Architect Magazine, Design for Living, and Residential Architect. They are also recipients of the 2015 and 2013 Award for Design Excellence from Berkeley Design Advocates and the 2013 Award of Excellence from the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
Berkeley, CA 94705

Why choose this provider?

JSWD Architects is Berkeley-based firm with more than four decades of knowledge and experience in architecture. Their services include planning and program development, design, construction and on-site inspections. They have completed over four hundred projects that include remodeling, additions, complete buildings, and community plans. JSWD Architects have been featured in several magazines including Progressive Architecture, Fine Homebuilding, and The Architectural Review.

Website
Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Studio KDA is a Berkeley-based firm with more than two decades of experience in the industry. The full-service firm provides architectural design, interior design, construction documents, and construction administration. Clients speak highly of the firm’s ability to take their vision and transform it into a beautiful space. They also compliment the firm’s creative solutions and knowledge of code requirements.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Google
4.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Website
Berkeley, CA 94704

Why choose this provider?

Devi Dutta Architecture offers residential, commercial, and institutional design solutions from their Berkeley-based firm. The company was founded by architect, Devi Dutta, in 2008. Dutta has earned her masters degrees in Architecture from UCLA and Tulane University. In the past, she taught design and architecture at the California College of the Arts and the Academy of Art in San Francisco.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Mikiten Architecture is an environmentally-focused design firm based in Berkeley, California. In business since 1991, they have completed a long list of projects that include educational facilities, commercial buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, and a variety of residential work. They have been featured in Dwell magazine and they are recipients of the LEED platinum certification.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Berkeley, CA 94703

Why choose this provider?

Patricia Motzkin Architecture has provided the Berkeley area with design and architectural services for over a decade. Their services include new homes, commercial and residential interiors, and universal design. The company was founded by architect, Patricia Motzkin, who earned her Masters of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. She is licensed with the State of California and also has a LEED AP certification. She is also a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Berkeley, CA 94702

Why choose this provider?

Deeds Design provides commercial and residential design solutions for the San Francisco Bay area. The company was created in 2004 by architect Sarah Deeds, who earned her Masters in Architecture from UC Berkeley. Deeds has more than two decades of experience in the industry, working with other architectural firms. In addition to designing interiors, she also designs furniture and artistic pieces.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
Berkeley, CA 94702

Why choose this provider?

DSA Architects provides green architecture and ecological planning from their firm in Berkeley, California. Their focus is on creating durable and beautiful environmentally friendly buildings. They have earned three platinum awards with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. DSA Architects has more than thirty years of experience designing all types of buildings including homes, schools, churches, retail, offices, and mixed-use.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Architects are skilled professionals who create designs and plans for a variety of reasons. While the term architect traditionally refers to a professional who creates building plans, either for residential or commercial properties, the word can also refer to an architect who works with technology and digital infrastructure. Below are some of the most common titles an architect may have:
    • Landscape architect: Designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and college campuses

    • Restoration architect: Preserves historic buildings and monuments
    • Lighting architect: Designs, installs, and operates lighting for theater and film productions
    • Extreme architect: Creates buildings that withstand major disasters or severe weather
    • Residential architect: Designs homes and multifamily properties
    • Sustainable/green design architect: Designs buildings that have a minimal environmental impact
    • Industrial architect: Develops plans for industrial buildings, such as factories and plants
    • Conservation architect: Preserves unprotected heritage sites
    • Interior architect: Designs interiors for commercial and residential buildings
  • How much does an architect cost?

    The cost of hiring an architect varies, depending on what type of work needs to be done. According to Home Guide, most traditional architects charge anywhere from $100 to $250 per hour to draw plans; however, this cost may vary depending on experience and project scope.

  • How much do residential architects charge?

    Residential architects typically charge anywhere from $2,000 to $8,500 for initial plans and small projects, according to Home Advisor. For large projects, revisions, and extra services, this cost can increase.

  • Do I need an architect to build a house?

    While it's not required to hire an architect before building a house, it's usually a good idea. An architect can ensure that all housing plans are done per local housing codes while ensuring the home is beautifully designed.

  • How can someone draw like an architect?

    It requires practice and knowledge of drawing different perspectives and dimensions. Tutorial videos can be found online that advise beginners; however, without proper instruction and technique, architectural drawings may not be in accordance with building laws.

  • Do you need an architect for a renovation?

    An architect isn't always required for a remodel or renovation; however, some municipalities may require professional architect drawings before construction permits are approved. In most cases, it's best to check with local laws before undergoing renovations.

  • How long is an architect liable for a building?

    Architects may be held liable for up to 15 years after the completion of a project. Until that time has passed, architects may face claims for defects in design.