Residential Architecture Services for Remodels, Additions, and Custom Homes

We provide residential architecture services for remodels, additions, and custom homes throughout the Bay Area.

Each project begins by clarifying scope, constraints, and feasibility so the design direction aligns with zoning, structure, and long-term buildability before moving into full architectural development.

Home Remodels & Renovations

We design remodels that improve how a home functions, feels, and lives.

This includes:

  • full home remodels and layout reconfiguration

  • interior renovations and spatial upgrades

  • structural improvements and modernization

  • complete home transformations

Some projects are targeted upgrades. Others involve a full rethinking of the home.

We focus on flow, natural light, spatial clarity, and long-term usability, aligned with budget and structure.

Home Additions & Second Story Expansions

Additions require careful coordination between zoning, structure, and design integration.

We evaluate:

  • what can realistically be added to the property

  • how new space connects to the existing home

  • structural feasibility and constraints

  • impact on cost and permitting

The goal is not just to add space, but to ensure the addition feels like a natural extension of the home’s architecture, not an attachment.

Custom Home Design

We design custom homes from the ground up, shaped by site conditions, lifestyle needs, and long-term value.

This includes both teardown/rebuild sites and vacant lots.

We consider:

  • orientation, light, privacy, and views

  • site context and neighborhood character

  • circulation and spatial experience

  • construction strategy and budget alignment

  • architectural style and design intent

The result is a cohesive architectural direction that connects how the home looks, feels, and functions as a whole.

From Feasibility to Full Architectural Design

Most projects begin with an early stage of evaluation, where the goal is to understand what is realistically possible before committing to full design.

This helps establish clarity around scope, constraints, and direction so decisions are grounded in zoning, structure, and budget considerations from the beginning.

Early Stage Evaluation:

We begin by reviewing the property and defining initial feasibility.

This typically includes:

  • site and existing conditions review

  • zoning and planning context

  • feasibility assessment and constraints

  • initial scope definition

  • alignment on project direction and budget range

Full Architectural Services

Once direction is established, we move into full architectural design and documentation.

This includes:

  • schematic design and spatial planning

  • design development

  • construction drawings and documentation

  • consultant coordination

  • permitting and city approvals

  • construction-phase support when required

Communities we work in

We work across the South Bay and Peninsula on remodels, additions, and custom homes shaped by local zoning, neighborhood context, and long-term residential conditions.

South Bay

San Jose · Sunnyvale · Cupertino · Saratoga · Campbell · Los Gatos · Santa Clara · Mountain View · Los Altos · Los Altos Hills

Peninsula

Palo Alto · Menlo Park · Atherton · Woodside · Portola Valley · Redwood City · San Carlos · Belmont · San Mateo · Burlingame · Hillsborough

We work across these communities on residential architecture shaped by the conditions of each site, where zoning, context, and neighborhood character inform design direction, scale, and long-term livability.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We define what is possible on a property and translate it into a complete architectural solution.

    That includes feasibility analysis, design direction, architectural drawings, and permitting coordination, along with remodels, additions, and new custom homes depending on the project scope.

    The process connects early evaluation, design development, and construction-ready documentation so the project can move into permitting and construction with clarity.

  • You are not always required to hire an architect, but most well-executed remodels, additions, and new home projects involve one early.

    Whether you are updating an existing home or designing from the ground up, architecture helps align design, structure, and zoning so the project is buildable and permits smoothly.

  • Our architectural services cover the full design and delivery process.

    This includes feasibility review, schematic design, design development, construction drawings, consultant coordination, and support through permitting and approvals.

    We also align design decisions with budget, structure, and construction strategy to ensure the final drawings are buildable.

  • Yes. This is often one of the first decisions we help clarify.

    We evaluate the existing home, zoning constraints, and long-term goals to determine whether a remodel, addition, or full rebuild is the most effective path.

    The goal is to avoid overbuilding or underutilizing the property and instead select the most coherent architectural direction.

  • Yes. We evaluate the existing structure, site potential, and goals to determine whether a remodel, addition, or full rebuild is the most practical direction.

  • Yes. We prepare and coordinate the full set of drawings required for permitting and work with local jurisdictions throughout the approval process.

    This includes zoning compliance, construction documentation, and revisions required during plan check.

    Our role is to keep the design aligned with both intent and regulatory requirements

  • Once the design is finalized, the project moves into construction documentation and permitting.

    From there, we can support contractor coordination during construction if needed, depending on the level of involvement required for the project.

    The goal is a smooth transition from design intent to built execution.

Ready to take the next step?

We’re happy to talk through your goals and help you understand the right direction for your project.