What Our Clients Say ...
Lisa
Rothrauff and Robert Bock
North Berkeley
We
could not be happier with the result of the remodel and addition we
recently completed with Berkeley Design Build. When we selected BDB
for our project, we knew that we did not want to change the
footprint of our small, N. Berkeley bungalow; yet we wanted more
livable space than we had at the time. We also wanted the aesthetic
to remain consistent with the character of our home and our
neighborhood. Mike Pond and Chris Linvill, both experienced as
architects and builders, came up with several innovative designs and
worked with us to develop plans that best met our needs and
concerns. Their designs combined beauty and craftsmanship with
pragmatism.
The six-month build process that followed was professionally
managed, and educational as well. Mike and Chris were clear and
proactive in guiding us through the design process, keeping us
informed about schedule and budget, and letting us know when our
input would be needed. BDB was very helpful to us in making
decisions along the way such that our project stayed on schedule.
They consistently provided options with clear trade-offs so we felt
we were making informed choices. Mike helped guide our selection of
materials and finishes; this was invaluable in navigating what at
times seemed to be near infinite options and -- more importantly --
producing a result that was in keeping with the aesthetics of our
home. BDB was also incredibly flexible: They worked with us on
changes in the scope of work; and they were willing to meet with us
at varying times and use email when possible to discuss the project
and keep it moving forward. We thus experienced the pleasure of good
collaboration, yet at the same time we felt BDB led the process with
integrity and strong leadership.
The result is nothing short of astonishing. We now have a house that
feels much bigger, is more usable, and is unquestionably beautiful.
The space we added through our project is balanced with the original
portion of the house and maintains throughout the Craftsman
aesthetic we wished to preserve. A friend who has seen both the
before and after recently summed up her impressions of BDB’s work:
“It’s incredible how the perfect design and a commitment to detail
can completely transform a house.” We couldn’t agree more.
Julie Tovar
and Matt Burger
Berkeley
We
are fortunate to have contracted with Berkeley Design Build to
remodel our 1920s Craftsman home, which our family had outgrown.
Mike Pond, Chris Linvill and their staff created a design that not
only remained true to the spirit of our house, but improved upon it.
In the process of designing and building a two-story addition, Mike
and Chris showed impeccable design sense and commitment to the
highest quality building possible.
We found their craftsmanship, standards and integrity outstanding at
all points in the process. Mike and Chris were highly professional, exceedingly knowledgeable and committed to creating the finest home
possible - all while staying within our budget.
They communicated well with us and also worked well with city
officials through the entire permit and inspection process. They are
generous with their suggestions and advice, having a rare gift for
seeing the bigger picture while at the same time considering the
details. They are tactful in steering their clients away from some
choices that wouldn't be best for the overall design. The firm also
hired reliable subcontractors who are themselves dedicated
craftspeople.
When we contracted with BDB we hoped for a beautiful, well-built
home, but had no idea the level of talent and commitment that they
would pour into all aspects of the project. Berkeley Design Build's
team of incredibly talented architects, designers, builders, and
woodworkers created a home that perfectly suits our needs and feels
timeless.
Teresa Sullivan
Oakland
Choosing
Berkeley Design Build for my renovation was one of the best
decisions I ever made. I wanted to do a complete renovation of my
North Oakland home, originally built in 1912, with the aim of not
only expanding it but also restoring to it the rich, warm feeling of
homes built in the early 20th century. Mike, Chris, and everyone at
BDB were especially good at listening to my ideas and steering me
towards solutions that would be both authentic and functional.
Because BDB is a design-build firm, they were able to respond quickly to issues and design solutions on site. The layout of the rooms is perfect and their use of finely crafted wood and creative architectural details is especially pleasing. I did not want to end up with a cookie-cutter house that looks like everyone else's renovation; BDB worked with me to create a home that is unique.
In addition to
the fine quality of their work, I was impressed by the respect
everyone at BDB showed towards me and my space. When there are
people in your house every day, it helps if they are nice people.
All of the workmen were courteous, they kept a very clean workspace,
and BDB kept me well apprised of the schedule so that I always knew
what was happening next. In short, I highly recommend Berkeley
Design Build. I would hire them again in an instant.
Sunny and Kevin McKay
Albany
We
feel so fortunate to have worked with Berkeley Design Build on our
remodeling project. From the beginning we felt confident that Mike
and his team were looking out for our needs and best interests, we
trusted them completely. Not only are we totally happy in our
new living space, but it was truly enjoyable to work with Berkeley
Design Build.
Brian Kling and Jennifer Frye
Oakland
We
are just finishing a pretty major remodel with Mike and crew (second
story addition, new kitchen, etc.). When I entered this
process, I was very apprehensive about finding a builder that cared
about what they were doing and weren't going to do a shoddy or so-so
job. Mike and ALL the subcontractors we've worked with have
been first rate and are more of the craftsman-type - they obviously
care about what they are doing and want to do a great job. I
also believe it is an added advantage to work with a person who is
an architect AND builder, because if something comes up, it's one
less person to coordinate a meeting or discussion with, plus there's
much less possibility of mis-communicating decisions. I also value
the fact that Mike actually does a large part of the framing and
carpentry himself, along with Chris Linvill (also an architect!).
This is truly design and construction the way it used to be and the
way it should still be.
Mark van
Bronkhorst and Kanna Aoki
Albany
Our
mundane little Albany house had been adequate for just the two of
us, but once we added two growing boys to the mix, our home had
become all traffic and toys, with little room to move. Mike and
Chris designed a second story addition and remodel of the original
house that didn't just add space, but made better use of what we
already had. The results are dramatic and have greatly improved how
we live in our home. It's great to find ourselves loving a house we
once found confining.