Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 03:00 pm
Lafayette has a small-town feel with a close-knit community. Recognized as a family town, this suburban village attracts families and young couples who want to raise kids in a well-balanced environment. The town also offers many hiking trails, making it an ideal place for those who love the outdoors. Because of this, Lafayette’s housing market is quite competitive. Most of the properties receive numerous offers and often sell within a week or so. With a thriving real estate market, there are also plenty of architecture firms located in the area and nearby towns.
In this list, our editorial team has chosen the best residential architects in Lafayette to help you design and build your new home. However, not all firms can cater to your specific requirements. Finding the right architect for the job is difficult to do. To help, we’ve created this list based on each firm’s track record of success, experience, and unique specializations. Many of these design studios offer sustainable design solutions to help minimize the impact on the environment.
Wenzelwerk
290 Rose St STE B, Danville, CA 94526
Established in 2016, Wenzelwerk is a reputable architecture firm offering a broad range of design services for homeowners in Danville, Lafayette, and nearby areas. Known for its distinctive traditional and modern designs, the firm offers custom home design, remodeling, renovation, and planning services. In 2017, the firm opened its Northern California office to serve more clients.
Firm founder Brandon Wenzel’s design principle is inspired by the connection between people and the natural environment. With a degree in Environmental Analysis and Design and a Master’s in Architecture, Brandon has deep knowledge in designing spaces that are functional and safe for the environment. With just five years of operation, Wenzelwerk has already earned accreditations from industry organizations such as the AIA and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
One of the firm’s notable projects is the Menlo Oaks residence. For this remodeling project, Wenzelwerk converted the garage into the main bedroom and updated the kitchen. The firm incorporated farmhouse-style elements throughout the home.
Net Zero Energy Architects
209 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Recognized for providing sustainable solutions, Net Zero Energy Architects offers high-quality architectural design services for homeowners in Orinda, Lafayette, and nearby communities. The firm is made up of highly skilled designers who are experts in green architecture. Each member shares the same passion and vision for creating environmentally-friendly spaces that are practical, functional, and extraordinary.
Net Zero Energy Architects offers a unique approach combining design, product development, and construction to create quality spaces in the most challenging environments. From high-end residential projects to research facilities, the firm uses advanced technological systems and practices in designing remarkable spaces. With its innovative design concepts, the firm earned a reputation as one of the leading architecture firms in the area.
Firm principal James Phillip Wright is a licensed architect and general contractor. In 2009, he opened the firm with the vision of promoting Geo-Solar Architecture. In 2011, James became a partner in Basement Energy. With more than 35 years of experience in construction management, James brings a holistic approach to the firm’s design process. Some of his most prominent works include numerous estates in Beverly Hills, a beach house in Malibu, and a Passive House in Annapolis.
Wm. F. Holland/Architect
4899 Shafter Ave. Suite B, Oakland, CA 94609
Oakland-based Wm. F. Holland Architect has been providing architectural design services for over three decades. Specializing in traditional design, the firm has completed numerous projects across the Bay Area. The firm consistently delivers high-quality designs and exceptional service regardless of project size and scope. The AIA-accredited firm also caters to custom homes, new construction, remodeling, and additions.
Firm owner William Holland has over 40 years of industry experience. Through the years, he developed his skills and expertise in sustainable design, green building, and site planning. As a client-driven firm, William directly works with clients and collaborates with them from the initial design consultation to the finished product. Each project is handled with care and close attention to detail, creating unique designs that are customized to fit the client’s lifestyle and environment.
Trademark Architecture + Interiors
1078 Carol Lane Suite #202, Lafayette, CA 94549
Offering a holistic approach in architectural and design services, Trademark Architecture + Interiors is a well-respected firm based in Lafayette. In every project, the firm focuses on designing homes that reflect the client’s vision and personality by collaborating with its team and clients throughout the entire process. Although a small architecture company, Trademark Architecture + Interiors is proven to be equipped to handle all types of projects.
Spearheading the firm is owner Kenny Goodman, a licensed architect and a certified interior designer. His extensive knowledge and experience have led the firm to numerous successful projects in both the residential and commercial sectors.
Bonderud Design
14 Las Cascadas Rd., Orinda, CA 94563
Bonderud Design offers superior architecture, interior design, and consulting services in Orinda, Lafayette, and nearby areas. Each design is integrated with environmentally-friendly solutions in all building types across the residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and civic segments. The firm is especially known for its distinctive style of Tudor, traditional, and contemporary spaces.
Leading the firm is Sandra Bonderud who has extensive experience in various distinguished firms. With licenses in Arizona and California, Sandra has worked on numerous residential and commercial projects in both states. She also offers consulting services to address the challenges of sustainability and compliance. Having worked with more than 30 cities, Sandra has deep knowledge in facilitating design reviews and permits. Some of her notable works are produced through a collaboration with an international company, Studio O+A, for companies including Facebook, Microsoft, AOL, and Levi’s. The firm has earned accreditations from the AIA, the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB), and is an Accredited Professional of Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED).
Studio Bergtraun Architecture
5500 Doyle St., Emeryville, CA 94608
Founded in 1988, Studio Bergtraun Architecture provides high-quality architectural design and planning services highlighting modern and contemporary designs. For more than three decades, the firm has been serving homeowners across the Bay Area, Marin County, and Lake Tahoe. Offering complete architecture services, the AIA-accredited firm has grown its portfolio encompassing small to large-scale projects. Since its inception, the firm has completed various types of projects including new construction and remodels across residential, commercial, retail, and religious sectors.
Studio Bergtraun was formed by Alex Bergtraun who is inspired by his work experience in Milan, Sardinia, Tuscany, and the California lifestyle. Merging his knowledge in international architecture with the local culture, Alex provides a creative approach to the design process. Using eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, the firm delivers functional designs that are safe for the environment. The mid-sized firm offers flexibility in each project to adapt to whatever challenge may arise. Studio Bergtraun is recognized as a pioneer in integrating geothermal cooling and heating projects located in Berkeley and Palo Alto.
Kattenburg Architects
3249 Mt. Diablo Ct. Suite #206, Lafayette, CA 94549
Since 1981, Kattenburg Architects has been providing complete architecture services in Lafayette. The design studio has decades of experience in designing residential, commercial, and public building projects. Its design principle focuses on the efficient use of space while providing flexibility in each project. The design studio also offers project design, planning reviews, and permitting services to simplify the process for clients.
Firm founder Rick Kattenburg has over 30 years of industry experience and has completed more than 400 residential projects. His international travels have inspired him to create culturally rich and diverse design concepts integrated with timeless and classical elements. Under his guidance is a dedicated team of professionals with a network of esteemed architects, interior designers, engineers, and consultants.
Kattenburg Architects has received several recognitions and awards for its outstanding projects. In 2009, the firm was awarded by Orinda with the Mayor’s Award For Excellence in Architecture. Its award-winning home and winery designs have been featured in The Lamorinda Weekly.
ODS Architecture
5895 Doyle St., Emeryville, CA 94608
Providing a full scope of design services, ODS Architecture (Ohashi Design Studio) has established itself as a premier architecture firm in Emeryville. From custom homes to whole house transformations, the firm delivers simple yet functional designs tailored to the client’s specific requirements. The firm’s design concept blends the elements of traditional and contemporary styles to create warm and relaxing spaces clients can enjoy for generations.
ODS Architecture combines architecture and interior design partnered with highly-skilled builders. The firm’s design team has amassed more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in architecture and construction. Leading the firm is CEO Alan Ohashi who has developed an efficient process to provide clients with expert advice and practical solutions. The firm uses the finest materials, fixtures, and appliances to deliver high-quality results on every project.
Since its inception, the firm has earned several awards and recognitions. In 2016, ODS Architecture was honored with the Contractor of the Year (CotY) 2016 Award and is a National Winner in Landscape Design/Outdoor Living. Its works have been featured in various publications including Dwell and Marin Home Magazine.
Swatt | Miers Architects
5845 Doyle St. Suite #104, Emeryville, CA, 94608
Swatt | Miers Architects is recognized as one of the top architectural and design firms in the Bay Area. The award-winning firm has worked on numerous projects across the West Coast and Canada. The design studio caters to individual, corporate, and institutional clients offering a wide range of architecture, interior design, and programming solutions. Its projects range from single-family units and public buildings to animal care facilities.
The company was formed through the partnership between Swatt Architects and George Miers and Associates. Both firms share the same passion for delivering superior design and management services. With their combined skills and expertise, Swatt | Miers Architects has earned the respect of its clients, subcontractors, peers, and industry organizations.
In 2020, the firm was honored with the Grand Award and Merit Award at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) Gold Nuggets Award. The design studio was recognized in the Best Custom Home category for its work on the Blue Oaks Residence in Los Altos Hills. For this displayed project, the firm crafted a functional design maximizing the stunning views of Silicon Valley while creating a modern and rustic feel to the space.
