Heritage Building Conservation Services in Glen Ellen, CA

“We worked with Dotter & Solfjeld most recently to design an Italian villa on a hillside in Saratoga, CA. This was actually our third project together as they worked on an expansion and remodel of our previous house in Palo Alto as well. As soon as we bought the lot in Saratoga Russ and Wencke, of D&S, began studying the landscape, spending significant time at different points in the day to intimately understand the light, the views and the flow of the hillside. Russ and Wencke are experts at both exterior and interior architecture and design, and they are an amazing team! Once they felt they knew the property, they spent time with us to understand what we liked and disliked and then began designing our house based largely on Italian building principles of thick walls and simple, yet elegant, construction. D&S involved us in every step of the process and ensured we were completely comfortable with each phase of the design before moving forward. They totally went above and beyond the call of duty by diligently working with our planning department and even one neighbor. They were our advocates with the City and were clearly extremely well respected by everybody they interfaced with. During the building process, D&S worked closely with our contractor and foreman to ensure that the project ran smoothly and stayed on budget. Often times, there is tension between architects and contractors, but our contractor loved working with D&S. Some of our friends have also used D&S to design ultra modern homes...D&S is super versatile and we unequivocally and enthusiastically recommend them.”

“My husband and I have worked with Harris & Kasten since the late 1990s. They have done many projects for us, including our lovely home in Atherton. Our home is a combination of Italian and French design. Everything was done to a tee! We could not be more pleased with their knowledge of art, art history, history, architecture, etc. You cannot go wrong with them.”

“My husband and I were in search of the perfect house that had to satisfy both our needs. The only thing we seemed to agree on was that the location had to be in Marin County. After almost 7 long years of renting, we finally found the perfect location on a street we were both in love with but unfortunately the house was far from what either one of us liked as it was way too small for our family of four and the one bathroom was the size of a phone booth! We then searched for an architect that would be able to give us both what we wanted and could see our vision and blend it together. After interviewing several different architects and feeling like they didn’t “get us” we moved on and were fortunate enough to have met Eric who was a referral from our real estate agent. He listened and really understood the look and feel each one of us wanted. When we saw the plans he designed for us, we were beyond delighted! He took our 1400 square foot home and turned it into a 3500 sqft. dream home that has everything we both had always wanted in the most creative and family friendly way. He put a lot of thought and care into our house and we couldn’t be happier with his brilliance, creativity, work ethic, honesty, and dedication.”

“Creating a beautiful house that is easy to live in requires commitment and contributions from many people - the architect, owner, contractor, subcontractors, and craftsmen. It truly has to be a team effort. We have worked with Knock Architecture and Design on multiple high-end remodels and renovations. They provide attention to detail and a great working knowledge on all aspects for both the Client and Contractor. We highly recommend this them if you are looking for a redesign, remodel or to built a custom home.”

“My wife and I hired Jim's firm to design and draw our home in Sebastopol. We are extremely happy we went to them. Jim's use of glass and space is incredible. I have been around construction my whole life and have played designer a little on other homes but we are so glad we went to a true professional who has the kind of experience, imagination and vision that Jim has. His price was very reasonable for the quality product that he delivered - way ahead of his proposed schedule we might add! The house went together smoothly exactly as drawn! We would whole-heartedly recommend Jim and his firm - they were a joy to work with all during the process. He gave us great tips and recommendations on interior design too... Tom and Jessica C.”

“After our house was destroyed by fire, we needed help to redesign a home that would help us heal from the loss. Sara Woodfield came to the rescue with the most innovative, practical, exciting design guidance we could ever have hoped for. In addition to her outstanding architecture and building acumen, Sara has the people skills of a top-notch therapist! She was able to bridge gaps between all parties involved amicably and to everyone's satisfaction. We are eternally grateful for the tremendous guidance we received from Harrison Woodfield.”

“Our project entailed a complete renovation (down to the studs) of our suite in one of Chicago's landmark, iconic buildings inspired by Mies van der Rohe. We developed a specific 'mission statemen', and after interviewing 3 noted firms selected Paul based upon his ability to work in tandem with us and within our budget, not to mention his excellent design ability. His understanding of two strong personalities, and his positive attitude to bring the project on time and within budget is a testament to his professionalism. He will definitely be our 'go-to' professional on our next project.”

“My HOA hired Klopf Architecture to design new fences, front gates, lighting and paint color plans for our condominiums. They were designed in 1963 by Quincy and Jones and built in 1964 by Eichler Homes. Replacements in the 1990s did not serve the mid-century aesthetic well -- but owners did not want to return to the light-inhibiting original thin-line panel fences and gates. The Klopf team produced three outstanding options. The one we selected includes brilliant design features like frosted glass doors with 1/4-in spaces between fence boards to allow light in along with clear glass doors for the pool area with 1/2-in spaces between boards surrounding it. The overall design and color plan is clean and elegant. John Klopf and his team could not have been more friendly and flexible throughout. We look forward to implementing this design over the next few years.”

“I hired Jeff to develop plans for me on a house I was flipping in west Oakland. He is the best designer/Builder I have worked with. Jeff drew the plans and made everything ready for me to bring to the city for permits, Oakland gave me no problems and accepted his plans with no review saving me time and money. His expertise with design software not only makes for a better finished product, but also moves the process along very quickly. He brought me through the design process with him on (Go to meeting). Where I was able to give feedback and make some input right from my own iPad, pretty cool process. I highly recommend Rexford Design and will be using his services on my next project!”

“Ray is a super nice guy and completed the project I assigned him to do in a timely and professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others and was very satisfied with his work. He designed my main house along with the ADU and the guest house as well. We are about 3 months away from completion after the Tubbs fire. Thanks again ray!!!”