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Design Draw Build

10 Reviews

Architects and Architectural Designers

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About Us

DDB specializes in custom fabrication and design of original elements and structures, creating gesturally-unique, modern, hand-made forms of architecture. Our active participation in the entire process, from design to construction, produces conscientious, dynamic designs that meet the diverse needs of our clients. We prioritize clear communication of expectations and intentions, maintaining the project’s inspiration as its driving force. Tyler Kobick, Principal, is a licensed contractor and architect(Currently in CA and WV). His past work ranges from building rural medical clinics in El Salvador, custom modern homes to designing structures for Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. Design Draw Build is a team of about 20 people and constructs projects for other architects and builds their own design work, often managing the complete project.

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Barn Design & Construction, Basement Design, Building Design, Custom Homes, Drafting, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Green Building, Handicap-Accessible Design, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Pool House Design & Construction, Space Planning, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Tiny House Construction, Universal Design, Architecture, Garage Building, Site Planning, Sunroom Design & Construction, Construction Drawings, Remodeling

Areas Served

Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Canyon, East Richmond Heights, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Lafayette, Moraga, North Richmond, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, Richmond, San Francisco, San Leandro, Martinez, Pinole, Walnut Creek

Awards

California and West Virginia Licensed Architect Licensed General Contractor DBIA Institute of America American Institute of Architects

27 Projects

Credentials

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10 Reviews for Design Draw Build

Newest first

heyanmarie

Tyler and the DDB team are highly professional and compassionate. I had unique site constraints in that I wanted to build an accessory dwelling unit (backyard cottage) very near a large and significant tree. Tyler listened to my needs and was able to deliver a project that maximized the possibilities. The tree became the centerpiece of the cottage, enlivening it inside and out. Tyler and team's experience in the subtleties of design made the cottage extremely livable and rentable. When a contractor problem became apparent, Tyler personally stepped in to chart a path forward, eventually connecting me to a new GC who was a pleasure. I'm extremely thankful to Tyler for for his creativity, caring, and professionalism throughout the project.

2 November, 2019

David Keenan

As a repeat customer over appx 3 years I would like to highlight not only DDB's creative engineering talent and professionalism, but their understated civic commitment toward aiding vulnerable communities in need of life-safety building improvements. From single-fam to 50+ unit developments, our nonprofit has worked with DDB on design solutions and construction estimates to rehab naturally-occurring, low-income mixed-use buildings in some of the most restrictive building jurisdictions in the country, all of which faced frankly staggering code-compliance challenges. Not all of these low-income buildings are going to win beauty contests, so we are probably not the typical reviewer/customer here, but believe me you guys, bringing such structures into conformance at all - let alone affordably so - requires a number of intersecting talents that is exceedingly rare to find under a single roof. While we work with many building professionals and design firms, and have our own in-house architects, DDB's detailed construction estimates in particular have proven invaluable and without peer. Government subsidy for several projects requires exacting estimates of a type that tbh often exceed that in use for private projects. To this end Tyler Kobick's work and feedback in particular have proven invaluable to us. Finally, our nonprofit makes no revenue from these projects; we have no skin in the game except to alleviate the present housing crisis by producing safer buildings for working-class people including many artists. Our assessment here is based exclusively on performance to date for these communities of owners and tenants whose housing is at stake. Highly recommend.

24 September, 2019

Ariel Seeley

Joseph Marcy and his DDB team have been working on a project across the street from my residence for some time now. During this time, I have been thoroughly impressed with what “good neighbors” they have been. These guys have been delightful to have around, super transparent about the project and any potential impacts to nearby residents, and extremely helpful and approachable. In addition, the project is now coming closer to being finished and looks like it will be a beautiful addition to our block. I think you can’t go wrong with this team of hard-working, highly professional, skilled craftsmen.

29 August, 2019

Tinemun

We worked with Tyler and his team on a remodel for over a year and I wasn’t impressed at all. His team is not very senior and creative. The cost exploded and the plans weren’t what we wanted. We received our permit from the city but we finally decided not to build with DDB, as they communicated not very well and the cost were out of control (>50k$ just for some remodel plans...). We are now working with a very senior architect, who costs more per hour, but is much more effective, has a broad experience and has a fantastic modern taste. We missed all that with Tyler and his team.

4 August, 2019

Comment from Design Draw Build:

Design Draw Build strives to build trusting, respectful and synergistic relationships with all our clients, no matter the size and scope of a project. We were disappointed that our work with this client ended before we finished the full scope of our design and construction contract.

We collaborated for twelve months with the client to develop plans for her project. Our firm uses cost-estimating to help clients understand the costs of design ideas as we go. This widely-used practice supports clients to expand or contract their design ideas through the design process while respecting the client’s budget. Grappling with the cost realities of some design ideas can be confronting for some; our firm strives to help clients achieve their design dreams while managing the financial commitments of design and construction. This client was active in the design process, reviewing the plans many times along the way, and ultimately green-lighting the final plans before we moved through the strenuous planning and building department review process with the City of Berkeley. We successfully obtained a planning permit and multiple building permits for their project.

As for our firm’s ability to render highest-quality creative services, please see the most recent projects on our website: http://www.designdrawbuild.com/#.

We worked diligently to design and obtains permits for this client in one of the most difficult jurisdictions in America. Following design, there was about a 9 month permit period in a hillside neighborhood with strict design conditions and constraints. The project had a construction budget of 750K + a 250K pool (our fee was between 6-7% of the construction budget and included all design and permit facilitation)-it was our experience that the client changed design parameters, ideas, and conditions many times in our pursuit of a final design.

Derek Sung

I hired DDB again on a historic restoration project in the Lakeshore district. I wanted to preserve a lot of the original woodwork and add a veranda to give my house a classic look. A good amount of structural beams were demolished to get the open floor plan I was looking for. DDB went above and beyond on this project and was able to seamlessly tie in the traditional & modern elements. I was impressed!!

21 May, 2019Last modified:28 May, 2019

Ben Siino

Tyler and DDB were a great team to work with. Very responsive, and the work done was great. They also got it done as quick as possible. Would definitely recommend

16 November, 2016

Fallon Blaser

The team at Design Draw Build are passionate and fun! They put their heart into their work and truly helped to get my project off the ground.

13 November, 2016

Katherine Fritz

I worked with Tyler Kobick and Design Draw Build as the owner's representative for a large scale commercial project from 2011-2014. Tyler, Joe and the DDB team are an incredibly sophisticated and nimble crew who, despite their capacities as "Jacks of all trades" are extremely competent in client communications and design. They went over and above to make sure our project met all our various client specifications (and there were many, and they changed frequently), and even helped prepare briefings for our major donors to bring the project funding along. They gave our project their entire effort and attention, despite the fact that we had a very complex project with many moving parts. I would recommend them for any commercial project. They are competent, responsive, and responsible. Thanks Design Draw Build!

7 November, 2016

melaniemeltzer

Tyler and I collaborated on a commercial project for a renowned nonprofit organization. His designs are modern and his work was executed beautifully and with expert technique. He was able to balance the priorities of fast construction, sustainability and limited budget while producing incredible structures. He was also diligent in both drafting his designs as well as presenting them to us (his client). He allows his clients to have a true "say" in the final outcome. I truly can't say enough amazing things about Design Draw Build--they are fantastic.

7 November, 2016

Joe Levin

The Design Draw Build team, headed by Tyler Kobick, gave me the confidence to move forward with my SF-based kitchen/bathroom remodel. Not only have they been creative & transparent from day 1 around design, trade-offs and pricing, but their communication throughout the process has been extraordinary. If you're searching for a partner to guide you through the process, one that is innovative, cost effective, and works on your behalf as a fiduciary, look no further than Design Draw Build! Pre/post pictures to follow!

7 November, 2016

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Design Draw Build