#1
Ecobuild Architects
“Ecobuild Architects are very detailed in their work. They have great architectural style. Courtney has a great passion for his work.” — Google review
Experts Reviews · 2026 Ratings
The Best Architects in Oakland, CA
We graded 10 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
—typical jobMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).
95%say the price was fairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.
4.84★average ratingPlain average of every Google star rating we collected for these companies.
5.5%bad jobs (1–2★, 2 yrs)Share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
From 374 Google reviews of 12 top-rated architects nationwide; 10 of them in Oakland, CA. Updated November 11, 2026.
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Overall ratings
Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of architects).
| # | Company | ScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. | FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20. | ★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps. | Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews). |
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| 1 |  Plenum ArchitectureOakland, CA | A 94How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%96+66.5Reliability 31%89+27.4Experts Score= 94Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | — |
| 2 | Ecobuild ArchitectsOakland, CA | A 92How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%96+56.3Reliability 26%92+24Value 15%78+11.9Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 92Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAABA– | 5.00 | — |
| 3 |  Inspired ADUsOakland, CA | A 90How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%93+54.6Reliability 26%87+22.7Value 15%83+12.6Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 90Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAA–– | 5.00 | — |
| 4 |  Kelly & Abramson ArchitectureOakland, CA | A 90How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%92+63.7Reliability 31%85+26.2Experts Score= 90Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–––– | 5.00 | — |
| 5 |  Design Draw Build – Architects & BuildersOakland, CA | A 87How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%87+60.2Reliability 31%88+27.1Experts Score= 87Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 4.87 | — |
| 6 |  GenslerOakland, CA | A 84How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%84+58.2Reliability 31%85+26.2Experts Score= 84Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 4.80 | — |
| 7 |  PYATOK architecture + urban designOakland, CA | B 75How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%78+49.6Reliability 28%85+24Replies to reviews 8%22+1.8Experts Score= 75Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BA–––D | 4.70 | — |
| 8 |  Todd Jersey Architecture Inc.Oakland, CA | B 72How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%73+39.8Reliability 24%62+15Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%47+3.3Experts Score= 72Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BB–AAC | 4.62 | — |
| 9 |  GUNKEL ARCHITECTUREOakland, CA | B 61How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%66+45.7Reliability 31%51+15.7Experts Score= 61Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BC–––– | 4.60 | — |
| 10 |  Ogle Architecture & DesignOakland, CA | C 52How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%56+35.6Reliability 28%56+15.8Replies to reviews 8%63+5.2Momentum penalty55−4.5Experts Score= 52Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | CC––CB | 4.50 | — |
What jobs cost
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this. | TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range). | High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this. | FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”. |
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Architects in Oakland, CA at a glance
How the 10 architects we rated in Oakland, CA compare, and what customers praise most.
Experts Score grades
A = score 80+, F = below 20.
- Grade A660%
- Grade B330%
- Grade C110%
- Grade D00%
- Grade F00%
Google ratings
Average stars per company.
- 4.90★ and up440%
- 4.80–4.89★220%
- 4.60–4.79★330%
- Below 4.60★110%
What customers praise
Share of Google review highlights.
- Quality9922%
- Professionalism9421%
- Responsiveness9421%
- Punctuality8018%
- Value7617%
Was the price fair?
All price verdicts left with reviews.
- Great price1043%
- Reasonable1148%
- Overpriced14%
- Not sure14%
Price verdicts by year
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
2026
How we grade
Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.
Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.
Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.
Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.
Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
The 10 best-rated architects in Oakland, CA average 4.8★ on Google across 160 reviews. Ecobuild Architects has the top rating (5.0★), and Todd Jersey Architecture Inc. has the most reviews (39). Updated November 11, 2026.
10 companies that meet our bar: rated 4.5★ or higher on Google, with a meaningful review history (160 reviews combined) and currently operating. Request a call back and the company will phone you directly.
#2
Plenum Architecture
“Omar was instrumental in securing my façade improvement grant from the city. When they were delaying things he pushed them to deliver.” — Google review
#3
Inspired ADUs
“Carrie was incredible!! We desperately wanted an ADU but have restrictions in our backyard. She made the plan work even with set backs and power lines. When I started to question the project and was grappling with…” — Google review
#4
Design Draw Build – Architects & Builders
“Design Draw Build handled the architecture for our remodel—adding a bedroom and expanding our downstairs—and did a great job! Tyler and his team have a strong practical design sense, kept us within budget and worked…” — Google review
#5
Todd Jersey Architecture Inc.
“Highly recommended. I worked with an ADU consulting firm that led me to Todd. Zero regrets. I had a highly complex hillside ADU 'concept' that Todd (patiently) helped bring to life. He was always responsive,…” — Google review
#6
Kelly & Abramson Architecture
“Rob and his team have done a fantastic job with our projects. We've used him for a deck project, and then again for an interior remodel. His design ideas are amazing and he has the technical expertise to make them…” — Google review
#7
Gensler
#8
PYATOK architecture + urban design
“This firm is doing pro bono work in the community assisting in helping create the first legal tiny house village in Richmond, CA. Their architects' talent, ethics, and commitment to bettering the community are an…” — Google review
#9
GUNKEL ARCHITECTURE
“Brad Gunkel and team are thorough professionals. They make sure the customer is heard and all his inputs are taken care of. I found Brad to be exceptionally capable and also very helpful in helping me understand the…” — Google review
#10
Ogle Architecture & Design
“It was a pleasure to work with Ogle design for my renovation. William’s team designed a small addition and a completely new floorplan for my single family residence, and they were flexible and accommodating…” — Google review
How we pick architects in Oakland
We scan Google Maps for architect listings in and around Oakland, keep only open businesses whose main category matches the service, and require a Google rating of at least 4.5 from at least 20 reviews. Companies are ordered by a confidence-weighted score that balances rating and review volume. We do not accept payment for placement.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the highest-rated architect in Oakland?
Ecobuild Architects has the highest Google rating on our Oakland list: 5.0 out of 5 from 21 reviews (as of November 11, 2026).
Which architect in Oakland has the most reviews?
Todd Jersey Architecture Inc. has the most Google reviews among the companies listed here: 39, with a 4.6★ average.
How are these architects chosen?
Only open Oakland-area businesses whose Google category matches the service, rated at least 4.5★ from at least 20 Google reviews. They are ordered by a confidence-weighted score of rating and review volume. Placement is never paid.
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