Architecture firm · Oakland, CA · reviewed since 2018
iHow 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.87SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#5 of 12 architectsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 64%
4.9★★★★★15 Google reviews · 11 photos
93%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 15 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Design Draw Build – Architects & Builders at a glance
Google reviewers rate this Oakland architecture firm 4.9 out of 5 based on 15 reviews, with the owner responding to 80% of them. Clients frequently describe the team as professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to detail across residential, commercial, and ADU projects. Recurring themes include effective communication, timely delivery, and staying within budget while navigating complex local permitting processes. However, two lower-rated reviews criticize inconsistent communication and a lack of attention to detail that caused project delays and misunderstandings.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 15 reviews (93% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 15 Google reviews (13 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 80% of reviews.
Most recent review: August 15, 2026.
Service: Architect serving Oakland, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 11, 2026.
Score profile vs other architects
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: satisfaction.
This companyArchitects median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-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.Design Draw Build – Architects & Builders: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.A
87
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow 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.Design Draw Build – Architects & Builders: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.A
88
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 97.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises 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.Design Draw Build – Architects & Builders: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 47.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
15 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars1493%
4 stars00%
3 stars17%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 13 written reviews
89%praise
Praise3289%
Complaints411%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude822%
Quality & results719%
Would recommend719%
Communication514%
Speed & response411%
Honesty & trust38%
Price & value26%
What customers talk about
We read 13 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Tyler, Justin, and their team are deeply knowledgeable and excellent at what they do.”
“Design Draw Build handled the architecture for our remodel—adding a bedroom and expanding our downstairs—and did a great job!”
“We’d definitely recommend Design Draw Build to anyone looking for a great, reliable team of architect-builders!”
“I can't recommend them highly enough.”
“…s––coordinating the trenching for PG&E, scheduling City inspections, communicating with the electrical engineers, etc.…”
“Always on time, careful with every detail, and quick to solve any challenge that came up.”
“We didn't always make things easy for them, (we let our initial permit application lapse) but DDB has always been professional and dependable.”
“…party architect, and then we brought in DDB to review the design for pricing, facilitate the permitting process, and fine tune the design throughout t…”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Design Draw Build – Architects & Builders for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Keith1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
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 seamlessly with our structural engineer and general contractor. DDB provided the design, planning and…
Home renovationsArchitectural consultationRemodeling
iwutlaoha7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Working with Design Drawings Build on our project was such a positive experience. The team treated our home like it was their own. Always on time, careful with every detail, and quick to solve any challenge that came up. The finished work is even better than we imagined, and we’re so glad we chose them.
Natalie5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
The consulting design-build service from Design Drawings Build made our project seamless. They listened closely to our ideas, offered smart, creative solutions, and guided us through every decision with patience and expertise. By the end, we felt confident every step of the way. The finished result speaks for itself
Great priceGeneral construction
Reghan2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
I had an excellent experience working with Design Drawings Build’s architecture team in Oakland. From start to finish, they were professional, responsive, and truly attentive to my vision. They delivered thoughtful, well-detailed plans on time and made the process easy and enjoyable. I’m grateful for their expertise…
Chef12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
As a California Bay Area business owner, I needed a retail space that would reflect our brand and meet our unique needs. Design Draw Build did an outstanding job in designing and building our commercial buildings. Their attention to detail and creativity brought life to our space, making it an inviting and functional place for our clients and employees
Lurk1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★
I had a subpar experience with this architecture design build company. The execution of their projects fell short of expectations, lacking attention to detail. Communication was inconsistent, causing delays and misunderstandings. Overall, I wouldn't recommend their services.
I’ve been meaning to write this review for ages, we've worked with Design Draw Build on multiple projects over the years. Tyler, Justin, and their team are deeply knowledgeable and excellent at what they do.
They first helped us with an infill project at our facility in the SOMA neighborhood of SF. It was a big undertaking, not something our small office team wanted to deal with on top of our day-to-day. DDB stepped in and handled all the big challenges for us––coordinating the trenching for PG&E, scheduling City inspections, communicating with the electrical engineers, etc.
They’ve also been helping us with an ongoing change-of-use permit that we just never had the bandwidth to manage ourselves. They managed most of the heavy lifting: all the designs, (multiple iterations in fact) DBI coordination, and all the associated construction work. We didn't always make things easy for them, (we let our initial permit application lapse) but DDB has always been professional and dependable.
We’d definitely recommend Design Draw Build to anyone looking for a great, reliable team of architect-builders!
Thank you for the thoughtful review and for sharing your experience with DDB. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work together and especially appreciate your trust throughout the process. It means a great deal to our team to know that the care and collaboration we bring to each project came through.
Nesanet TamirueLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nesanet has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Working with Design Draw Build has been one of the best decisions we made for our restaurant project.
For the past two years, Tyler, Dara, Jacky, Justin, Bianca, and the entire team have guided us through every stage of the process with professionalism, creativity, and genuine care. They took the time to understand our vision, listened to our concerns, and consistently found thoughtful solutions to every challenge.
Building a restaurant is a complex journey, but their knowledge, communication, and commitment made all the difference. They treated our project as if it were their own, and the final result reflects the dedication they brought to every detail.
We are incredibly grateful to the entire Design Draw Build team for helping turn our dream into a reality. We wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a talented, trustworthy, and experienced design and construction team.
Thank you all for everything.
Services: General construction
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you Nesanet for such a generous and thoughtful review. It was a privilege to spend the past two years working alongside you to bring your restaurant vision to life. From navigating the complexities of construction to refining the details that make the space feel uniquely yours, we’re grateful for the trust you placed in our team throughout the process. We’re incredibly proud of what we built together and grateful to have been part of the journey. Thank you for trusting us with your dream and new location. We are excited to stuff up on all your delicious food for years to come!
Keith Bencher1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Keith has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
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 seamlessly with our structural engineer and general contractor. DDB provided the design, planning and construction documents and made the whole process easy getting through Piedmont's planning and building department. Would highly recommend!
Services: Home renovations, Architectural consultation, Remodeling, Architectural design services
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for the thoughtful review and for trusting DDB with your home renovation. We take great pride in collaborating with skilled structural engineer and general contractor like the ones on your project team. We’re grateful to have been part of the transformation of your home!
iwutlaoha7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews iwutlaoha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Working with Design Drawings Build on our project was such a positive experience. The team treated our home like it was their own. Always on time, careful with every detail, and quick to solve any challenge that came up. The finished work is even better than we imagined, and we’re so glad we chose them.
Response from the owner · a month ago
We’re so glad you felt the care and attention our team brought to the project. Treating every home with the same care we would bring to our own is at the heart of how we work, and we’re thrilled to hear the finished result exceeded your expectations. It was a pleasure working with you!
Natalie Levine5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Natalie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The consulting design-build service from Design Drawings Build made our project seamless. They listened closely to our ideas, offered smart, creative solutions, and guided us through every decision with patience and expertise. By the end, we felt confident every step of the way. The finished result speaks for itself
Price assessment: Great price
Services: General construction
Response from the owner · a month ago
We’re so glad our design-build approach helped make the process feel seamless and gave you confidence throughout each decision. We especially appreciate your trust in our team to find creative, practical solutions that stayed true to your vision. It was a pleasure bringing the project together with you!
Reghan Robinson2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Reghan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had an excellent experience working with Design Drawings Build’s architecture team in Oakland. From start to finish, they were professional, responsive, and truly attentive to my vision. They delivered thoughtful, well-detailed plans on time and made the process easy and enjoyable. I’m grateful for their expertise and highly recommend them to anyone looking for top-quality architectural services
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for the kind words and for trusting our architecture team with your project. We’re delighted to hear that the plans, communication, and process all helped make the experience enjoyable. Thoughtful detailing and close collaboration are central to how we work, and we truly appreciate your recommendation!
Michael Pavel6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Tyler and his team at Design Draw Build are incredibly awesome. They designed and oversaw the construction of a 630 sq foot ADU (see pics) as well as a 250 sq foot addition to our main house to create an out-of-this world master suite. Their expertise and creative talent is unparalleled in our experience. The entire team was extremely professional, kind and helpful in resolving all manner of things that came up over the course of the project, from permitting, helping us make decisions and managing a full-on construction site while we remained living in the house, with a new baby no less. Our lead architect and construction manager basically became like family over the course of the project. From start to finish, there was clarity on expectations, great communication and ultimately a fantastic result that we couldn't be happier with. If you're planning a build or a serious addition, you need to at least have this firm in your consideration set for who to trust with it. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Michael, thank you for such a generous review. It was a true pleasure to work with you and your family on both the ADU and the addition to your home. We know firsthand how much coordination and trust a project like this requires (especially while living through construction with a new baby) and we’re grateful you trusted our team through every step.
We’re particularly touched to hear that the relationships built along the way became such an important part of the experience. Seeing the project come together and creating a home that works for your growing family was incredibly rewarding for all of us. Thank you for welcoming DDB into the process and for the heartfelt recommendation.
Chef Jose Cruz12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chef has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As a California Bay Area business owner, I needed a retail space that would reflect our brand and meet our unique needs. Design Draw Build did an outstanding job in designing and building our commercial buildings. Their attention to detail and creativity brought life to our space, making it an inviting and functional place for our clients and employees
Response from the owner · Edited 2 years ago
Thank you Jose! You and your team were a pleasure to work with, we hope you are enjoying the new space!
Lurk1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Lurk has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had a subpar experience with this architecture design build company. The execution of their projects fell short of expectations, lacking attention to detail. Communication was inconsistent, causing delays and misunderstandings. Overall, I wouldn't recommend their services.
Kimberley Meredith2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kimberley has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We hired DDB to redesign our home which was severely damaged by fire. Tyler and team were professional, fun to work with, and most important, full of good ideas for how to optimize the space. We were totally inexperienced and thrown in to the situation, but they guided us step by step through the process to get the right plans in place (including structural changes) which is what we needed for the permitting process and our contractors. The finished product is beautiful. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you Kimberley, we enjoyed working with you! We hope you are enjoying your home!
