Palo Alto homes tend to fall into two camps: century-old Craftsman and Spanish Revival houses near Professorville and Old Palo Alto, or the post-and-beam Eichler tracts in Greenmeadow, Fairmeadow and Green Gables. We’ve built for both, and we know they call for very different approaches. Older homes often need careful work to preserve original details like trim, built-ins and windows while updating structure and systems behind the walls. Eichlers, with their open plans, glass walls and exposed beams, need a lighter touch that respects their clean mid-century lines.
Palo Alto’s historic resource designations and design review requirements can slow an unprepared project down. We’ve navigated the city’s process enough times to know what reviewers look for, build realistic timelines, and avoid the redesign cycles that catch homeowners off guard. That means fewer surprises, fewer delays, and a smoother path from approved plans to the start of construction.
Whether it’s opening up a Professorville kitchen without losing its period character, adding a second story on a University South lot, or extending an Eichler’s signature indoor-outdoor flow, our design-build team handles the full scope, including the custom cabinetry that finishes the space. With design, construction and millwork under one roof, you have a single team accountable from the first sketch to the final coat of finish, and every detail is built to fit your home’s style.
Palo Alto’s Eichler neighborhoods deserve a contractor who understands post-and-beam construction, radiant heat slabs and atrium layouts. These homes have unique structural and mechanical quirks, from aging in-slab heating to flat roofs and walls of glass, that call for experienced hands. We preserve what makes them distinctive, like the open sightlines, exposed beams and connection to the garden, while modernizing kitchens, baths and the systems underneath.
We begin with a design consultation at your home to talk through your goals, budget and how you want the space to work. From there we develop plans suited to your home’s era and any applicable review requirements, so the design is right before it goes to the city. We then manage permitting with the City of Palo Alto and oversee construction through to completion, with a dedicated project manager keeping you informed along the way.
Expert craftsmanship, quality materials, and custom solutions for every project.
We combine craftsmanship and artistic creativity with the highest standards of professional service, ensuring every project is executed with precision and care.
We use only high-quality materials in all our cabinetry, remodeling, and construction projects, delivering durable and beautiful results.
From kitchens and bathrooms to additions and custom cabinetry, we provide personalized solutions tailored to your vision and needs.
Yes, we've completed projects in and around Professorville and Old Palo Alto and understand the added design review steps involved.
Absolutely — that balance is one of our specialties, from atrium layouts to exposed post-and-beam ceilings.
A home's age, architectural integrity, and listing status can all trigger review; we check this early so it's built into your timeline rather than discovered mid-project.
It varies by neighborhood and scope, but design review in areas like Professorville typically adds several weeks to a couple of months compared to a standard permit.
Yes, we work carefully around existing radiant slab systems and can repair or extend them when a kitchen or floor plan changes.
Some are and some aren't, depending on the parcel and neighborhood design guidelines — we evaluate this as part of the initial site assessment.
