
Designing and building your dream home with precision and passion in Oakland.
Manzanita Design Build is a premier design-build firm in Oakland, CA, specializing in custom home remodels, additions, and ADUs. Led by Ben, a builder with deep architectural insight, we offer a seamless, collaborative process from initial design to final construction. Our team combines creativity with practical craftsmanship, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. With a 5-star rating from satisfied clients, we transform visions into beautiful, functional living spaces while maintaining excellent communication and integrity.
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Comprehensive architectural design services tailored to your vision, including space planning and aesthetic development.
Full-service construction management for remodels, additions, and new builds with skilled crews and subcontractors.
Design and build of ADUs, optimizing functionality and compliance with local regulations in Oakland.
End-to-end oversight from permits to finish, ensuring timelines and budgets are met with minimal stress.
Integrated approach where design and construction teams work together for seamless, efficient project execution.
Before working with Ben at Manzanita Design Build we had worked for a short time with an architect I had previous experience with many years earlier working as a general contractor in Berkeley. Early on we assumed I would do our remodel/addition myself by hiring carpenters and subcontractors. It started to become apparent to both my wife and me that our architect wasn’t listening to us and didn’t seem to have much energy or enthusiasm for our project. It was difficult for us to end the relationship after having some time and money invested but we knew it would be for the best. We found Ben after doing our research and quickly it became apparent that Ben had the energy and creativity we were looking for. I personally liked that Ben was a builder having had some frustrating past experiences working as both a carpenter and contractor with architects unfamiliar with some of the realities of building. Quickly we became convinced to just let Ben design and build our whole project and we’re glad we did. Ben always listened to the ideas we had and working together we always improved upon them. Ben also had a practicality about things that made it easy to go with his suggestions. Our project was fairly involved and all of Ben’s employees and subcontractors were skilled and very easy to get along with. I’d have to guess that compared with most clients I was probably more difficult and given to micro managing because of my building background, but Ben and his crew made it feel like a collaborative experience. In the end we’re very happy we chose Ben and are extremely happy in our amazing remodeled house with our marriage intact!
Hiring Ben was the single best decision I made for a comprehensive rebuild project. He saw things in design I would have never considered - elements that substantially elevated the usage and flow of the space - and saw them through to seamless completion. Design, permits, build, finish, he did it all. Every facet, from electrical placement to stair geometry to plumbing choices, Ben not only knows but could probably give a dissertation on. He could give the pro/con of every decision, grounded in countless hours of experience, and his choice would certainly be the right one. It became clear very fast that Ben’s full service design build is precisely what I wanted. This is the person you’re looking for. Thank you so much!
Manzanita Design Build did a fantastic job designing and building a multifamily home for me in Oakland. Ben was easy to work with throughout the design process and provided a clear vison for beautiful, functional spaces throughout the home. I expected the project to be delayed by the pandemic but thanks to their diligence and foresight with planners, contractors and materials it was finished on time and within budget. I would recommend them to anyone looking for high quality design and craftmanship in the bay area.
We had a wonderful experience with Ben and Manzanita Design. The project came in on budget and on time. Ben was extremely responsive and communicative throughout the entire process. He and his team were excellent design partners, and have stayed in touch after construction. We’re very happy with our ADU and have already recommended them to several folks.
Manzanita Design Build designed and built a new ADU for us, and we cannot recommend them highly enough. Ben listened carefully to what we wanted, including our budget and constraints. He designed a house that met all of our criteria and desires. Thor did a fantastic job on execution, with great craftsmanship. The whole team , including first-rate subcontractors, did excellent work, on time and on budget. And, it was truly a pleasure to work with Ben and Thor who were good communicators, fun to be around, responsive to questions, and flexible. We are thrilled with our new home - which exceeds all of our expectations - and with Manzanita Design Build.
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