After our modular home manufacturer unexpectedly canceled our order, we felt lost and unsure of how to move forward with building a new second unit on our property. That's when we met Doug -- and everything changed. Our project wasn't simple. The permit required us not only to build a brand-new house but also to renovate and legalize the existing old house. Doug stepped in, redesigned the new unit beautifully, and reimagined the old house so the two complemented each other perfectly. The construction of the new home went incredibly smoothly. Doug's professionalism, craftsmanship, and attention to detail were evident every step of the way. The quality of his work truly exceeded our expectations. The renovation of the old house turned out to be much more complex than expected, but Doug handled every challenge with steady leadership and creativity. He brought the right people together, found thoughtful solutions, and kept the project moving forward steadily through each difficulty. His dedication and calm problem-solving turned a demanding process into a truly rewarding experience. The whole process took nearly five years -- but in the end, we have two beautiful homes that feel cohesive, warm, and full of life. Doug's commitment, honesty, and heart carried us through. We're deeply grateful for his expertise and friendship throughout this journey. If you're looking for someone who truly cares about your home as much as you do, Doug and his team are the ones to call. We can't recommend them enough. Please feel free to contact me if you want the reference. My phone: 408-800-6698. Michael read more

Douglas Fernandez of Fernandez Design and Builders in San Jose remodeled my entire home in 2007 and did such an excellent job; my home now is so beautiful and unique & a great fit for my way of life. The good news is that he was so fair and honest; he really watched costs which is so unusual, and in the end, I could be so much more innovative and creative and do so much more than I could have been with any another contracting firm; even more importantly, we had such a good time working together (even the demolition which I dreaded was a piece of cake because of Doug). I left throughout the remodel on many business trips, & there was so much progress and usually a surprising new touch Doug added every time I returned home. Since then, Doug has been there for me on many other occasions. The good news is that Doug is happy with and enjoys smaller remodeling jobs as well. Last year my outside deck came away from its stucco wall & needed a complete retrofit, including adding more structural columns to further support the deck. He loves a good challenge and coming up with great creative and exciting solutions that are brilliant, yet not expensive. Doug's cell is 510-377-9711. Do not hesitate to contact me for further information; my cell is 650-804-8894. Best wishes, Kaaren Powers read more

Doug is a long time family friend, he has been our family contractor since he remodeled my parents house in 2000 and again recently. He became more the. just our family contractor he became one of our family members. The work he and Spencer did changed our family home into the home my parents always dreamed of having. Fast forward to 2025 and I finally decided to remodel my kitchen and create a laundry room. Working with Doug's team was a breeze. We set a budget and we stayed true to it! The renovation went well and was completed in less than 3 months. If you are thinking about any type of work on your house contact Doug immediately. read more

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We selected Fernandez Designs and Builders to add a second story to our home, as well as redesigning the kitchen. We utilized their architectural services as well as the contractor services to design and build our kitchen and addition. We couldn't be happier with the way everything turned out. Spenser was our architect, and we were thrilled with the designs he created - he listened to what we wanted and gave us options to play around with before coming to a final design. It was everything we wanted in an architect. We had the added benefit of consulting with Doug on cost and feasibility of certain aspects of the design to decide if we wanted to go ahead with them or not. When it came time to pick a contractor, we did shop around, but there was little question that we would stick with Doug. He took the time to demystify the bidding process, explained what his bid would/would not include, and also explained the unknowns inherent in adding a second story (i.e. once the walls are opened up, sometimes things have to be moved around to accommodate the supports which can incur additional cost). He tried very hard to preserve everything he could to reuse on the first story, and with a few exceptions, we were able to reuse most things (e.g. vanities, cabinets, bathroom floors, light fixtures etc), reducing our costs. Honestly, I don't know what we would have done during the remodel if it weren't for Doug. He gave us advice while leaving the decision making to us. He kept us apprised of progress, problems that arose, and timelines for making decisions. He even made some suggestions that improved the original design during the building process. We had many delays throughout the process, between delays in getting inspections scheduled to excessive rain when the roof was off, but Doug was able to make up most of the time while maintaining quality. In the end, the project was finished only 3 weeks beyond the initially promised completion date. The end result is amazing - we have our perfect home that is beautiful and everything we wanted when we thought about the possibility of doing this project back in 2021. We have gotten so many compliments on the house since then, both from friends and family that have visited inside the house, and strangers/neighbors who have only seen the outside. If you're thinking about doing a construction project, I would heartily recommend Fernandez Designs & Builders for both your architectural needs and your construction needs! read more

Meet Doug at the Home Shows, and as a Landscape Architect with Landscape Locators / SCVDesign4U, I have coordinated with and recommended his firm to many of my clients. The feedback I received from my clients and working with them personally was outstanding! Always nice to be able to recommend another professional who believes in the customer first! Susan Vogel Landscape Locators read more

Fernandez Designs helped my father with a JADU design, then later came back and saved us right before an inspection when a different contractor took off with our money. I then asked them to help us build an ADU from the ground up. We were nervous since we had never done any sort of construction before, but Doug, Spencer, and Rosemary made the process easy, worry free, and simple to understand. I have recommended them to friends and would definitely trust them with any future projects. Thank you again Doug. read more

Doug and team is one of the best, dependable and trustable contractors in the Bay Area. They help us complete our additions, 4 weeks before promised time. I have to say, if you are looking for GC for your next project and looking for someone who can provide you with quality job with guaranteed finish, look no further. Be reminded, construction can be scary, but not when you have Doug on your side. Its a smooth sail!! Having heard stories about contractors who talk out(or act nice at the beginning) to get the project and then at some point during the project they leave the work unfinished, we were very cautious on our selection of contractors. We had narrowed down our selection to 2 but we are so glad we went with Doug. Over the project we appreciated Doug's thoughtfulness, knowledge, sharpness, empathy and solution focused approach. There are so many times in the project when we were reminded that 'if it was not for Doug' what would we have done? He takes ownership and clears every hurdle in the way. We would also like to convey our thanks for his team who are always available for an additional support and makes the overall process so much smoother. Multiple decades of experience that Doug has, he can solve the toughest of the issue that will come during the construction process. Now that's what you call a priceless choice. So much value!! Doug is a also an amazing and great human being. He cares and that makes all the difference and bring success to the project. He take on all the hard issues on him, so the owners can sleep properly. He will keep the mood light by his subtle humor. Thank you!! We were so impressed by his work that we decided to add on extra big project for backyard. Not to anyone else. Thank you Doug and team for the great work you have done and lots of wishes to you and team. read more

We searched for some time for the right contractor (complete remodel and addition). Asking numerous friends who had renovations or a remodel nearly all of them complaining about the GC they used and would not recommend. We ended up utilizing a designer through a recommendation (more to come on this later). We met Doug at his office and he reviewed the plans. Straight out of the gate he was open, honest, friendly, and quickly identified areas of improvement on the designs. These minor suggestions came from years of experience and seeing numerous plans/designs/builds. Doug was helpful from day 1 and surprised me when I saw him rolling up his sleeves and working with his crew as well. He's hands on, cares about his projects, thoughtful, ultra responsive, and all around a great guy to work/partner with. I highly recommend Doug and his organization for your project. Rest assured you will be in amazing hands. Our family is so thankful Doug completed our project. read more

I spoke with three companies inquiring about a project for one of our properties. Fernandez Designs and Builders called back within a reasonable timeframe and laid out all options with friendly honesty. It was the clearest conversation regarding how/when we should move forward to make the most financial sense. Looking forward to working with them when the time is right! read more

I did a full home remodel done by Fernandez Design and Build and I could not recommend them enough. You always hear horror stories about construction work and I was told several times by several people just wait, the nightmares will come. With Fernandez Design and Build, Doug and team were so wonderful from the start to the very end. I used Spenser for the design services as well, which made the project flow smoothly having the contractor and designer all with the same company. Of course it wasn't always smooth sailing, but it was because of the wait times for the permits and was completely out of control of Fernandez Design and Build. Rafael was the main builder on my job who worked on the project from day one till the very last day and him and Doug make such a wonderful team. Rosemary was also so wonderful to work with throughout the whole process. She was always so knowledgeable with any questions I had. Given that this was my first home remodel, I feel spoiled that I was able to find such a wonderful and genuine contractor that truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend Doug and team for any construction needs you hay have. read more

Doug and his team have completed 3 separate jobs for us including a full kitchen remodel, a garage, and recently 2 full bathroom remodels. Once we met Doug at the home and garden show we knew he would be our designer and contractor for all our future home projects. From initial meetings to design and to finished project Doug and Fernandez Designs Builders accommodated all our wants and needs and went above and beyond what we could have ever expected. All the subcontractors Fernandez Design Builders work with were punctual and professional and extremely knowledgeable in their individual professions. We highly recommend Fernandez Designs Builders. read more

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So...I didn't use this design company. But I just want to say that a testament to a good person/business is when they know that they can't get anything from you, but still put time to help you. In my case, I was looking for something for a commercial building and this company only does residential buildings. BUT they still called right away after I submitted a request to let me know that they would not be able to help me. This is more than I can say for most companies. Being a small business owner, I really appreciate that they did this and if their services are anything like their customer service, I would definitely use them. read more

We were recommended to Fernandez Designs and Builders by a friend. We wanted to change our carport to a two car garage. We were lucky today to meet Doug Fernandez who came out to our house to find out what we wanted. After much discussion he suggested that this project was more complicated than we expected. We decided to put the project on hold for now. His advice was very valuable and we appreciate it very much. read more

Mr. Fernandez- I just saw a news piece on your generosity to a family. That was a wonderful thing you did to gift a wheelchair ramp. It's good to know that good people like you are willing give back to their community. You will get repaid in many more ways that you can imagine. God bless you and your company. read more

Doug and his team did a whole house remodel for me. We did a full demolition and rebuild. I used his company for the architecture and designing phase as well. This was especially helpful since making changes to engineering drawings and getting them approved from the city was seamless. His team worked with us very closely during the design and construction phase. They were very punctual and actually delivered everything that was under their control on time. The quality of work is great, in fact they go beyond the minimum required code to make the house as sturdy as possible. This is a full service firm, they take care of design and build along with all the permit requirements. All in all finding a general contractor who sticks to his word and performs all promised work on time is a rare find. Doug and his team did a great job. read more

When Fernandez Designs completes your new home or home remodel, you feel ready for Architectural Digest to come by and begin shooting pictures for their next issue. My retirement home has become a place that is a visual wonder of magnificent design and beauty as well as providing a magnificent space to work in, entertain, and live in. I never plan to move, and when guests visit, they never want to leave. Thank you so much for surrounding me with so much beauty!!! read more

Fernandez Designs reconstructed a big part of my house. Doug did a great job with extending my kitchen adding another bedroom and raising my ceiling. When my fiends come over the always say my house looks great. Doug is the most honest wonderful business person I met. I trust him 110% read more

Doug and his team at Fernandez Designs were a pleasure to work with. They also did a wonderful job on our house! They transformed an old 1937 house with structural issues into a modern masterpiece that looks like it belongs in a magazine. The project consisted of a full remodel and expansion (all new plumbing, electrical, windows, roof, complete kitchen remodel, cabinets, floors, central heat and AC, all bathrooms, fireplace, etc.) and came in on budget. The crew were here every day until complete. This is because Doug takes on a few projects at one time, so he can devote the necessary attention to each project. Doug and his front office were always quick to answer questions and discuss new ideas that came up during the project. Doug has great attention to detail and takes the time to explain the process and details. His crew were really nice and are true professionals. They even put up with a barking dog in the yard and ended up becoming friends with him. Really could not recommend Doug and Fernandez Designs enough. Actually, we have already recommended him to several family and friends. Thank you very much again Doug! We really appreciate it, and are soooo happy with the house! read more

My experience with this company was very good. I was inquiring about subdividing a lot in San Jose and they spent the time to inform me on what to expect, general cost and time frames to complete the project. Look forward to doing business together soon! read more

Doug and Spencer designed and built a guest cottage for us some years ago. Since then we have had them design several other remodel projects and they have designed an extensive tear down/rebuild for our son's house. Their designs are very creative and the architectural qualities are very appealing as well as very functional. Doug and his team pay particular attention to detail and, as a consequence, turn out excellent quality on their finished work. I have always ended up projects with Doug feeling totally satisfied with the quality, costs, and fairness exhibited by both he and his team. read more

We found Doug Fernandez through yelp. We asked him to bid for the architectural design for our home near San Jose, CA along with maybe 5 or 6 other architects/contractors. Doug came in the most thoughtful, interactive and with the lowest cost. We particularly liked that he would give us suggestions and he would also listen to what we said. Many architects have been working a long time and they believe they know what you will like. Doug would always provide his view and also give you an opportunity to agree or disagree without prejudice. For the construction phrase of our project, we asked Doug to bid competitively with another 5 or 6 other contractors. It was a laborious process for us because even though we gave the same design to every contractor, they interpreted it in different ways. We estimate it took a month to get all the bids lined up and made comparable. Doug was not the cheapest, but we were able to show him places he was high priced and he adjusted down in order to win the contract. Doug did a high quality, thorough job on our project. He is honest and transparent with positive changes and setbacks during the job. He was always reachable and very good about communicating progress of the project. At the end of the project, Doug followed through on the many small cosmetic issues that come up. We found him to be thoughtful and responsive. Overall our experience with Doug was great. I would recommend Doug as a great architect and contractor to any of my friends. Thank you for remodeling the house into our home, Doug! read more

After interviewing 4 or 5 contractors, I chose Doug. I was not disappointed. His job came in on bid and most importantly he was always on time. They cleaned up every night when they were done which was important to my wife. His addition was gorgeous. I would definitely use him again... Doug, you're the best. read more

After years of contemplating on how to update our master bath along with interviewing several contractors we selected Fernandez Designs. Doug and his team take time and care to large and small details so work is of the highest quality. He and his team transformed our out-dated master bath in to a spa retreat which has the "WOW" effect when we show off our remodel to friends and family. Thank you Doug for making our dream into a reality! read more

Fantastic craftsmanship, innovative designs, Mr. Fernandez is extremely professional and talented. He will make your remodeling dreams come true as he did for us. Doug is an honorable, deeply devoted family man who is straight with others. I like to compare him to Mike Holmes from the show Holmes on Homes as he knows the correct way to build and will not compromise! Doug puts his heart and soul into every project. He is passionate about giving the customer an environment beyond their expectations. read more

Doug and his staff have done an outstanding job on our home remodel. From concept, through the design process and construction, Fernandez Design & Builders have kept the project within budget and on time as well. One important thing I truly appreciated is they listened to our wishes during the design phase, which resulted in a perfectly executed plan that had everything we wanted included prior to construction. I would highly recommend them for any home improvement project and would certainly use them again. read more

I cannot express how ecstatic I am about the transformation of our house after Fernandez Design completed the remodel of our kitchen and family room. Doug's eye for design and the wow factor is truly inspirational. He came in and listened carefully to our requirements and design goals and created a design that far surpassed our highest expectations. The details are incredible! His staff was always polite and tidy and the job completed in the time frame given and on budget. If you want a design that is personalized and more exceptional than anything else you've seen, you need to hire Doug! He is the best! read more

Doug and his team of craftsmen performed the remodel of half of our house in 2007. The date of the remodel is important to this review... With Doug's design skills and input we remodeled our kitchen (gutted everything and moved two walls out), built out the master bedroom and bath and added a theater room. When people walk into our kitchen they say "Wow!" "Looks like something out of Architectural Digest". The remodel took 9 months to complete which is the amount of time Doug had stated it would take. During that time, 5 days a week there was some type of work taking place, there was always a crew working on the house. Doug always answered any calls I made to him, if not as soon as I called, he returned the call within 1 hour. His responsiveness was excellent. His tile workers were AMAZING. We had custom work done in the master bathroom, and I would tell Doug and the tile team what I wanted, Doug would draw it out on the cement floor, and it would look exactly as I had envisioned it in my head. Doug made great suggestions, that improved my ideas, and it all came together. Now the reason I mention the date of our remodel, 2007. We had a new AC unit installed during the remodel. We had issues with the circuit breaker for the AC tripping the first few times we used it, which was not until a year after the remodel was completed. Doug came and checked it and got it working. I rarely use the AC, so the next Summer season, I use it again and the breaker trips. I reset it, and it works fine. I use it on and off once or twice a year, but always have to reset the breaker. I never called Doug about this issue, as the years are now passing. Last year 2014, I run the AC and the breaker trips and I can't get it to reset. In June 2015, I have an AC company come out and look at the unit, and they tell me the wrong wiring and the wrong size circuit breaker were installed. I called Doug, he answered my call on the second ring, and told him what the AC company had told me. I also gave him the history of what had taken place since the last time I called him. His response to me was "Why didn't you call me years ago". I responded "Doug, the remodel was in 2007, I figured it was my issue at this point". He promptly said "Deb, you hire a contractor for life, I will make this right and get it fixed". He asked for time to look into the issue. He called me back within the hour and said he looked at the blue prints and said the electricians installed what was in the documents, but he wanted to send out another electrician to look at the issue. He also added "Deb, you know I will make this right, it doesn't matter how long it's been". I got a call first thing the next morning from the electrician. Due to my schedule, I couldn't meet him at the house for a few days. When he came out he saw that the electrician on the project had "under rated" what was needed for the AC unit we purchased. So new wiring and circuit breakers were needed. Doug promptly authorized this work to be taken care of and paid for. I now realize that I really do have "a contractor for life". I'll be using Doug again to help design and build an outdoor living space. My thanks to Doug for his Integrity and work ethic. read more