I am an apartment owner/investor and want to let other apartment owners know about my experience…read morewith Reverence Engineering. Last year, I obtained an inspection of the deck and balcony at my family's 10 unit apartment complex in order to comply with Senate Bill 721. After learning that our cantilevered balcony needed structural work, I began calling engineering firms. I chose Reverence Engineering because I wanted to work with a smaller firm and I was impressed with my initial call with principal engineer Brett Sauers. During that conversation, he explained in simple terms how he would approach creating plans and seeking permits for a major retrofit of our balcony walkway. From there, I was kept well informed by email at every step of the way. Because I live out of state and was not able to be present for any site visits, Brett prepared an explanatory video for me so that I could see exactly what he was seeing and understand how we could solve the structural challenges. The draft plans were ready more quickly than I expected and Brett personally addressed all my questions with patience and precision. The City took longer than I had hoped to do its plan review, but Brett's staff sent me weekly updates. In addition, they walked me through all the forms that I needed to sign so it ended up being a pain-free process from start to finish. I really couldn't be happier with the attentiveness of Brett and his team, as well as the outcome. They deserve accolades for exceptional structural engineering work, at a very reasonable cost.

I submitted a request to Reverence for an Architect in early January 2026, I received a call back…read morefrom Brett to go over the services Reverence provides and their approach to support the clients. At the end of the call, Brett stated he would work on the contract and send over for review. The following week, I called Reverence to better understand the timeline for contract creation so I could maintain realistic expectations; I was told I should have the contract that day (January 13) or the following day (January 14). I contacted Reverence on January 20, after not receiving a response and was advised a message would be sent to Brett for an update. I again did not receive a response (no callback nor email) and contacted Reverence on January 22 and again on February 2, and was provided a similar response (that I should receive the contract soon if not today or the next). I subsequently left a message on February 4, indicating that I no longer wished to proceed with their services and would look elsewhere. I have no doubt that Reverence provides customers with solid service once contracted, however, I find it is equally important to effectively communicate with prospective clients to ensure transparency. I would have gladly waited a few more weeks if that was the standard and was communicated to me. Hopefully future clients will have a better experience.

I want to start by saying that I'm genuinely grateful this long process finally ended with my…read morepermit being approved. Having the resolution was a relief, and the job captain became responsive toward the very end. Unfortunately, the overall experience with Streamline Design & Permitting was extremely difficult, and I think future clients deserve a clear and factual account of what occurred. Background I purchased a home where the previous owner had illegally converted storage space into a studio unit. When I received a code violation, I began the permitting process with another company, but their drafter became unavailable mid-project. That gave me a point of comparison for transparency, communication, and timelines. I interviewed two new companies. One said submission would take 3-4 weeks; Streamline promised submission within one week. Because I was losing rental income, I chose Streamline based on their faster timeline. In reality, the kickoff call didn't happen for a week, and the first submission went in roughly three weeks after hiring them. That slow start reflected the rest of what became a nine-month process. 1. Lack of Transparency The previous company had been clear about timelines, what the City typically requires, and how reviews worked. Streamline did not offer the same level of transparency. I repeatedly asked for City comments so I could understand progress, but I almost never received them directly. The only reason I became aware of several major issues was because the previous drafting company was still copied on City emails and forwarded them to me. This created the impression that I was not getting full visibility into City feedback or into avoidable errors being made. 2. Repeated Avoidable Mistakes Several errors added delays and extra rounds of review: * The first submission labeled the unit as a JADU, even though I explained during the kickoff call that my zoning does not allow a JADU. * When the title was corrected, the internal sheets still referenced "JADU" throughout. * After a phone call I requested with the City--where reviewers clearly stated the space must be submitted as a non-habitable owner's office unless I pursued an ADU--Streamline resubmitted it as "living space." This contradicted explicit City direction and triggered additional comments, delays, and added costs. When I asked about the error, I was given an explanation referencing terminology used on another project rather than a clear acknowledgment that a mistake had been made. None of these issues were proactively disclosed. 3. Invoicing and Lack of Clarity I repeatedly asked for a breakdown of how the billed hours were spent. The previous drafting company separated administrative coordination from drafting work. Streamline billed everything at drafting rates without itemization, including tasks like forwarding emails, coordination, and follow-ups--some of which I ultimately handled myself. When I requested clarification, the responses felt defensive rather than explanatory. 4. Communication Tone From Leadership When I expressed concerns about transparency and billing, the CEO's response felt dismissive. He stated that if I didn't like their pricing, I should have hired someone else, and noted that questioning hours could result in the project being placed on hold. This was after nine months of delays and multiple attempts on my part to express concerns constructively. 5. After the Permit Was Finally Approved Despite everything, I reached out again for the next phase (an ADU conversion) because I hoped Streamline might handle the next stage more smoothly, especially since the job captain I had worked with was no longer with the company. I requested drafting support only--not submission--so I could personally manage communication with the City. Instead of a drafting-only scope, I received a large proposal priced as if the project was starting from scratch. When I requested my CAD files so I could hire a different drafter, Streamline asked for additional fees. I ended up hiring a new drafter who is recreating the plans for less than Streamline quoted to update the existing ones. Summary Streamline presents very confidently on the sales side, but in my experience the drafting quality was inconsistent, mistakes were not acknowledged, transparency was limited, and communication lacked accountability. The job captain was pleasant and responsive at the end, but there were many avoidable errors throughout the process. The experience was far more stressful, time-consuming, and expensive than it needed to be. Final Note Streamline's contract includes a non-disparagement clause. Everything above reflects documented facts: dated emails, City correspondence, the project timeline, and written communication with Streamline. My intention is to provide an accurate account so future homeowners can make an informed decision.

Working with Devin and his team has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their attention…read moreto detail and organization is unmatched -- every set of plans we've built from them has been clear, complete, and thoughtfully designed. As a contractor, that level of precision makes all the difference. They know the permitting process inside and out, and it shows. What could have been a drawn-out headache turned into a seamless, well-managed experience. Highly recommend to any homeowner or builder looking for a true professional partner in San Diego.

Andrew was a real pleasure to work with. He took on our master bathroom design, which is a very…read moresmall project for any architect. Despite this fact, he took his time when meeting with us and was very attentive to our needs. His design turned out great too! I will highly recommend him to friends and family because he's affordable, has great design ideas, and is great with his clients.

I highly recommend Andrew as he has an extensive knowledge of the trade. He was kind enough to…read moreanswer all my questions about permits (very important in the Oceanside area) FOR FREE. It is rare to find someone in this industry that genuinely wants to help others. Andrew's attention to detail really sets him apart from the rest!

Kristin was referred to us by friends. We sat down with her back in 2016 and she came up with a…read morefabulous plan for pop-out and remodel of our kitchen. It was everything we wanted, large center island, no upper cabinets so we could have windows all around the kitchen area, walk-in pantry and a wine cellar. It just took us 1-1/2 years to get started....not sure what we were doing in that time because our kitchen is absolutely stunning! We chose one of her contractor referrals, W.A.Jackson Construction, and they were great to work with and did a fabulous job.

Kristin designed our master bath remodel and acted as the general contractor for the job. She made…read morethe whole thing so easy, from helping us decide what we wanted, to making sure the job got done on time. I would highly recommend her and look forward to working with her in the future on other house projects.

James Cummings came along after wasted months of time and money going with the wrong architect. He…read morewas a talented, creative, godsend that got the job done. His perspective was more "out of the box" and a met our personal tastes and needs. He's fun and personable- a pleasure to work with!

Benjamin was incredible at helping us manage our project. His sense of design, excellent project…read moremanagement and knowledge of construction made us feel comfortable making decisions and accepting his help as he partnered with all of the design, planning/permitting and construction crews on our project. He helped us manage overhead while still creating exciting and relevant upgrades to our remodel. We highly recommend this architect and his team!

From the owner: We draw inspiration from each client’s personal story, goals, and desires. Our process unites their…read morepersonalities with architectural possibilities that are artful, inventive, and engaging. The result is more than a house; it becomes a testament to the unique spirit and identity of the people it serves. Founded by 20-year licensed architect, Benjamin Schaefer, LittleBig Design is a full-service architecture studio focused on contemporary residential design. Launched in San Francisco and now headquartered in Carlsbad, California, LittleBig Design serves the greater San Diego and San Francisco Bay Areas. Benjamin and his team offer a unique approach: personalized service from a boutique design firm complemented by extensive experience in managing large and complex projects. This combination equips them with the skills needed to navigate the intricacies often encountered in coastal and urban residential development. They excel in creating innovative design solutions for constrained spaces, managing diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration with regulatory agencies, and gaining support from the local community.

This man had a lot of excuses for not completing our drawings, and we never got viable drawings…read more Wasted our time and $. We then hired a different architect who finished the job properly.

I called several architects last week because I needed an A frame patio cover with tile sealed by…read morean architect or engineer. The only one that called me back was David. He asked if I could come over to his office right away and he would look at what I had drawn. Normally, for smaller projects the different cities allow a hand drawn plan to go through the permitting review process. In this case, the city of Oceanside wanted it review and sealed. When I stepped into David's office it was clear to me that he was working on a much larger plan, but he moved his plan aside and began looking at my drawing. KINDLY, he explained to me that there were a few deficiencies on the design I had drawn. He showed me how I could order a Simpson bracket book and showed me how to use it. He explained about weight loads, wind uplift, proper bracing and what Simpson steel brackets to use in the future. He erased and re-drew some of the details to assure the patio cover was more than secure. He also gave me and drew in ideas to make it look much better by adding some beams for a heftier look. He literally spent about three hours with me. His passion for design was obvious. He could have just looked over the design, made a few changes and collected his money. Surprisingly, he showed me how to draw it properly so that I could do it myself next time so he would only have to seal it and not have to redraw it. Obviously, not good for his bottom line! He clearly cared about the job being done right and also looking beautiful, not about the money! Rare these days. I am a licensed landscape contractor and I recognize quality when I see it. Thank you David for making my project better!

I hired Rummy from IL Total Design for a major three-story remodel permit that included adding…read moresignificant square footage, and she exceeded expectations in every way! This was not a simple cosmetic project -- it was a complex build with structural changes, multiple levels, and a lot of moving parts in a coastal zone. Throughout the process, Rummy was incredibly resilient. Whenever challenges came up (and with a project this size, they always do), she stayed solution-oriented and kept the project moving forward without hesitation. She was also extremely responsive. Calls were returned, questions were answered quickly, and updates were consistent. I never had to chase her down ever! Communication was clear and direct, which makes a huge difference on a large remodel. What stands out most is her "get it done" mentality. She doesn't give up no matter what the city says -- takes ownership and executes. She handled everything with professionalism and confidence. If you're looking for an architect/design team that is dependable, responsive, resilient, and truly delivers results -- IL Total Design is the perfect choice!

I met Rummy Dechner, owner and lead architect with IL Total, via a design/build firm last year for…read morean ADU project. Eventually, I fired the firm (read my other review), but Rummy stayed with us to help us move forward. Without a city approved design we already sunk $25k into (most of which she probably didn't make) we depended on her almost daily for the first few months after the mess with not one but a second builders as well. We were going solo through the toughest part of the ADU process. I mean we really, really depended on her. Rummy drove this to the end for the permit to finally be granted to us. Through thick and thin she'd be there with updates and keeping us in the loop about forms, payments, and any changes she was forced to make, etc. The design itself is beautiful. She's not only talented but honest and dependable. Answers all questions. Rummy knows ADUs and the ins and outs of city permitting headaches and most of all she's loyal to her clients. I didn't know her firm also does builds as well. If only I met them at the beginning I could have saved myself a ton of time and heartache. Highly recommend! Look at her YouTube channel for all of the ADUs she has designed throughout San Diego. https://youtube.com/@iltotaldesign?si=Lh4BJ_pdmOK5OFG9

I got water heater via home Depot from FWH. I thought they overcharged but I needed it done and I…read moretrusted Home Depot. He kept trying to say I needed to add a bunch of stuff I knew I didn't need because I had a water heater installed 10 years ago from Home Depot.But he said codes changed. So I told him to do what city code required and nothing extra. When the city came to check the WH they said it looked okay except it needed a ground wire from hot to cold. He said it wasn't a big deal, that I could probably do it myself. Being 72 and frail, I notified FWH to correct it. The city guy said I had already paid for the installation so they can't charge me, became it should have be done already. It's a safety precaution that they are supposed to do at installation. When I called she was rude and acted like I asked for a huge thing. Getting someone out here took a lot of effort without response. So I called Home Depot to fix this minor code repair. Finally the guy came out yesterday, and I have already paid $2400.00 for this. He said I needed to pay almost $400. To do it!!!! I was in shock and not having it. So he called hi boss and said they would waive the service fee but I would have to pay $190.00 for the wire. I told him that it's an inexpensive simple safety thing that should have already been done and the city told me that. So,he left and I called Home Depot back. So far Home Depot has been great but FWH is a huge problem. I thought going with Home Depot was safe and trustworthy. I really don't think they even know the crooks they have serving their trusting customers. This is still unresolved and I'm waiting 24 hrs to see how HD mixes this. I told them if they didn't do a $400. 00 required safety step,I should be refunded 4 $400.00. It's so ridiculous, I looked on Amazon and the part cost $12.00. YouTube shows it's so easy to do, so why are they so crazy upset about this. I will not pay more and I HOPE no one else gets taken advantage of by these people.