We were fortunate a few years ago to pick up a tiny cottage in Carmel By The Sea. We realized in…read moreorder to make this something that we could potentially retire to we'd need to expand it a little. For that we needed an architect or draftsman that could design something that was sympathetic to the existing structure, the cottage is pretty funky being built in the 30's and remodeled by no other than Hugh Comstock 10 years later so is bursting to charm and quirks. One of our neighbors has just remodeled their orig. Comstock and used Darren so introduced us. Yes he's a hard man to pin down but the way in which he embraced the brief was just the ticket. The point of the extension was to expand the property but ultimately make it feel like it was all there from day one. In working through the process with the city (not the easiest process I must say) and all the fees and approvals you need, it was clear we chose well as on every turn Darren had the schedule mapped ahead and in every case the officials had nothing but fantastic words for his work and integrity. I assume if we got this choice wrong then the whole project would have been a miss but it set us up for what I think has been an epic result. One further thing, we decided to daisy chain all the contractors from this relationship forward so we asked for referrals on a general contractor, got 3 and picked 1. Each of the contractors from this point on (except for 2 minor subs) had worked with each other on scores of homes over a period of 25 or so years so it made relationships between each party very smooth. I can't speak high enough about Darren, so if you have the good fortune to use him I would highly recommend it. I hope we have the occasion to collaborate with Darren again.

From the owner: Draftect was established in 1985 by Darren Davis to provide professional building design services…read more Since inception, Draftect has completed more than 1,600 projects. Part of Draftects success has come from engaging with clients early, when a collection of ideas has yet to form into a tangible vision. Early involvement is often most valuable when ideas are coming from more than one person, and the first big step is marrying various ideas into a unified vision. This assures that every project gets started on a successful path, which significantly enhances the likelihood of a timely and agreeable result.Of the 225 new homes that Draftect has designed, more than 50 have been in the community of Carmel-by-the-Sea. While being one of the finest communities in the world, it is also one of the most restrictive with respect to building. Draftect has gained tremendous experience in helping realize many dreams amidst this mix of high-end expectations and restrictive regulations. Draftect has also designed more than 20 historic renovations, which have enhanced its ability to help clients navigate challenges associated with regulatory compliance and permitting processes regardless of the design complexities involved.Since 1985 Draftect has grown into one of the most highly recommended design firms on the Monterey Peninsula. We hope that we may help you design your dreams into reality.

Extremely nice person. I only consulted with him but I was confident that he knew what was possible…read moreregarding the tight historic laws in my historic neighborhood.

From the owner: Residential architect specializing in additions, remodels and new single family homes in the…read moreCarmel, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, California area. Seven time recipient of the Pacific Grove Heritage Home Award.

Unreliable. They were perfect until we signed with them, then they changed the rules of the game…read moreand decided to try to siphon as much money as they possibly could from us. We got nothing from them, not even an idea, anything to go with, and they still took $2000 from us, claiming they worked for hours. On what? No one knows for sure. Scam.

Bill is the absolute Best! His intimate knowledge of Santa Cruz code requirements made my project…read morepossible. His excellence, enthusiasm and great results make him my choice for best architect in Santa Cruz

Al and Eddie are an incredible team! I've tapped into their expertise multiple times to assess…read moreland in the Monterey area. They have high ethical standards and will give you their honest feedback based on their instincts and experience. They will address what you ask for and "then some". They are patient and always willing to explain any details needing more explanation. Given their knowledge of local laws/requirements, I would highly recommend them if you are in the market for land or any real estate needs in the Monterey County area.

Al is an amazing architect and masterbuilder. He has amazing taste. I love the work he did with my…read morehome! His attention to detail is impeccable. I am excited every time I walk in my home because of his amazing work. He saved me time and money by being an architect and general contractor.

As a project manager for a mid-sized construction company I had the pleasure of collaborating with…read moreTom Hood on our remodel of the iconic Butterfly House in Carmel. Tom managed to incorporate our client's desire for state-of-the-art View Glass windows with the constraints of the Carmel Historic Preservation Commission to achieve a wonderful design that satisfied all parties. I can wholeheartedly recommend Tom for his professionalism, vision, un-condescending approach (not always easy to find with architects) and great sense of humor. It would be an absolute pleasure for me to again work with Tom on a project.

I have known Thomas and worked with him for over 30 years and have always found him to be among the…read moremost talented and dedicated architects I have ever known. His ability to design buildings that are well thought out and respond well to the environment and his client's needs. Carl Seville www.sevilleconsulting.com

We hired Jim to help us update a historic home that he'd remodeled 20+ years ago. After spending…read more$10k+ with him, we got nothing other than having him price out features we weren't interested in pursuing and never asked him to work on. We asked ti have him review and give us an accounting of his time and he went silent and remains silent. - so has stolen our deposit. An emotional and expensive waste of time.

We have three rental homes in Pacific Grove and Jeff Edmonds (Edmonds Design and Construction) has…read moreworked on all of them. He's as good as you can get. First of all, he showed up right on time for our initial appointment. We walked him through the first home and showed him what we needed and his bid was very reasonable. He also pointed out things we could do to save money. We were very pleased with the results. The work on our second place was much more extensive and he and the crew were there on time and on budget. He's always been quick to respond and very thorough in his work. Even when smaller things have come up, he responds quickly and gets the work done. We couldn't be more pleased with Jeff and highly recommend him.

From the owner: We design our projects using 3-D visualization CAD software. Then we estimate, schedule, and help…read moreyou build your project. Cal. GC license 349605. I have designed many ADU’s and remodel projects. Working on the Monterey Peninsula. Please email your requirements for a consultation.

Couldn't get the job finished, over charges, unorganized, doesn't watch the project…read more Very creative architect, very expensive builder.

we bought one of the house build by Al Saroyan few years ago. at the time he was well know builder…read moreand every home build by him will have one of these bronze plaque out side and written " build by master builder Al Saroyan" it spose mean he must have lot of pride with his work . boy we are so wrong! Few months later when we start to used the master gas fire place, after while smoke alarm will comes on and the room full of the smoke each time. at first we thought it might be dirty inside just needs it to burn it out, but the problem just won't stop, finally reach him and he show up with one of the worker, never forget his cocky arrogant attitude, and ridiculous accusation of the problem might cause by birds got inside of the chimney. He just stop respond any more phone call and refuse to provide the name of the manufactured made this gas fire place. we have no choice but to hire some one else open up the wall and discover inside was a big gap between the fire place and metal pipe , and no where to be found any serial number or name of the manufactured on it, which is very suspicious, even more shocking to see how poorly and unprofessional the workman ship when they installed it. This is a serious safety matter, some one could've die from this if smoke alarm didn't work. All I can say is this builder has no integrity and should be shame of him self , it doesn't mater how talent or fancy material he would used for his project, he does not deserve any respect from this industry or me period!