Design that Unlocks Potential

Residential Architecture and ADUs for the San Francisco Bay Area

Residential Architecture for modern Bay Area Living

At Dwelling Lab, we specialize in helping homeowners and investors throughout the Bay Area turn underutilized space into long-term value.

As experienced Bay Area residential architects we design purpose-driven living spaces—like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), sensitive home remodels and additions, and infill expansions—that look good and boost property performance.

How our Vision Helps Optimize your Property’s Potential

At Dwelling Lab, we blend thoughtful architecture with sharp development insight to increase property value with home design that pays off.

Home Remodels and Additions

Reconfigure or expand your home to better support your lifestyle or increase home value.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Add flexible living space or rental income with expertly designed secondary units.

New Construction Homes

From raw lot to finished home, we guide the entire design-build process.

Commercial Tenant Improvements

Upgrade interior spaces for businesses, landlords, and creative uses.

Residential Feasibility Studies

Understand what’s possible before you commit to a design or build.

Servicing the
Bay Area

From San Francisco to Oakland, Berkeley to Walnut Creek, we design with local insight and guide your project from idea to reality, starting with a simple conversation or feasibility study.

Featured Projects

Turn Services Administration Building

Consulate of Ireland San Francisco

Madison Square Gardens  San Francisco HQ

Economic Development Center South San Francisco

Lincoln House

Albany House

Kensington Remodel

Santiago Ave ADU

On the Boards…

Sacramento Cottages

Clayton ADU

Modern Living in Mill Valley

Our Process

Download our Client Guide to Understand Our Process

1

Project Investigation & Planning

We meet owners to discuss the project to understand their needs. We visit the property to field measure so we can produce base drawings if they are needed.

2

Design Process

In Schematic Design, we prepare design options and present plans, elevations, sections in sketch format with a view to refining a preferred design that meets your requirements.   Design development continues the refinement of a preferred design with developed drawings along with preliminary research in materials, specifications, and procurement of any specialist consultants.

3

Construction Documents

In this phase, we finalize all design systems, materials and finishes with the Owner with a view to producing a detailed set of drawings and specifications.   This effort includes coordination of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Structural designs (if required).

4

Building Permit Adminstration

We have been through the Planning and Building Permitting processes many times and know how to navigate it so as to move it along quicker, try to minimize impact fees, and generally make it as smooth a process as it can be.

5

Bidding and Negotiation

We respond to any Bidder RFIs and Issue Addendums, and review Contractor bids with the Owner and assist with selection.

6

Construction Observation

We provide observation & construction support to build per the design intent by Weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings on-site (as req d) responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) and issue supplementary design formation, and review shop drawings, submittals, and payment applications, as necessary

Featured Design Stories

Desiging for Fire Resilience – Lessons from Altadena

ADU in Clayton: Design Story

Understanding the Architecture of the Irish Pub

Where Can I Actually Build an ADU?

How to Legalize an ADU

How an Architectural Project Begins…

Creative Deal-making in the Bay Area

The Great Deal that Nobody Wanted

Create a more Flexible Home with an ADU

Building a Dream Team for your Dream Home

Trusted by People Like You

Neil and his team at Dwelling Lab were amazing! From the initial design until my final inspection they were very responsive and communicative. We had a number of hurdles we had to overcome throughout my project and Neil made the entire process much smoother. What started as a conversation between my wife and I ended in a beautiful ADU conversion, far exceeding our expectations. I would highly recommend Dwelling Lab for any design, planning, or consulting needs!

Zak Renouf

Neil helped us find creative opportunities to make our deals work in a competitive market through simple but effective design.

Bridget Liu

Going forward with any home remodel or building project is quite stressful. Neil Ginty is calm and unflappable regardless any big or small issues that may arise. He is also very responsive and efficient. The pace of how fast you want to move the process is totally up to you. Neil will also tell you if your idea is not a great one; or he’ll tell you the idea is great but will need a bit more research before it can be implemented in some better form or fashion.

We are building an attached ADU over a back-filled pool hole. The project is somewhat complicated due to the pool hole and the need to attach the new built onto the existing house. I think if we did not have Neil, the process would have been much, much harder.

Betty Tseng

Highly recommend Dwelling Lab for residential and commercial services! Prompt, reliable, and efficient. Neil, Andres, and Alex are experienced architects who are thoughtful and deliver professional work. They can handle all your architectural needs without a doubt.

Francheska Joy Pondevida

Everyone
Should Live in a Well-designed Home

Dwelling Lab is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and can remotely service anywhere in California. Our physical residential architecture service extends anywhere between Sacramento and San Jose.  