We are a hands-on architecture & development studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dwelling Lab works with homeowners and property investors to turn ideas — and complex sites — into well-designed, practical homes and work places.
Our thesis, “Everyone Should Live in a Well-designed Home”, is built on five pillars:
We provide residential & commercial architecture services across the Bay Area and Sacramento, including remodels, additions, new construction homes, ADUs, infill housing, and Tenant Improvements
Experience in developing our own projects inform our approach to feasibility studies, zoning and entitlement strategies, lot splits, and unlocking value in residential real estate
Long-term ownership experience informs cost-conscious, flexible, and durable design, as well as understanding what value looks like, and where it can be found
Hands-on rental management shapes a practical, low–lifecycle-cost understanding of housing
Clear guidance and practical design advice for home remodels, ADUs, commercial spaces, fire resilience, and zoning compliance through writing, video, and clear communication
Neil discovered his passion for the architecture of the in-between while working in residential property development in London, where he saw how small design interventions could dramatically enhance daily life. Today, he brings that same sensitivity and strategic thinking to every project, specializing in uncovering hidden potential and turning overlooked spaces into lasting value.
He has practiced in Northern California, Chicago, London, and Dublin, and holds a Bachelor s degree from the Dublin School of Architecture in Ireland. His work bridges design and development, helping clients shape homes that are both thoughtful and buildable.
With over 15 years of experience, Andres brings a global perspective and a deep belief in architecture as a collaborative process. His work spans Northern California, Seattle, New Orleans, and Valparaíso, Chile—shaped by projects that have helped rebuild communities and enrich urban life.
He holds a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and leads Dwelling Lab’s design direction with clarity, sensitivity, and a commitment to shared vision.
At Dwelling Lab, our approach is about unlocking a property’s potential while responding to real-life needs. We believe that great design solves problems, navigates constraints, and enhances how people live.
We specialize in projects that blend creativity with complexity: challenging lots, multifamily opportunities, long-term flexibility, and layered code requirements. With every project, our goal is to create spaces that feel purposeful, livable, and distinctly grounded in place.
We combine design expertise with a practical lens to help clients move forward with confidence, regardless of the site s complexity or the scope of the idea.
Whether it’s a backyard ADU or a full-scale rebuild, we aim to make every project smoother, smarter, and more rewarding for our clients and their communities.
Designs that respond to light, lot, neighborhood, and long-term use
Grounded, ongoing dialogue from day one
Smart solutions that work within local regulations
Transparent plans, honest communication.
At Dwelling Lab, it’s about unlocking a property’s potential while responding to real-life needs. We believe that great design solves problems, navigates constraints, and enhances how people live, not just how a space appears on paper.
We specialize in projects that blend creativity with complexity: challenging lots, multifamily opportunities, long-term flexibility, and layered code requirements. With every project, our goal is to create spaces that feel purposeful, livable, and distinctly grounded in place.
