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Resources for Bay Area
Homeowners and Investors

Discover our curated collection of case studies, guides, and insights focused on residential architecture, ADUs, remodels, and feasibility studies in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What does an Architect actually do?

Download our Client Guide to Understand Our Process

    A Definitive Guide to ADUs - How to Maximize ROI while tackling Regulations, Financing, Technical Specs, & Design

    Download our ADU guidebook

    building an ADU
    Small Spaces, Big Value

    A Definitive Guide to ADUs –
    How to Maximize ROI while tackling Regulations, Financing, Technical Specs, & Design

    Featured Stories

    ADU in Clayton: Design Story
    When a young family in Clayton approached us about reimagining the disused workshop and gym in their backyard, we immediately saw the potential to create something truly transformative.
    Read the Full Story
    Where Can I Actually Build an ADU?
    If you are considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your California property, you should understand that they do not need to be new construction in your backyard.
    Read the Full Story
    How to Legalize an ADU  
    If you built an ADU without permits or own a property that has been red tagged by the City for having an illegal unit – please know that the State ...
    Read the Full Story
    Creative Deal-making in the Bay Area
    Talk to any real estate investor these days and they will say there's "just no deals". Maybe, though, they're just not looking hard enough, or smartly enough.
    Read the Full Story
    Create a more Flexible Home with an ADU
    California is continuing to update the sweeping 2020 legislation to make homes more adaptable and functional, allowing for the construction of Accessory Dwelling..
    Read the Full Story

    Featured Stories

    What Should the Exterior of Your House Look Like?
    What should your house exterior look like? A guide to home additions, remodels, and new construction in the Bay Area and Sacramento—balancing style, context, and planning code.
    Read the Full Story
    Desiging for Fire Resilience – Lessons from Altadena
    When Neil walked the fire-damaged property of client John Jackson in Altadena, it was more than a site visit. The experience reframed how we think about designing homes in California’s fire-prone landscapes.
    Read the Full Story
    ADU in Clayton: Design Story
    When a young family in Clayton approached us about reimagining the disused workshop and gym in their backyard, we immediately saw the potential to create something truly transformative.
    Read the Full Story
    Understanding the Architecture of the Irish Pub
    Beyond the clinking glasses and lively music, the true heart of an Irish pub lies in its architectural design, a testament to tradition and community.
    Read the Full Story
    How to Legalize an ADU  
    If you built an ADU without permits or own a property that has been red tagged by the City for having an illegal unit – please know that the State ...
    Read the Full Story
    How an Architectural Project Begins…
    Design is obviously the fun part. Field measuring is not, but we try to be efficient with our process and use it as a time to meet Clients and get an affirmation ..
    Read the Full Story
    Create a more Flexible Home with an ADU
    California is continuing to update the sweeping 2020 legislation to make homes more adaptable and functional, allowing for the construction of Accessory Dwelling..
    Read the Full Story

    Featured Stories

    ADU in Clayton: Design Story
    When a young family in Clayton approached us about reimagining the disused workshop and gym in their backyard, we immediately saw the potential to create something truly transformative.
    Read the Full Story
    Where Can I Actually Build an ADU?
    If you are considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your California property, you should understand that they do not need to be new construction in your backyard.
    Read the Full Story
    How an Architectural Project Begins…
    Design is obviously the fun part. Field measuring is not, but we try to be efficient with our process and use it as a time to meet Clients and get an affirmation ..
    Read the Full Story
    Creative Deal-making in the Bay Area
    Talk to any real estate investor these days and they will say there's "just no deals". Maybe, though, they're just not looking hard enough, or smartly enough.
    Read the Full Story
    The Great Deal that Nobody Wanted
    This house sat on the market for 3 months in the midst of the frenetic pandemic housing boom. It had nuisance existing tenants in the form to two families, one rats,..
    Read the Full Story
    Building a Dream Team for your Dream Home
    The first step towards realizing your dream home is assembling a dream team of professionals. At Dwelling Lab, we believe that a strong team is essential for a successful project.
    Read the Full Story

    Featured Stories

    What Should the Exterior of Your House Look Like?
    What should your house exterior look like? A guide to home additions, remodels, and new construction in the Bay Area and Sacramento—balancing style, context, and planning code.
    Read the Full Story
    Desiging for Fire Resilience – Lessons from Altadena
    When Neil walked the fire-damaged property of client John Jackson in Altadena, it was more than a site visit. The experience reframed how we think about designing homes in California’s fire-prone landscapes.
    Read the Full Story
    ADU in Clayton: Design Story
    When a young family in Clayton approached us about reimagining the disused workshop and gym in their backyard, we immediately saw the potential to create something truly transformative.
    Read the Full Story
    Where Can I Actually Build an ADU?
    If you are considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your California property, you should understand that they do not need to be new construction in your backyard.
    Read the Full Story
    Creative Deal-making in the Bay Area
    Talk to any real estate investor these days and they will say there's "just no deals". Maybe, though, they're just not looking hard enough, or smartly enough.
    Read the Full Story
    The Great Deal that Nobody Wanted
    This house sat on the market for 3 months in the midst of the frenetic pandemic housing boom. It had nuisance existing tenants in the form to two families, one rats,..
    Read the Full Story

    How to unlock the hidden value in your home

    where can i actually build an aDU

    Learn from Real
    Projects & Expert Advice

    Discover how we help Bay Area homeowners and investors unlock value through thoughtful design, permit navigation, and feasibility-first strategies. Our founder, Neil Ginty, shares practical tips and behind-the-scenes stories from years of local experience.

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