Business Details
Your Residential Design Partner in Marin County
Remodel Guidance is a Marin County-based residential design firm serving the broader Bay Area. Since our founding, we have specialized in creating tailored solutions for single-family home additions, remodels, and new construction projects. Our team focuses on delivering designs that enhance property value, aesthetic appeal, and occupant health through sustainable building practices. We offer comprehensive services including project consulting, permit expediting, and full design-plan-permit packages. Our expertise in green building methodologies is supported by industry certifications and active participation in environmental organizations. We prioritize client education through public workshops and community extension classes on permits, remodeling, and construction processes.Our founder, Graham Irwin, brings decades of hands-on experience from carpentry to general contracting, ensuring practical, code-compliant solutions. We maintain professional affiliations with the American Institute of Building Design and Passive House Institute US. Client communication remains central to our process, with dedicated channels for project inquiries and newsletter subscriptions. Our work reflects a commitment to making construction processes accessible while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.
Services
Residential Design
Plans & Permits
Green Building
Period Homes
Property Potential Analysis
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of combined residential construction experience
- Certified green building professionals on staff
- NCBDC and PHIUS accredited design expertise
- Community education programs on remodeling processes
- Direct access to planning department consultants
Associations and certifications
- NCBDC Certified Professional Building Designer
- American Institute of Building Design
- Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)
Services
Residential Design
Our residential design service creates customized architectural solutions for single-family homes. We focus on maximizing functionality, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency through tailored floor plans and construction documents. Our designs integrate seamlessly with existing structures while meeting modern building standards.
Plans & Permits
We prepare comprehensive construction documents and manage permit applications for local jurisdictions. Our team ensures code compliance through detailed technical drawings and direct coordination with planning departments. This service streamlines approvals for additions, remodels, and new construction projects.
Green Building
Our green building service implements energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials throughout the design process. Certified professionals apply Passive House principles and Build It Green standards to reduce environmental impact while improving indoor air quality and long-term cost savings.
Period Homes
Specialized renovation services preserve architectural integrity while modernizing historic homes. We maintain original character through period-appropriate materials and techniques while integrating contemporary systems for improved functionality and energy performance.
Property Potential Analysis
This service evaluates property development potential through site inspections and municipal code analysis. We provide detailed reports on feasible renovations, zoning restrictions, and value-enhancement opportunities to inform real estate investment decisions.
People
Graham Irwin
Building Designer
Graham Irwin has over 30 years of construction industry experience, including carpentry, contracting, and sustainable design. He teaches community classes on permits and green building while maintaining multiple professional certifications.
Questions
What residential design services do you offer?
We provide complete residential design services including home additions, remodels, and new construction projects tailored to client needs and local building codes.
Do you specialize in historic home renovations?
Yes, we specialize in period home renovations that preserve architectural character while incorporating modern energy-efficient systems and updated functionality.
What green building certifications do you hold?
Our team includes NCBDC Certified Professional Building Designers, PHIUS-certified Passive House Consultants, and Build It Green accredited professionals.
How do you assist with building permits?
We prepare complete permit packages and coordinate directly with local planning departments to ensure code compliance and expedite approval processes for your project.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Marin County, we serve residential clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for design, consulting, and permitting services.
Do you offer educational workshops?
Yes, we conduct regular public workshops on remodeling processes, permit requirements, and cost-benefit analysis of home renovations versus relocation.
