Skeels Design is an award-winning architectural practice based in Berkeley, California. We specialize in custom residential, new construction, remodels, additions, resort, retreat and vineyard projects throughout California. We believe Architecture should enhance and inspire our daily lives. We strive to encourage healthy living and a sustainable planet.
Our aesthetic is inherently functional and enduring. Our design process is firmly grounded with over 24 years of experience and dedication to the elevation of our craft. Wade is one of a rare breed of architect. Not only does he have the uncanny ability to visualize and articulate compelling designs, he has that elusive ability to make all the pieces work together.
His plans are thorough and detailed, which makes building from them a pleasure. As General Contractors, we are especially grateful that was is a team player. He is always willing to work with us to make sure the design takes shape in such a way as to deliver the best, most durable results for the homeowner.
Our aesthetic is inherently functional and enduring. Our design process is firmly grounded with over 24 years of experience and dedication to the elevation of our craft. Wade is one of a rare breed of architect. Not only does he have the uncanny ability to visualize and articulate compelling designs, he has that elusive ability to make all the pieces work together.
His plans are thorough and detailed, which makes building from them a pleasure. As General Contractors, we are especially grateful that was is a team player. He is always willing to work with us to make sure the design takes shape in such a way as to deliver the best, most durable results for the homeowner.
Services
Established by Wade L. Skeels in 1997, Skeels Design was founded with a passion for great design and a strong emphasis on client satisfaction. We provide custom design architecture in Berkeley and around California. Our comprehensive design approach allows us to create buildings that are as functional as they are beautiful; that are comfortable, inspirational and well designed for living.
Our design process is a collaborative experience. As luxury custom home builders in California, we guide our clients to efficiently identify issues, constraints, and opportunities. We ask questions. We develop ideas, exploring project possibilities and purpose. Communication is essential. We listen.
Reviews (6)
Sid B.
Jan 25, 2021
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I'm a remodeling contractor who worked with Wade on a super-custom, ultra high-end remodel and addition in Tiburon. One of the most striking, compelling residential designs of which we've been a part. Wade is one of a rare breed of architect, in that, unlike many architects, he understands how all the pieces will fit together in the field. That makes our job so much easier. His plans are thorough and detailed, which makes building from them a pleasure. He is always willing to work with us to make sure the design takes shape in such a way as to deliver the best value for the homeowner
Stephen S.
Jan 24, 2021
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We have worked with Wade on several major renovations to our house. We have found him to be incredibly creative in his solutions to our problems as well as very detail oriented and able to handle all the permitting and drawings required to get the projects off the ground. One the great things with working with Wade is his ability to be flexible on the job and not let things get to him and taking our suggestions and making them work as well as his own. He also works really well with contractors and interior designers. We recommend Wade for any job - big or small.
Amy G.
Jan 22, 2021
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Wade is a great talent with mad skills and a fabulous taste level. It's fun and rewarding to brainstorm creative ideas with him and watch him turn vision into executable plans. His sense of humor also comes in handy to take the sting out of some of the stressfulness of the design, planning and building processes. We love working with Wade, and we love the end product that comes from such a great working relationship.
Vanessa W.
Jan 15, 2021
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Wade has impeccable taste and is a joy to work with. He brought creative ideas to the table, while also working collaboratively to find creative solutions to satisfy the needs of three opinionated adults in our multi-generational family! He helped us with an ADU project requiring a lot of back and forth with the City of Berkeley, for which he deftly handled the (sometimes infuriating) bureaucracy with skill and grace. Wade is an 'old school' architect -- he draws and designs by hand -- often in real time during discussions, which can be a fun and inspiring process. (He converts the designs
Todd M.
Apr 25, 2014
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In 2005 I hired Wade to remodel my home in San Francisco. The project included a complete overhaul of the lower floor living space along with some structural work to the foundation and a complete upgrade to the plumbing and electrical systems.
Wade's attention to detail and appreciation for period architecture certainly came in handy as he masterfully combined original 1912 materials and details with a floorplan that is open and better accommodates modern day living. The result was unique and functional, seamlessly integrating the two floors.
Wade's deep understanding of construction
Wade's attention to detail and appreciation for period architecture certainly came in handy as he masterfully combined original 1912 materials and details with a floorplan that is open and better accommodates modern day living. The result was unique and functional, seamlessly integrating the two floors.
Wade's deep understanding of construction
Clement P.
Mar 19, 2014
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I hired Wade on remodeling a Mission Revival / Arts & Craft home in Berkeley, CA. The home was owned by the same family since it was built in 1905 and the last upgrade and remodeling was sometime in the late 50's. The bones of the house were great but there were parts of the house -- like the small kitchen, a parlor room and a formal dining room -- that no longer fit 21st century style of living. Wade masterfully reworked the plans of the house creating more space, features and a flow that took advantage of the site. I've been in this house over 14 years now and loving the simplicity
