Blackbird Designs is a small architectural design firm based in Berkeley with more than 20 years experience, especially in kitchen remodeling, home additions and room additions. We listen closely to our clients' ideas in order to create meaningful home remodel changes in their environments. We meld your remodeling ideas with our solutions, as we continually develop a deeper design focus and incorporate appropriate "green architecture" principles.
Our Berkeley home remodel team is ready to talk with you about your kitchen remodeling ideas, home additions and any other design ideas you may have.
Our Berkeley home remodel team is ready to talk with you about your kitchen remodeling ideas, home additions and any other design ideas you may have.
Reviews (9)
Chris P.
Apr 27, 2021
Report
Andus designed a new layout for my house a few years ago. Now that I've spent almost a whole year at home, I have been able to appreciate how well the design works internally. You see, a lot of architects design for the exterior, so that it looks nice, and forget about the most important part, which is the living space.
Andus' design got rid of all the old unused space in my house. Now the 1800 square feet feels a lot larger.
The new kitchen that opens up to the deck lets in so much light, and is so pleasant to have the doors open on a nice day to have it all be one comfortable sunny
Andus' design got rid of all the old unused space in my house. Now the 1800 square feet feels a lot larger.
The new kitchen that opens up to the deck lets in so much light, and is so pleasant to have the doors open on a nice day to have it all be one comfortable sunny
S. Y.
Oct 08, 2019
Report
Tl;dr: super unreliable, would not recommend.
After about a dozen phone calls, multiple rescheduled appointments, emails that 'disappeared', two physical appointments where Andus didn't bother to show up, I finally got fed up and told him that I needed an architect who could reliably manage a huge six-figure job.
If I couldn't even get him to show up to the initial meeting, why would I want to get involved in a very stressful situation where communication and reliability are key?
After about a dozen phone calls, multiple rescheduled appointments, emails that 'disappeared', two physical appointments where Andus didn't bother to show up, I finally got fed up and told him that I needed an architect who could reliably manage a huge six-figure job.
If I couldn't even get him to show up to the initial meeting, why would I want to get involved in a very stressful situation where communication and reliability are key?
Perry G.
Mar 05, 2017
Report
We contracted Andus Brandt as a design architect for the construction of a new unit behind our existing residential structure in Berkeley, California. We noticed Andus' calm and easy going demeanor right at the first meeting of information exchange regarding our goals and expectations. He was quite clear and realistic in explaining the planning and design process as well as the road map and anticipated steps required to successfully obtain a Use Permit for the construction of the additional unit. Andus was very competent and helpful on the two main aspects of the process: (a) In interfacing
Elaine K.
Jan 24, 2015
Report
Andus just submitted the plans to the City of Oakland this week. Not only is he an imaginative designer who is responsive and easy to work with, he is very knowledgeable about the permit application process and worked quickly over the thanksgiving and christmas holidays (!) because I have a pressing deadline! I will write another review in a few months, after the renovations are done - but so far I am very happy with Blackbird Designs!
Christel L.
Mar 07, 2014
Report
Andus and team were instrumental in getting our permits for a basement conversion approved by the notoriously fickle Berkeley Planning department. Blackbird Designs were there at every step of the way, advising us on everything from window selection to siding consideration. They even coordinated with other providers like structural engineers. Most of all, we really appreciated their patience and delivering on time and budget. Highly recommended.
Le L.
Apr 10, 2012
Report
Andus and Blackbird Designs saved our project. After our original plans were rejected with a long list of corrections, we had to find another architect. Andus really helped walk us through the options for moving forward and got new plans in that finally got approved. He is very knowledgeable, particularly about the nuances of Berkeley's processes, and direct and straightforward. I have already recommended him to friends for other projects.
Sonja P.
Feb 20, 2012
Report
We called Andus to consult with us on a bathroom remodel project on our Ranch House in Concord.The master bathroom has water damage from a cracked shower pan and is tiny. We are planning to expand the bathroom and remediate the dry rot. We wanted to discuss these issues with someone other than a contractor who would be submitting a bid and might have an axe to grind. We had talked to a few contractors but whenever they said "yeah no problem," we never really felt a sense of assurance, sometimes even feeling that we were being told what we wanted to hear. By contrast, Andus charged a
Lewis S.
Jun 25, 2011
Report
We used Andus Brandt of Blackbird Designs as our architect for our condominium renovation in Berkeley during winter and spring of 2011.
His services included planning, design, facilitating the permitting process, and consultation and recommendations for hiring contractors and subcontractors.
Andus was the point person during our renovation. He has a strong background in design as well a familiarity with the idiosyncrasies of the Berkeley permitting process. He was able to translate our ideas into workable plans. His initial submission to the city of our renovation drawings/plans was approved without
His services included planning, design, facilitating the permitting process, and consultation and recommendations for hiring contractors and subcontractors.
Andus was the point person during our renovation. He has a strong background in design as well a familiarity with the idiosyncrasies of the Berkeley permitting process. He was able to translate our ideas into workable plans. His initial submission to the city of our renovation drawings/plans was approved without
Marguerite Y.
Dec 07, 2009
Report
Andus and Karen did an incredibly thoughtful whole house remodel and 160 sf addition for us for us about 5 years ago...that made our not quite 1000sf 1912 bungalow into the house we'd been wishing for. They were incredibly responsive to our ideas, and so easy to work with. And unlike other architects who charge a percentage they give you a set fee, and then bill hours within that so that you know what you're paying for all along the way. We recently had to sell our house and the buyers fell immediately in love with the work that was done...which is saying something since one of them
