Nilus Designs

My wife and I have hired Nilus Designs for two major house renovations - so far! I'm sure Nilus will be our first choice for our next project. First house, in Glen Park, San Francisco was an extensive renovation on a very unusual 1/4 acre lot which included doubling an existing house, adding a bespoke standalone studio and gym, and close coordination with the landscapers to pull it all together. Most recent home is in Marin (San Anselmo) where Nilus directed a major interior renovation including moving and redesigning the kitchen and interior spaces, replacing an entire wall with glass sliders, the design and construction of two large decks with a custom pool, spa and outdoor shower, and a separate outbuilding for a pool table, on two acres with a great view. Nilus is a joy to work with, a true creative thinker, and delivers wonderfully livable, light-filled spaces. Highly recommended.

We had hired Nilus Designs for an extensive residential remodel in San Francisco, Noe Valley. Nilus Designs not only provided plans and renderings, but also guided us through the entire design and construction process, from finding contractors, dealing with neighbor and neighborhood issues to getting plans approved by the city. We learned that building and remodeling in san francisco can be a challenging process involving neighbors and the planning department, but Nilus Designs successfully eased us through the entire process. I would describe the strength of Nilus Designs is in providing great space planning, including indoor and outdoor spaces, internal flow of rooms, highly modern/contemporary detailing, great use of glass and light, and generally a great partner and listener to do a project with.

We've worked with Nilus to design two very different houses and been extremely happy with both the process and results each time. The first was a 4 bedroom 1918 Edwardian home in SF and the most recent was a 6 bedroom mid century modern home in SF. A few reasons why we strongly recommend working with Nilus include: -- The architectural style of each house was important to us. We wanted to work within that style. His design recommendations fit perfectly for our vision of the home we wanted to create and at the same time complimented each house's architecture. -- He provided straight forward design solutions to solve complex architectural problems...and we had several. -- He is so thorough in is work that when he makes a design or architectural recommendation, we trust him. -- He continually communicates...with his clients, contractors and suppliers...to make sure everyone is on the same page. That made a big difference in both the design and construction phases for us. -- And finally, he worked within our budgets and timelines for each house. We're looking forward to the next time we can work with Nilus.

Nilus is a true partner for home renovation! He immediately understood our needs and budget requirements and developed a design language that was consistent with his style (which we love) but suited to fit the practicality of our lives with 2 small children. He and his team moved fast per our request, got the planning done, and helped us in the contractor selection process. Nilus also managed the project hands on, especially when we were traveling out of the country for 6 weeks during a critical phase. Most importantly, Nilus was always looking for ways to save us time and money, and kept us focused on the project, without any scope creep. Nilus is also connected to a great network of cabinet makers and other professionals that he brought to bear. He is humble and a real pleasure to work with.

Not only is Nilus brilliant, but he is also a lovely person to work with. I have now worked with him on two extensive house renovations/additions. Both finished projects are beautiful (modern, warm, comfortable). And I still think the world of him and his work at the end of it all.

Nilus transferred my well functioning 3000 sq ft photo studio into an equally functioning, but higher style, 900 sq ft live/work space. And all within my limited budget. I would trust him with any project.