--- title: "David Ludwig - Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-ludwig-architect-pfvwus-pf~1132556730 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1132556730.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "David Ludwig - Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0623bfca087d4470_1768-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "California, United States" latitude: 37.2502 longitude: -119.7513 phone: "(415) 722-8488" website: http://www.ludwigdesign.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 183 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # David Ludwig - Architect Original Houzz profile: [David Ludwig - Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-ludwig-architect-pfvwus-pf~1132556730) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** CA - **Serves:** San Rafael, San Pablo, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Santa Venetia, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Greenbrae, Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2012–2018), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Houzz Research - Insider I specialize in the design of residential remodels and new homes. I work in many styles, but I have a special place in my heart for lodge style and arts and crafts. I was trained as a carpenter by my father and put myself through architecture school by remodeling apartments in Berkeley. After graduation from CAL, I started a design-build business in the East Bay, completing 115 projects before closing my business and moving to Marin and joining the firm Polsky Architects. There I completed an additional 81 projects, leaving Polsky in 2004 and opened my own firm in San Anselmo. I moved to Sausalito in 2009 then on to Sonoma in 2018 and Cobb in 2020. In all, I have completed 200 projects, I use ArchiCAD to design my projects so that I can share 3D images with my clients from conception through detailed design. My web site LudwigDesign.com is an on-line collection of galleries displaying my architecture, a variety of my creative art projects and my design philosophy. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Prefab Houses - Rooftop Deck Installation - Log Home Construction ### Areas Served - San Rafael - San Pablo - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Santa Venetia - Ross - Belvedere - Fairfax - Stinson Beach - Muir Beach - Greenbrae - Napa Valley - Sonoma Valley ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 1 million Job Costs above reflect construction costs alone, add 20% for design and engineering Total Project Cost are typically: $500,000 - $2,000,000 These costs are for anything from a large home remodel to a custom home. Remodeled residential space in the SF Bay area: $450-$550/sf, new space $550-$650/sf. Design fees are typically 10% of construction cost ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | David Ludwig - Architect | | Address | California, United States | | Phone | (415) 722-8488 | | Website | http://www.ludwigdesign.com/ | | License Number | C9614 | | Followers on Houzz | 183 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — Ludwig Design Architecture Studio - Blog — www.ludwigdesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [David Ludwig - Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-ludwig-architect-pfvwus-pf~1132556730) - **Website:** http://www.ludwigdesign.com/ - **Phone:** (415) 722-8488 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California Licensed Architect. California General Contractor (inactive). Published 30 times. 196 completed projects - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2012–2018), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — E Weber, Nov. 2017** > David was the architect of an extensive remodel of our Larkspur home, including a kitchen and the main living areas. He skillfully culled through seemingly diverse requests from my husband and me and coaxed us towards a plan that exceeded both our expectations and was within our budget. He is creative and willing to explore options while still being mindful of the need for efficiency and staying within budget restraints. He has a delightful personality and he did work well with our contractors and our designer. We have been involved in other remodeling projects but this one was the most pleasant of them all, due to the team we put together and David, of course, was a key part of that team. **★★★★★ — Patrick Ritter, Oct. 2017** > We have used David for two remodeling projects, one a major house expansion and redo. He has excellent architectural skills and a good eye for value-added designs. Having worked with many architects, one of the things we like about David a lot is that he is an excellent listener. He elicits and understands our goals and values. Then, rather than foisting his own ideas on the project, he turns our values into outstanding designs, all at a reasonable cost. Remodeling can be stressfull, at the least, but David turns the design into an enjoyable and creative process. **★★★★★ — Val Hornstein, Oct. 2017** > I have done multiple projects with David on different properties. David has exceptional design vision combined the ability to clearly communicate it. David's ideas have been valuable in both long range planning and detailed project components. He's also extremely personable and easy to work with with an encyclopedic knowledge of design and alternate building concepts. **★★★★★ — Darrell Boyle, Oct. 2017** > David was the architect for a family lodge on our cattle ranch in Monterey County. His services are highly recommended. He is professional, thorough, creative and efficient. I found his taste to be exceptional. He is a detailed listener and probed our objectives to make sure he got it. He followed up with conceptual drawings to test his understanding. Using CAD applications he was able to iterate on drawings quickly and he delivered files I could share via email. The end result exceeded our expectations in spite of some challenging budget issues. **★★★★★ — Kerr Construction, Inc., Dec. 2014** > I have been working with David for almost 30 years. He started out as a contractor before becoming an architect, and because of his knowledge and experience in the field, he has always been a pleasure to work with. He has helped me bring numerous projects to life by providing amazing attention to detail, and always helped to get projects completed in a timely fashion. David brings to the table a lot of practical construction knowledge, along with unique architectural creativity. As a builder and a friend, I look forward to more collaborations in the future. **★★★★★ — dodielindsay, Feb. 2014** > We have worked with David through five remodels of varying sizes, the last of which included updating a kitchen, bathroom and guest room and incorporating Craftsman detailing throughout. David is creative, he knows how to utilize space, and he has worked to meet our needs as our children have grown and left home. For each project, he has provided us with inspiration, opening spaces, utilizing space more efficiently, creating Craftsman inglenooks and wainscoting, and specifying amazing lighting. He has provided us with detailed plans and drawings for city permits, and advice through all the construction phases. He makes himself easily available to the contractor and to us through both the mundane and difficult stages of building. He knows materials and understands construction, and he is infinitely patient. His work leaves us, and visitors to our house, thinking: "wow." **★★★★★ — athenakatsaros, Jan. 2014** > I've worked with David on a number of projects in my home. There are so many qualities I appreciate in him. He is able to understand my lifestyle and how I want to live in my home and translate that into a vision. He asks great questions that help me clarify how I envision the changes I want. He translates that vision into detailed drawings that contractors can understand and work with. And he is there every step of the way making sure that the work is done to a high standard of quality and brings the vision to life. I love working with David and highly recommend him to anyone who wants to work with a creative, patient, and visionary architect who will be your partner through the whole process. ## Selected projects - [Lafayette Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lafayette-barn-pj-vj~143) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: An original Charles Moore designed Sea-Ranch style home in the SF Bay Area. The current owners found his original floor plan to be wanting, with no entry visible from the parking area, guests would wander around the property looking for a way in. We researched Charles Moore's design evolution in his own work and discovered that in later projects, he introduced the concept of an interior "street" to clarify circulation issues. We expanded Master Bed/Bath and DIning areas and we punched our versio… - [Ross Mid-Century Moderne Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ross-mid-century-moderne-residence-pj-vj~153) - Location: Ross, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: The clients were inspired by the Streamline Moderne Style of the 1930s. The original 1930's bungalow was remodeled to simplify and clarify the design style, flow and circulation. Moderne elements were added and repeated. An existing pool and surrounding decks were updated. This project was designed while I was a Project Architect at Polsky Architects. - [Oakland MacIntosh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-macintosh-pj-vj~147) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: New home constructed after the Oakalnd Fire to emulate the work of Charles Renee MacIntosh. Project designed while I was the Project Architect at Polsky Architects in Larkspur, CA - [Kent Woodlands East-Coast Shingle-Style Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kent-woodlands-east-coast-shingle-style-residence-pj-vj~149) - Location: Kentfield, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Large, classic East-Coast Shingle Style home in Kent Woodlands, designed for relaxed living with a touch of other-coast tradition. Entry drive and porch recall the stately character of classic architecture. Interior moulding and trims complete the theme of classic elegance. This project was designed while I was senior Design Associate at Polsky Architects. Landscape by MIke Yandle, interior by Wendy Boussard. - [Kentfield New-Primative Style Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kentfield-new-primative-style-residence-pj-vj~155) - Location: Kentfield, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Client wanted a 3400 sf "rammed-earth" style home (thick, massive walls with deep insets around openings), but current engineering prevented a two-story design, so we built the exterior walls with 2x12 studs and bevelled the openings to mimic the rammed earth detailing. The "New-Primative" style calls for raw, authentic use of materials, so we went with a corrogated roof. THe client wanted to see the roofing from the inside, which would have procluded the use of roof insulation, so we doubled th… - [Mill Valley Shingle Style Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-shingle-style-residence-pj-vj~154) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Remodel of and addition to a shingle-style home emulating the style of East Coast Architect Robert A. M. Stern. Client was a bibliophile with dust allergies so we created a central library along the sides of the main staircase and enclosed the books behind glass doors. Property is on the edge of a National Recreation Area with vast open space. SIte is a ridge top with frequent wind requiring shelter at the pool area. Project was completed while I was the Senior Design Associate at Polsky Archite… - [Chico Contemporary Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chico-contemporary-residence-pj-vj~157) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This is a new 5-bedroom, 5 bath contemporary ranch home on an almond farm near Chico (Durham) CA. The owners grew up in the area and decided to move back to aise his family in the rural setting. Having lived in the BAy area, they were bold risk-takers who encouraged an unusual design with bold forms and finishes. I undertook this design while I was a Project Architect at Polsky Architects, - [Bobcat Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bobcat-lodge-pj-vj~151) - Location: McCall, ID - Photos: 14 - Description: This is a classic lodge-style home in rural Oregon, created as a family compound with kids and adult wings and a central shared common space. It is sited overlooking Loon Lake near where the family lived and vacationed as the kids (now adults) were growing up. The name comes from our experience finding a bobcat on the property during our initial design visit. Design completed while I was Senior Design Associate at Polsky Architects. - [Greenbrae Contemporary Art Gallery Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenbrae-contemporary-art-gallery-home-pj-vj~156) - Location: Kentfield, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: The client is an art collector and was seeking a design that would allow her to showcase her extensive collection of tribal art. We remodelled this mid-century home with a full-house gallery in mind. Colors, lighting and views were important. We replaced exterior walls with glass and supported the roof on existingmetal columns, which were inconsistent with the overall design theme, so we covered themetal pipe elements with thicker split wood columns. We removed the flat ceiling from the Great ro… - [Ketchum Idaho Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ketchum-idaho-lodge-pj-vj~150) - Location: Ketchum, ID - Photos: 5 - Description: This is a new lodge-style home near Sun Valley. The design includes two large barn-like buildings with special roof detailing due to the extreme cold temperatures in this location. Main living spaces are on the lower floor and a large cupola brings light into a central stair. The garage has a large multi-purpose room above for use by guests or as an ADU. This project was designed while was the Senior Design Associate at Polsky Architects - [San Anselmo Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-anselmo-mediterranean-pj-vj~209) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Remodel and addition to e mid-century home with focus on capturing and creating a Mediterranean aesthetic. Confusing entry sequence was corrected by converting a small bedroom to a new entry. An unused atrium was opened up and featured as a focal point. A two-story addition at the back provided more space for bedrooms with the Master Suite upstairs. Project was undertaken while I was a Project Architect at Polsky Architects - [Nicasio Craftsman Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nicasio-craftsman-lodge-pj-vj~148) - Location: Nicasio, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: This is a 3500 sf arts and crafts style lodge derrived from the work of the great Pasedina Architects Green and Green. The general from is called "wedding cake" as the upper floors and cupola successively step back to give a wedding cake effect. This project was designed during the time I was a Project Architect at Polsky Architects. PUBLISHED: Better Homes and Gardens, March 2000, "The Lodge Life", by Shawn Gilliam. Elegant Interiors, February 2000, Ann McArdle American Bungalow, Summer 1995, "… - [Nicasio Adirondack Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nicasio-adirondack-lodge-pj-vj~144) - Location: Nicasio, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: The Adirondack style for lodge design originated in upper state New York toward the end of the 1800s as wealthy families were seeking to leave the hot and crowded cities along the east coast. They travelled by train into the nearby mountains, purchased pristine land along the shores of the plentiful lakes and created a unique architectural style based on the common vernacular of the area. PUBLISHED: American Bungalow, Fall 2001, "Nicasio Nirvanna" by Michelle Granger-Brown. - [Belvedere Zen-Med Contemporary Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belvedere-zen-med-contemporary-residence-pj-vj~158) - Location: Belvedere, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Remodel of a mid-century bungalow with an eye toward simplification of art and forms to reflect the client's interest in Asian culture, art and music. Collaboration with Candace Killman Interior Design. - [Ross Victorian Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ross-victorian-farmhouse-pj-vj~152) - Location: Ross, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Complete remodel of and addition to a traditional craftsman farmhouse on a large property. Classic interior detailing with generous mouldings and materials. Redesign of floor plan to provide improved circulation between front entry and rear yard. inlaw cottage and pool added in rear yard. Turned and shaped moldings were used to create classic elements such as columns and wainscoting, and those were repeated to tie the new design together. This project was designed while I was the Senior Design A… - [Nicasio Hacienda](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nicasio-hacienda-pj-vj~3743) - Location: Nicasio, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Hacienda-style 9 bedroom, 6 bath family compound in west Marin County overlooking Nicasio Resevoir. Remodel of original compound built in 1985, to improve approaches, access, flow within and between buildings/spaces, improve detailing, expand and update outdoor spaces. - [Ross Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ross-lodge-pj-vj~3745) - Location: Ross, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This is a contemporary lodge-style home with an interior style that I like to call "new primitive". It is sited against the base of a hill on a flag lot so that the "front" and "back" yards are combined in front to maximize play area for the kids. The hillside has 2 cabins accessed by a "hillevator" inclined elevator. This project was designed while I was the Senior Design Associate at Polsky Architects. PUBLISHED: Marin Magazine, April 2007, "Lodge Living" by P. J. Bremier - [Mill Valley Lodge Style Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-lodge-style-residence-pj-vj~738843) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Lodge-style home sharing a double-lot with a redwood grove. Central Great-Room space provides for Kitchen, DIning, Pool table, seating/TV viewing, and kids homework areas. Bi-folding french doors open out to large outdoor living area with outdoor kitchen, eating and fireplace nestled into a redwood grove. In-law ADU over the garage. Central double-sided stone-faced fireplace with copper hood faces both dining and seating areas - [Japanese Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-farmhouse-pj-vj~6003263) - Location: Jenner, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This is a pole/kit house modified to meet the clients needs. Itis based on a traditional Japanese farmehouse design. The steep roof (8:12) and cupola are part of the traditional elements. It is sited high above highway 1 northof Jenner overlooking the pacific. This project was designed while I was a Project Architect at Polsky Architects - [The Studio of Second Nature Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-studio-of-second-nature-interiors-pj-vj~2267447) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-ludwig-architect-pfvwus-pf~1132556730) ## Ideabooks - [kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55288452/list/kitchens) — 6 ideas - [Barn Houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127273695/list/barn-houses) — 16 ideas - [decorative pendant light fix](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127038733/list/decorative-pendant-light-fix) — 4 ideas - [interior glass elevators](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127038369/list/interior-glass-elevators) — 5 ideas - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127037532/list/exteriors) — 29 ideas - [Zen Med](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47963708/list/zen-med) — 68 ideas - [French Country](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125829723/list/french-country) — 45 ideas - [Hillside Plans](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/124429826/list/hillside-plans) — 42 ideas - [Courtyard Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120344280/list/courtyard-gardens) — 43 ideas - [Pools And Patios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91554796/list/pools-and-patios) — 4 ideas - [Tansu](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60100880/list/tansu) — 25 ideas - [Garden Gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60052324/list/garden-gates) — 32 ideas - [Stained glass](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59300684/list/stained-glass) — 20 ideas - [A V Cabinets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57184398/list/a-v-cabinets) — 23 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48115020/list/lighting) — 17 ideas - [Cubbies](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18296053/list/cubbies) — 9 ideas - [Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18061835/list/doors) — 42 ideas - [library](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9692039/list/library) — 1 idea - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9692024/list/fireplaces) — 1 idea - [skylights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9691483/list/skylights) — 1 idea [See all 21 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/davidl) ## Community Q&A **Q: Were the cabinets, especialy the fronts custom, and what wood species?** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful kitchen, would like to made cabinet doors like them for my home remodeling project I'm not a designer or architect, but I have a lot of cabinet making skills. Thanks A: All interior colors and finishes were selected by The interior designer Candace Killman who is also on Houzz. She knows the exact names of colors and finishes. These are riff cut white oak and they were custom made by a local custom-modular (European style) cabinet company in San Francisco. Candace knows the name. Cedar would have wider more contrasting graining. **Q: I love the look of the wood** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please tell me what species of wood you used for the ceiling? Thanks A: This ceiling is the original Eichler material ca 1950. I’m guessing 2x6 t&g Pine. It was stripped and refinished my our painter. He added a light semi-transparent stain to reduce the contrast in the natural graining, then finished with a coat of satin clear poly. **Q: Where is vanity from** *(in Photo Questions)* Wondering if it is custom? How long is it? A: Custom build. **Q: Beautiful home! Can you share the height from grade to top?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you so much! A: I do not have access to the drawings but I can tell you that the ceiling on the ground floor was 10', floor thickness, 1', upper floor ceiling 9', roof pitch 6:12 with attic at ridge about 8'. That is a total of 28' There is a 35' height limitation on that property. **Q: Hi** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes the vanity base? Thanks! A: Please contact the interior designer, who selected this item. Candace Killman at CandaceKillman.com **Q: Beautiful pool/landscape! What is the pool finish/color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Garden design my Mike Yandle of Ross. Contact him directly for details. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*