--- title: "Brett Marlo Design Build — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/brett-marlo-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1384292442 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1384292442.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Brett Marlo Design Build" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8473791b00b24f17_3474-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Tacoma, Washington 98406, United States" phone: "(253) 376-7935" website: http://www.brettmarlo.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 112 last_updated: 2026-08-08 --- # Brett Marlo Design Build Original Houzz profile: [Brett Marlo Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/brett-marlo-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1384292442) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Tacoma, WA - **Serves:** Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, Port Orchard, Artondale, Gig Harbor, Lakebay, Vashon, Fircrest, Wollochet, Steilacoom, Wauna, Rosedale, Bethel, Fox Island, Key Center, Burley, Home, Purdy, Ruston, Vaughn, Dash Point, City of Tacoma, Olalla - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2019), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Eco-friendly - Woman owned - 10 years in business Brett Marlo moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2004. She began Brett Marlo Designs Incorporated, and attained her Masters in Interior Architecture + Design as well as her LEED AP in Building Design + Construction. The BMDB team loves design and believes that everyone should have access to healthy, functional and thoughtful spaces; specializing in low impact building techniques, energy-efficiency and designing with aging-in-place techniques. Brett Marlo Design Build specializes in small footprint designs, DADUs and ADUs, both new builds and remodels. They specify healthy regional materials and employ local craftspeople. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Home Restoration - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Structural Engineering - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Garage Design - Deck Design - Laundry Room Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - ADU - Attached Accessory Dwellings - BuiltGreen - Compact Design - Custom Home - DADU - Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit - LEED - Local sourcing - Small footprint homes - Tiny houses - interior Design ### Areas Served - Tacoma - Lakewood - University Place - Port Orchard - Artondale - Gig Harbor - Lakebay - Vashon - Fircrest - Wollochet - Steilacoom - Wauna - Rosedale - Bethel - Fox Island - Key Center - Burley - Home - Purdy - Ruston - Vaughn - Dash Point - City of Tacoma - Olalla ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Brett Marlo Design Build | | Address | Tacoma, Washington 98406, United States | | Phone | (253) 376-7935 | | Website | http://www.brettmarlo.com | | License Number | BRETTMD892QP | | Followers on Houzz | 112 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/brett-marlo-designs-brett-marlo-design-build/352555080890 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/brettdesantis - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/brettmarlo - Blog — http://www.brettmarlo.com ## Offers Healthy Regional Small Footprint Living ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Brett Marlo Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/brett-marlo-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1384292442) - **Website:** http://www.brettmarlo.com - **Phone:** (253) 376-7935 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - BuiltGreen Hammer Award - ADU Certified Specialist - BuiltGreen 5 Star DADU - NW Green Home Tour - South Sound Green Home Tour - Gig Harbor's Finest Builder - NW Green Building Slam - 40/40 Professional Remodeler - Best of South Sound Kitchen & Bath Designer - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2019), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 17 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Debbie MacDonald, June 2018** > This is a great business. Brett and Erik are a remarkable team. Brett has a truly wonderful sense of design, color, texture and use of space. She had many unique ideas for our remodel, and has the patience of a saint. Erik is a true professional, and a perfectionist in the best sense of the word. His craftsmanship is beyond perfect. They are both a joy to have in your home, and I recommend this business without reservation. **★★★★★ — johnpauldover, Dec. 2014** > We are very happy with our kitchen design from Brett Marlo Designs! Brett made the typically overwhelming decision-making enjoyable, and we feel very confident moving forward. We gave the design team all the kitchen ideas we have been saving for years and they turned them into a beautiful, functional space. Brett definitely listened to our wants and needs, and came back to us with the perfect amount of options to make us feel involved throughout. We would definitely recommend Brett to friends and family. **★★★★★ — jdohare, Dec. 2014** > We hired Brett to help us create a cohesive look for our family room - one that leaned on existing furniture plus add a few new pieces (rug, lamps, pillows, coffee table window shades) to create a casual, comfortable space for 2 adults and 2 big dogs. The final result is beautiful - we love it! (my next project - the gallery wall around the TV) It's rustic, eclectic, casual and at the end of the day, perfect for lying around watching movies and hanging out as a family. What we like about working with Brett and Erik is that they are direct, have a great sense of humor, approachable and professional. We've worked with designers in the past that push high-end products - not Brett (unless that's what you want). She listens to what you are looking for, she is solutions-oriented and provides options that fit within budget (and she's not afraid to give you her opinion- which I like and value) We really enjoy learning from both Brett and Erik - super talented and a lot of fun to work with! Attached pics of the recent design project - BMD helped us pick out the new rug, pillows, lamps, window shades (they block the light perfectly), installed red custom media cabinets, coffee table. Note - disregard the gigantic wood square coffee table - that was our old table - better suited in a former house :) **★★★★★ — pmmurph, Dec. 2014** > We hired BMDB to remodel our kitchen. Brett has a definite eye for putting colors and ideas together, We were very pleased with the results being a quality kitchen that is not only functional but beautiful as well. We would highly recommend Brett Marlo Design Build. > Steve and Peggy Murphy **★★★★★ — citymouse23, Dec. 2014** > We would highly recommend Brett Marlo Designs! We are extremely impressed and satistifled with their detail-oriented, and thorough work, > > We had originally hired Brett Marlo Design Build after we experienced water damage due to a neighbor's leak. We were stressed and in need of a company to help us. Owner, Brett Marlo, and Project Manager Erik Brotman, of Brett Marlo Design Build handled all of the details and communication, from helping us select new finishes to overseeing deliveries, to installation, right down to the last detail. > > This time we wanted some extra design help to refresh our home. We hired Brett Marlo Designs as we greatly enjoyed working with them through the design and construction process last time. Again, we were impressed! > > Thank you Brett! We are extremely pleased, and continue to receive compliments! **★★★★★ — langhelmj, Dec. 2014** > Brett Marlo Designs provided an integrated design for the remodeling of the Eddon Boat House residence that will convert the house to a community room and private office space. Brett was professional, courteous, and timely in her interactions and deliverables. I would recommend Brett Marlo Designs for similar architectural services. **★★★★★ — 4953so, Dec. 2014** > Brett is an excellent designer. She created our home into a work of art......not your standard remodel. Would definitely hire her again and recommend her to all. **★★★★★ — ritaroanne, Dec. 2014** > I had the pleasure of meeting Brett Marlo on a professional level after she remodeled the home adjacent to a landscape project I had recently completed. I was impressed by her ability to design and build a beautiful space that blended perfectly with what had been created outside in the garden. Her attention to detail and willingness to go outside the box with design made this project amazing. > > I am currently working with Brett on a remodel of my own home and appreciate her attentiveness to what is important to me and love her creative thoughts on how to make that happen. Her knowledge, experience and love of what she does is obvious in everything she touches. As well as being a consummate professional, she Is a kind and thoughtful person. > > Rita Lillegard, Blue Wall Garden and Entry Design **★★★★★ — tfassburg, Aug. 2014** > I contacted Brett Marlo to have a look at my kitchen and make recommendations on how I could update it without a complete remodel. She arrived promptly on the appointed date and was very professional. She immediately understood my objective and made such helpful suggestions that I asked her to continue on. She then brought samples and helped me in the decision process. Within just a couple of days she provided CAD drawings of some of the changes we had discussed and sources for all the products we had chosen. > > I decided to proceed on my own from that point, but she has a Design/Build company too, should I need their help. > > Brett Marlo is a consummate professional in every way. Her creativity and resourcefulness were a tremendous help to us. **★★★★★ — pilae100, June 2014** > The best design build team ever. I love my kitchen. Brett and Erik read my needs perfectly and gave me my dream kitchen. From the lighting, to the cabinets, to some built in work to their professionalism and always clean worksite, they delivered. They are experienced, careful, met all deadlines, and were a pleasure to have around. I highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — chrispete, April 2014** > Expectations were greatly exceeded by the design/build talent and expertise of Brett Marlo Design Build. Brett stood above the others interviewed with her business process and design schematics up front. Brett and her project manager, Erik, totally renovated the master bath and kitchen, plus the wet bar, main entry, and front room fireplace areas. The innovative design and construction made a 20-year old home new and stunning. > > Attention to detail and personable communication throughout the process made working with them a pleasure and kept us within our budget. This was a stress free endeavor and four months after completion the beauty and functionality of all the improvements stand as perfectly designed and built. > > We gave ourselves a great gift when we selected Brett Marlo Design Build! > > Christine and Greg > Gig Harbor, WA **★★★★★ — Outside The Box Woodworking, Dec. 2013** > We are always happy to work with the Brett Marlo Designs team! They are easy and comfortable to work with. We enjoy brainstorming ideas to collaborate and create the perfect end result. We hope to provide more custom woodworking for future projects! ## Selected projects - [Tiny House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiny-house-pj-vj~1715023) - Location: Artondale, WA - Photos: 31 - Description: Off-grid tiny house on wheels, 204 square feet on main level, 2 lofts, sleeps 6 adults with fold down sofa. Has radiant floor heat, fireplace, ample kitchen + shower + composting toilet. 2.2KW solar, 50 gal freshwater + 50 gal greywater tank. come schedule a tour! - [Fox Island Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fox-island-remodel-pj-vj~747040) - Location: Fox Island, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: This residential remodel included: kitchen, living room, dining room and interior and exterior stairwell, and deck. We bumped out what was the existing dinette area and placed the kitchen in a prime spot for views. This home was updated to reflect the client's love of blue and orange! Materials employed included: marmoleum flooring, solid surface countertops, fun energy-efficient lighting, corrugated metal siding, opaque glass cabinet fronts and more! - [Tiny House Farmstay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiny-house-farmstay-pj-vj~2732072) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: Check out this movable tiny house we designed and built for the Chittles to host farmstays.... - [Newcastle Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newcastle-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~571940) - Location: Newcastle, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: We took a typical mid-size builder kitchen and gave it an attitude. We employed knotty alder, painted and stained, local urban hardwoods, salvaged cabinetry and hardware, USA made tile and sustainable furniture. - [A Chef's Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-chef-s-kitchen-pj-vj~5474987) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Artist's Tiny Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artist-s-tiny-home-pj-vj~5474991) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Keeping up with the Joneses'](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/keeping-up-with-the-joneses-pj-vj~5475008) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [A Bumpin' House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-bumpin-house-pj-vj~5474985) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [YMCA ADA Cabins](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ymca-ada-cabins-pj-vj~5475013) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Calming Condo Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calming-condo-remodel-pj-vj~5474993) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Farmhouse Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-remodel-pj-vj~595936) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Tiny Coffee Shop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiny-coffee-shop-pj-vj~5475010) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Tacoma Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tacoma-remodel-pj-vj~116790) - Location: Tacoma, WA - Photos: 4 - [Gig Harbor Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gig-harbor-remodel-pj-vj~116779) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 7 - [Ollala Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ollala-remodel-pj-vj~1464377) - Location: Tacoma, WA - Photos: 5 - [Gig Harbor Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gig-harbor-condo-pj-vj~116797) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 3 - [Gig Harbor Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gig-harbor-addition-pj-vj~116897) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 6 - [Ollala Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ollala-remodel-pj-vj~595927) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Newcastle Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newcastle-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~571931) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Northwest based kitchen remodel. We took a typical builder-type kitchen and gave it it's own identity with a mix of stained and painted woods, salvaged materials and sustainable furniture. - [The Wine Studio of Gig Harbor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-wine-studio-of-gig-harbor-pj-vj~310856) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 9 - Description: This commercial space was a tenant improvement that took place early in 2013. We had an extremely tight budget and pulled off a killer design using salvaged materials, redefining existing surfaces and employing energy saving lighting. [See all 25 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/brett-marlo-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1384292442) ## Community Q&A **Q: Why type of composting toilet was used in this project?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for asking! We are using Nature's head. **Q: Where are the tables & chairs from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The chairs and tables are from Restoration Hardware. **Q: Table** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes the dining table? Thanks! A: This table was custom design and built to fit this expansive kitchen. We employed regional and salvaged woods with a faux copper inlay. **Q: love the railing designs. What company are they from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Dan, So happy you asked about the railing! We love it too. At Brett Marlo Designs, we love to do the most with what the client already has (saving resources + $= everyone's happy)...so we were able to save top rail (banister) and design new posts (spindles) to give this home a whole new look and feel. The design was inspired from branches right outside this home. We abstracted the shapes and played with the design in many configurations until we decided upon this design. The overall concept for this residence was east meets west. Employing natural forms added organic lines to what is typically rigid straight forms. I hope this answer helps. Design to your hearts desire and find a local manufacturer to bring your design to life! Thank you for reminding me about the fun we had designing this space!!! Brett **Q: floor** *(in Photo Questions)* how can I havs these floors? A: Hi David, The floors are Marmoleum Click, I highly recommend Marmoleum. It is healthy, easy to maintain and looks as beautiful as the day it was installed over five years ago! It is resilient, and great underfoot. On top of all that, you can create different patterns. Here's the link to the company, Forbo: http://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-us/products/residential-products/marmoleum-click/buqb9m Good luck! Brett **Q: Island Light Pendants** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the pendant lights from? A: Hi gicltd, These pendants are the Mobius design from Hubbardton Forge, modern American blacksmiths. Their quality of work is amazing. The metal stems are specified as dark smoke, in extra short due to the ceiling height, with natural cork as the shade. They let off a truly warm glow. Thank you for asking! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-08.*