--- title: "ESS Design+Build — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/ess-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1703195081 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1703195081.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "ESS Design+Build" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7e03922801377427_6974-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2708 South Lamar Blvd #200-C, Austin, Texas 78704, United States" latitude: 30.2428 longitude: -97.7658 phone: "(512) 436-3261" website: http://www.ecosafespaces.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 190 last_updated: 2026-09-10 --- # ESS Design+Build Original Houzz profile: [ESS Design+Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/ess-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1703195081) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Serves:** Austin, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Onion Creek - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Unique, in every sense of the word. Hands down, the most personalized relationship-based building experience offered in our native Austin, TX. We attend every design & selection meeting, large or small, methodically orchestrating detailed project plans via our patented pre-construction processes, with zero disconnect between office & field. In terms of health conciseness & overall sustainability practices, we are without question the Whole Foods of our industry. When it comes to service, VIP treatment is all we know. While remaining client based, our ever evolving design style is termed "Common-sense Contemporary" timeless, agile, intuitive, fresh, and free flowing. We are artists with child like imaginations, unrestricted, confident, fun, & creative; full of ideas & opinions, but never overbearing or wasteful. Like Yoda, emotional intelligence comes easy to us; so does communication in all forms including verbal, visual, & written. We hold black belts in building science, & stay connected to other industry leaders throughout the world. Technologically, we're aggressive & cutting edge, including being fully BIM capable. Our positive energy & competitive culture is contagious, drawing the absolute best talent around from top to bottom, especially our in-house finish team. During our first decade of existence, we've have had the pleasure of building some of the most stunning healthy, happy, & harmonious spaces this city has ever seen; subtly & consistently providing their inhabitants with a beautiful thing: the ideal state of mind. And let me tell you, that's what you want. Assuming a good fit, we'd love to be your build partner, if you can wait for us that is... Currently taking clients for pre-construction services in '17, but backlogged for project starts until '18. Design+Build or Just Build (w/ an outside architect) --Specializing in Custom Homes & Whole House Renovations Also performing on occasion: -Commercial Tenant Finish-Out -Historic Restorations -Small Scale Development ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Building Design - 3D Rendering - Historic Building Conservation - Site Planning ### Areas Served - Austin - West Lake Hills - Barton Creek - Onion Creek ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 1,000,000 / plus ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | ESS Design+Build | | Address | 2708 South Lamar Blvd \#200-C, Austin, Texas 78704, United States | | Phone | (512) 436-3261 | | Website | http://www.ecosafespaces.com | | License Number | TRCC Licensed, Builder \#39804 | | Followers on Houzz | 190 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/EcoSafe-Spaces-LLC/133602230024 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/DesignBuildDoug - Blog — http://designbuilddoug.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [ESS Design+Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/ess-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1703195081) - **Website:** http://www.ecosafespaces.com - **Phone:** (512) 436-3261 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LEED Green Associate, LEED GA, Best of Houzz 14,15,16,17 - TRCC Licensed, Builder \#39804 - Water Intrusion & Mold Assessment Training - Environmental Management System Training - BBB Accredited Business - BPI Building Analysis - USGBC Green Home Professional - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2017), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Robin Muller, Jan. 2017** > It is with great pleasure that I am rating ESS and Doug Cameron with the highest recommendation! I cannot say enough about the positive building experience that my sister and I had with the garage/apartments ESS built for us. Doug's knowledge, attention to detail, the quality of the vendors he uses, his recommendations and ideas are unmatched. Doug always made himself available (no matter the time) to answer questions and solve any issues that arose throughout the project. His use of video explanations (because I was out of town) was an invaluable tool. Doug captured our vision from the very beginning and that made it easy to work with him. The level of detail through every step of the process is evident in the finished product; it is truly AWESOME and I wouldn't change a thing! If you are looking for an honest, hard working builder who will put you first, help you through the building process and deliver a well built product within cost, then ESS is the company you should use. You will be very happy that you did! **★★★★★ — jmullertx, Jan. 2017** > I would recommend EcoSafe to anyone looking to build or add onto their home. By luck I was introduced to Doug Cameron and after the initial meeting I knew I needed to look no further. He understood what my goals were (unique spaces for sister and elderly Mom to relocate) and a limited budget. Doug was mindful throughout the process and listened to our ideas/desires and offered his suggestions to accomplish a stunning final product. Doug was VERY QUICK TO RESPOND to all of our questions or concerns. This was a huge financial risk for me...it was as close to a perfect situation as I could have hoped for. Basically Doug is a good guy, he cares very much about how he does his work...and he can provide you with true craftsmen regarding carpentry and painting. **★★★★★ — Caron Hanes, Jan. 2017** > ESS Design+Build transformed my boring 20 year old track house into a home of unique space, beauty, and livability. Doug Cameron worked with me to realize my vision of light, color, and access to nature throughout the house. His professionalism, knowledge and quality of work are outstanding. He stayed in budget and on schedule. **★★★★★ — Jeanne Cain, Nov. 2016** > If this your first time to do a remodel or a full building project, it is vitally important that you connect with a company and builder who can make this as positive an experience as possible. Doug Cameron, at EcoSafe Spaces, proved to be not only one who knows the industry standards, but is an avid researcher of the latest materials and processes to ensure quality construction. Even when on a tight budget he was careful to run all decisions past us to ensure we were in agreement on directions for each segment of the build-out. Most notable, he was patient with our many queries and concerns and strove to give thorough answers. He, too, is an "artisan builder" which dove-tailed well with our need to have this project be a thoughtful and artistically executed living space. Simply put, he is a gracious, fair-minded person who's integrity will deliver a once in a life time expression of the dream house you are seeking to construct. **★★★★★ — Carol Lynch, Dec. 2015** > In a word…. FANTASTIC!!!! (not something you'd hear everyday about dealing with a contractor) I have dealt with many that were not "fantastic" > Working with ESS was effortless. They work very hard to build a relationship with their client. I didn't wait days to hear back…. or even hours. If I had a question and texted, I'd hear back 90% of the time almost immediately. NEVER in my years (in the design business) have I seen such craftsmanship. You don't know a bad paint job until you see a FANTASTIC paint job. The same goes for my tile and hardwoods. ESS made my ideas come to life. It actually turned out better than I could have imagined. > I am so grateful for their hard work. I walk into my newly designed area and it brings a smile to my face. Thank you ESS. **★★★★★ — berndt\_mader, Dec. 2014** > Doug, Joe and Bianca were truly amazing to work with. Super detailed and professional. Again and again we were amazed at how much care and ownership they took with our project. They were a great ally to have as we ventured into the unfamiliar territory (for us) of renovating a house. They always had our back and made sure we got the most bang for our buck. Can't say enough about how much we would trust them with any project, large or small. Great work from great folks. **★★★★★ — gjasmaira, Oct. 2014** > We recently purchased a home that required updating/renovating inside, and had 30 days to turn this work around. Trailing a young family, we needed a professional contractor that could meet the timing requirements of the project, and deliver the quality we expected. Doug and EcoSafe Spaces exceeded our expectations in all aspects of this work! > > Our project included interior design recommendations and required demolition and removal of walls & existing flooring (installation of new hardwood floors), asbestos abatement, renovating bathrooms, and repainting of the entire house. Literally, taking a 70s era home and updating it to 21st century style. > > Doug's design vision helped us identify walls to remove that opened up and introduced new spaces to the home. His recommendations modernized the flow and layout of our home in ways that made it more "livable" for our young family. > > As the early demo phase started, Doug discovered asbestos in the popcorn ceiling in the living room. Normally, something like this would greatly impact timing and budget, but EcoSafe Spaces were able to quickly, safely, and affordably address the asbestos abatement issue and still stay within the 30 day schedule. > > During this time, EcoSafe Spaces also removed carpeting from the entire home, including the bathrooms, and masterfully installed new hardwood flooring throughout. > > Prior to selecting Doug we had evaluated flooring contractors separately, but notice that most of their work left spaces or holes in the installed hardwood, especially around existing structures like fireplaces. Unlike the sloppy work of others, Doug and his team paid amazing attention to detail. While installing our new wood flooring, his team evenly scribed the stone under the fireplace allowing the hardwood to be slid underneath the stone. This attention to detail made it look like the hardwoods were always here - giving the home a more warm and purposeful update. > > As with the flooring installation, the trim and painting of the home highlights the craftsmanship and attention to detail EcoSafe Spaces can deliver. The quality of the paint job throughout the home is beautiful - no visible blushes/blemishes or errant spots of paint. We've been in the home many months now, and have yet to find any mistakes in the paint job quality. > > We can't overemphasize the attention to detail and overall craftsmanship of Doug and his EcoSafe team. Simply put EcoSafe Spaces did an amazing job on our renovation, working efficiently and masterfully. They completed the work within the project deadline and the agreed upon budget. > > We already have other renovation (and maybe some remodel) projects in mind, and will definitely rehire Doug and his team to bring their vision and craftsmanship to help make our home beautiful and inviting. > > Doug/EcoSafe Spaces > Professionalism - Excellent > Responsiveness - Excellent > Work Quality - Excellent **★★★★★ — Gregory Montes, June 2014** > We chose EcoSafe Spaces to complete our kitchen remodel and small house addition. They did an amazing job and the end result was more than we had imagined. Doug was a pleasure to work with, very professional and gave a great attention to detail. Doug and his team were fabulous to work with.............. > So good, we are looking towards a Phase II remodel and will certainly have EcoSafe Spaces complete that job!! **★★★★★ — lesleec, June 2014** > We were introduced to EcoSafe Spaces thru our decorator who hadn't used them but had heard great things about the company. We were very impressed not only with the contractors professional knowledge of all work needed for our kitchen and powder room facelifts but also of his artistic eye. He worked so well with the us and our decorator to ensure we were getting quality materials at a good price. Our budget was established up front with no "surprise" addional charges. The timeline for completion was clearly explained and every effort was made to allow us full use of kitchen during the makeover. (Thank you for that!) All of the workers who helped make our home so beautiful we're extremely professional, and the quality of the workmanship was top notch! From tilers to painters, plumbers to electricians, carpenters to countertop specialist, these guys were the best! > > Overall we were very pleased with EcoSafe Spaces and look forward to our next project with this company. **★★★★★ — Kyle Bunch, May 2014** > Doug and EcoSafe Spaces have been a godsend for us since we moved into our new house. In the design/planning process, they have they brought knowledge and proactive suggestions to the table that have unquestionably made our house better; as we moved into execution, they consistently went the extra mile to ensure work got done on time, on budget, and meeting (and often exceeding) our expectations. Even after our project wrapped, they're always willing to come back and help with little additional items around the house. > > I would give EcoSafe Spaces the highest level of recommendation/endorsement possible. **★★★★★ — kimbersays, Dec. 2013** > Doug and his team completely transformed our dark and dingy bathroom into a light-filled, open and modern space with professionalism and great humor. He knew exactly what I wanted and wasn't afraid to offer a better suggestion. Doug has worked on projects with clients and friends and they have also been beautifully managed. I have recommended Doug and his team to friends and would do so again in a heartbeat. **★★★★★ — algrabiel, March 2013** > Honest professional service with great looking results > > We hired EcoSafe Spaces to remodel our 2 bedroom bungalow in Travis Heights. Even before we began construction, Doug helped us come up with a strategy of phasing our project that worked with our budget and our growing family. > > Throughout the process, Doug was great to work with - very thoughtful and conscientious. He was easy to contact, and always responsive to our questions, keeping us satisfied and the project running smoothly. > > We are not finished with the final phases of our remodel, and yet, our home feels completely transformed thanks to the work of Doug Cameron and the team at EcoSafe Spaces. > > We are looking forward to working with them on the next phases. ## Selected projects - [Vimana (in progress)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vimana-in-progress-pj-vj~2288929) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 2 - Description: Architecture by Webber Studio Vimana is an Incredible four-story home soon to be gracefully overlooking the scenic shores of Lake Travis. - [Inglewood (in progress)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inglewood-in-progress-pj-vj~2123355) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 2 - Description: Mark Odom Studio captures the essence of mid-century modern with this elegant two-story home nestled right in the heart of central Austin! - [Lightroom (in progress)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lightroom-in-progress-pj-vj~2255544) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 3 - Description: By ESS Design+Build - [Labyrinth (in design)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/labyrinth-in-design-pj-vj~2290355) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 1 - Description: By ESS Design+Build - [Holly](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/holly-pj-vj~793922) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 45 - Description: Architecture by Glen Chappell Our Holly project's stunning winged roof lines and contemporary design dramatically upped the Annie on the architectural future of a rapidly evolving East Austin. - [Werner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/werner-pj-vj~1244045) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 20 - Description: Architecture by Furman + Keil Architects This whole house down to the (rotted) studs Cherrywood reno, turned out amazing, and still totally fit in with the neighborhood. All paint colors were picked by client. - [Oaklane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oaklane-pj-vj~185512) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 38 - Description: By ESS Design+Build This healthy high performance custom home in Barton Hills was designed & built in house by ESS, Goals are 5-Star Green Rating, and Net-Zero. - [Canterbury](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canterbury-pj-vj~794117) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: East Austin Revival: Dramatic transformation of an East Austin Bungalow. Virtually a new house, every portion of this almost 100 year old structure remodeled while keeping with the aesthetics of the original neighborhood design. Photo Credit: Bianca Kosta - [Tuscola](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuscola-pj-vj~185380) - Location: Lakeway, TX - Photos: 25 - Description: Net-Zero, 5 Star Green Home in Apache Shores. Design+Build by ESS - [Sunshine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunshine-pj-vj~793996) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 21 - Description: Modern farmhouse sustianable porwerhouse in the Brentwood neighborhood of Austin, TX. In house by ESS Design+Build. - [Montes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montes-pj-vj~536236) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 15 - Description: Completely changed the old Austin home for the better, cleaning up edges and sharpening lines. In house Design+Build. - [Ridgeview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ridgeview-pj-vj~366709) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 14 - Description: Modern rustic whole house remodel of an older home in Barton Springs. Design+Build by ESS - [Morgue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/morgue-pj-vj~1456306) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Wickedly awesome master suite reno in the hills of Lost Creek! Design+Build by ESS - [Spring Creek](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spring-creek-pj-vj~374557) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Vaulted the ceiling (previously 8'), but used same footprint. Installed clear story window, glass tile shower, extra tall frameless glass door, Cesar stone quartz counters, quarter sawn white oak cabs, LED backlit mirrior, water sense fixtures. Interior Design by Client, Architectural Design by Felecia Foster. - [Pennys](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pennys-pj-vj~185446) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Four Points: Kitchen and master bath makeover. Design+Build by ESS - [Kearsarge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kearsarge-pj-vj~192304) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 6 - Description: Architecture by Joseph Bennett. 5 Star Green Rated, Whole House Remodel/Addition in old South Austin. - [Aden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aden-pj-vj~554142) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 7 - Description: A transitional modern face-lift of a classic home in Circle C. design by Christen Ales Interiors - [Assorted](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/assorted-pj-vj~681080) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 13 - Description: assorted photos from smaller projects - [Kids](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kids-pj-vj~185506) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Kid Rooms & Convert-able Furniture...the origin of the name EcoSafe Spaces. - [Lafayette](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lafayette-pj-vj~2294319) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/ess-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1703195081) ## Ideabooks - [Wet Bar](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94116748/list/wet-bar) — 30 ideas - [Pinehurst Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101101738/list/pinehurst-kitchen-remodel) — 1 idea - [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8503130/list/furniture) — 1 idea [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ecosafespaces) ## Community Q&A **Q: Who makes this corner pocket door** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Actually its custom. My company designed and built it. **Q: my home** *(in Photo Questions)* can I import pic to this spp A: Hi Judy, don't totally understand your question. I'm sure you can screen shot if that's what you're asking. **Q: Love the bar stools!!** *(in Photo Questions)* Was wondering where I could find the chairs that are at the island. Thanks A: Sorry, no idea, our clients did all the ID. **Q: Where is the chair from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: No idea, sorry (by the client) **Q: Do you know what the name of the wood floor might be?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: They are a regionally grown site finished mesquite, finished in a clear water based poly. Feel free to email me if you are looking for a supplier. Doug@ecosafespaces.com **Q: Love the texture on the wood floor. Handscraped oak? What finish?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Didn't realize you are in Austin. Try Liz at ProSource! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-10.*