--- title: "DNM Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dnm-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184644086 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~184644086.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "DNM Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1e7314b7096656f4_9051-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1A Gate 5 Road Sausalito, CA 94965, Sausalito, California 94965, United States" latitude: 37.8685 longitude: -122.5091 phone: "(415) 348-8910" website: http://www.dnmarchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 47 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 369 last_updated: 2026-09-06 --- # DNM Architecture Original Houzz profile: [DNM Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dnm-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184644086) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Sausalito, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Berkeley, Richmond, San Rafael, Petaluma, San Pablo, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Kentfield, Sausalito, Tara Hills, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Woodacre, Bolinas, Sea Ranch, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon, Greenbrae - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (47 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2023), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - 21 years in business DNM Architecture is a San Francisco Bay Area based firm with a passion for creating captivating spaces for the home as well as the community. Residential work is the foundation of our practice. Whether a green, modern home in Sonoma, a hillside house in Hillsborough, a cutting edge expansion near Noe Valley or a traditional remodel in Presidio Heights, your home is uniquely about YOU, your dreams and your requirements. Our residential portfolio speaks to our capability and experience, but also our firm's versatility and a capacity to listen and craft unique solutions. We pride ourselves on being “advocates for the building.” We begin each project by listening (and we never stop). We analyze the site, functional requirements, budget and other opportunities and constraints. We add our own experience and expertise, balancing the competing challenges of function, style, budget, codes, context, schedule, energy efficiency, and dozens of other considerations. We work collaboratively with the entire project team to insure that the project meets our clients’ immediate and long-term goals. With experience in LEED and Green Point Rated projects, DNM Architecture strongly advocates green, sustainable, energy-efficient building materials and methods as a means of reducing the energy required to construct and operate buildings. Education & Public Work represents a special opportunity to give back to our community. We work with your administration to find practical, timely architectural solutions that advance your mission and accommodate growth. Our design services do not stop at the building skin. We design custom Furniture and Details that meet your needs and budget. These pieces of furniture - some custom made for clients and some prototypes - illustrate our attention to detail and ability to be creative problem solvers at any scale. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Universal Design - 3D Home Design - Custom Homes - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Santa Rosa - Berkeley - Richmond - San Rafael - Petaluma - San Pablo - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Healdsburg - Sonoma - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Kentfield - Sausalito - Tara Hills - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Belvedere - Fairfax - Woodacre - Bolinas - Sea Ranch - Stinson Beach - Muir Beach - Belvedere Tiburon - Greenbrae ### Typical Job Cost $750,000 - 3,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | DNM Architecture | | Address | 1A Gate 5 Road Sausalito, CA 94965, Sausalito, California 94965, United States | | Phone | (415) 348-8910 | | Website | http://www.dnmarchitecture.com | | License Number | C-27909 | | Followers on Houzz | 369 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/DNM-Architect/129654917103713 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/dnmarchitect - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarlatt/ - Blog — http://dnm-architect.tumblr.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [DNM Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dnm-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184644086) - **Website:** http://www.dnmarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (415) 348-8910 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA, Member - California licensed Architect - Nevada licensed Architect - Best of Houzz 2013 - Best of Houzz 2015 - Best of Houzz 2016 - Best of Houzz 2017 - Best of Houzz 2018 - Best of Houzz 2018 - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2023), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Institute of Architects, San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-san-francisco-pfvwus-pf~788533068) - [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 — 47 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Thomas Lumsden, Aug. 2022** > David and his team designed a modern home on a virgin hillside lot in San Rafael. He managed the City Planning issues, steep slope, along with WUI issues and produced a design that matched our dream for a for-ever home. We selected David for his creativity, ability to deliver on time, and willingness to try new products. Our home was designed and constructed with a BoneStructure steel frame system. The home met and exceeds California NetZero requirements. David is one of the most creative and accommodating architects we experienced. > > Tom Lumsden **Comment from DNM Architecture:** > Thank you Tom! It was a great experience working with you. **★★★★★ — Jens Oetiker, Aug. 2021** > David did an amazing job of listening to our ideas for our dream home, creating them in a plan and creating a a virtual 3D version of our dream home. Wow! He gets it. **★★★★★ — Scott Meyer, July 2021** > We had DNM help us draw up plans for two locations. We ultimately moved forward with one of the projects based on feasibility. I have always appreciated their attention to my stated needs and keeping the project right-sized for our financial budget. For someone like myself that is new in the remodel world and doesn't have a regular team, their recommendations of contractors and consultants has always been helpful. I continue to use their services to scope future projects and look forward to many years of working together. **★★★★★ — HU-633135, July 2021** > A couple years ago, we decided to build an ADU in our basement. The project turned out to be a painless process because of DNM's excellent architectural work, design and attention to detail. > > Architect David Marlatt and his crew have extensive experience with city inspectors and Design Review. Because the proposal-package prepared by DNM architecture was done expertly, we received our permits quickly. No time wasted! > > Regarding their architectural design work, we love the elegant lines combined with the warm organic materials and finishes. DNM artfully balances masculine and feminine energies, and the result of their work is a tasteful, harmonious and comfortable living environment. > > We highly recommend Architect David Marlatt. He provides excellent service and his stuff were available whenever we had questions. We never felt like they were too busy for us. Great experience from the beginning all the way to the finish line! They were a pleasure to work with! **★★★★★ — Peter Goss, July 2021** > As a Realtor for more than 35 years, it sometimes seems that I need architectural advice, guidance and vision every other day. David Marlatt has been a superb resource for me, as well as my many friends and clients since we first met in 2015. He's become my go-to guy; and he has earned my trust and greatest respect over and over again. David and his team are currently guiding me and my partner through a complex expansion and remodel project in San Francisco. I cannot imagine going through this process with anyone else. Did I mention that it is also a joy to work with them? Thank you, David, Julie & Team! **Comment from DNM Architecture:** > Thanks Peter! It's a pleasure working with you and Sean. **★★★★★ — Bryan Suggitt, June 2019** > We highly recommend DMN! David came recommended by a few friends and we couldn't be happier. We knew we wanted to renovate our home and was overwhelmed with the size of the job. David listened to our needs and quickly help us frame the vision. We had draft plans in no time. From there DMN helped us navigate through the lengthy San Francisco permit process and select an outstanding contractor (Marvel Construction). David was always available for advie and helped with difficult situations (e.g. city planning) or decisions (e.g., budget, contractor selection etc). We are still in contact today. The whole process was 2+ years and was well worth the wait. We are very happy and we know this is due to the team we selected. **★★★★★ — Dennis webb construction, June 2019** > I have referred David Marlatt to 8 clients and all but 1 hired him. Easy to work with ... excellent designer and listens to clients. Quick and responsive to the needs of the project - very very important. Gives great referrals and recommendations. Great leadership skills. Highly highly recommend this Architect. > > Dennis Webb **★★★★★ — Dennis webb construction, May 2019** > I am a general contractor in Sausalito, Ca were its very difficult to build and has a very challenging permit process, David and his team know the codes and rules of the road well, they move swiftly and accurately taking projects from concept to completion, they have the latest and greatest modeling and cad software, they just modeled a project on Currey Ln for our client to show them there new garage, decks, awnings, they nailed it! I highly recommend them. **Comment from DNM Architecture:** > Thank you, Dennis. It is a pleasure working with you. **★★★★★ — Carole F, Jan. 2018** > David and his team are very creative, helpful and present practical solutions when issues come up (as they inevitably do) during construction. David is approachable and easy to work with. Even our contractor liked working with him. > I was very pleased with the results of our remodel. **★★★★★ — Nadine Greenwood, Dec. 2017** > I have worked with a lot of architect in my life. My experience with DNM Architecture was excellent regarding knowledge, work quality, deadlines and budget. I highly recommended The Co. **Comment from DNM Architecture:** > Thanks, Nadine. It is a pleasure working with you as well. **★★★★★ — ann wang, Dec. 2017** > I found David through a good friend of mine who is a contractor. We bought a new house and started some work on our own without a permit and got red-tagged. I was stressed out and in a panic the day we got tagged and David came to see me that very same day knowing how stressed I was. His responsiveness is excellent. We then took the opportunity to make the project we had started MUCH larger since we had David onboard. The house became a gut job and we raised the roof - so it went from a small project to a huge project. David and his team have been great to work with. What I enjoy most of them is that they are extremely responsive, practical, and great listeners. They never make me feel uncomfortable when I question things, revisit things for the 3rd time, etc :). And they have an excellent eye for design, flow of the house and best value from different design changes/options. > > I also have them working on a second large project that involves digging out a basement to add another floor to our current house getting it ready to sell. As well as helping me get the separate cottage on the property legalized as a rental property. Again - so great to work with. Have already recommended them to a friend of ours that is now using them too. > > You can't go wrong if you want dependable, responsive, respectful, practical, reasonably priced, well done design work. **★★★★★ — John Williams, Dec. 2017** > Having worked with many architects over the years in different locations in the Bay Area its rare to find one that brings not only top skills you'd expect but also a great design sense coupled with a more than pleasing collaborative attitude. Whole heartedly recommend David and his team, they're the best. ## Selected projects - [Deer Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deer-park-pj-vj~7117807) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: This project in Marin County, CA, north of San Francisco, is built on a lot that was vacant when purchased by the client. The V-shaped site has a natural drainage swale through its center, effectively dividing the land in half. The site’s natural topography simultaneously presents a challenge and an incredible opportunity for a unique build with and amazing view of Mt. Tamalpais and nearby hillsides. DNM Architecture’s design strategy combines practicality and environmental sensitivity to make a… - [Sausalito Modern Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sausalito-modern-update-pj-vj~6492852) - Location: Sausalito, CA - Photos: 48 - Description: The original structure, which dated from 1906 was originally sited on land closer to the water. When the Army came in during World War II and consumed the neighborhood for the Marinship Shipyards, the home was moved to its current location – a corner lot in a quaint neighborhood in Sausalito, with easy access to the city just across the famed Golden Gate Bridge. Originally just 875 square feet, all of the living space was on one floor that sat above a single-car garage and an unused crawl space.… - [Petaluma Pastoral](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/petaluma-pastoral-pj-vj~7120415) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Mid-Century Modern Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-makeover-pj-vj~6614726) - Location: Sausalito, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: DNM Architecture helped its clients re-imagine this one-story mid-century home in Northern California using a palette of rectangular fiber cement panels and twin wall polycarbonate to accentuate its strong horizontal geometry and embolden its architecture. A new garage in front of the house establishes its street presence and forms a welcoming entry court. The previous carport is infilled to become one with the enlarged, light filled, open kitchen, living, dining space. A climate controlled wine… - [Hillside House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-house-pj-vj~10903) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This family home is embedded in a steep, secluded, north facing hillside with views towards the San Francisco Bay. Its elongated plan follows the site’s contours and its broad roof tucks under strict town height limits. While the major views are towards the north, the house also looks south into a courtyard that passively collects the sunlight through shaded glass and provides generous cross ventilation and transparency. The architecture is sculptural, but every element works overtime to enhance… - [Urban LEED Platinum](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-leed-platinum-pj-vj~135294) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 32 - Description: This urban home in an established San Francisco neighborhood demonstrates that LEED Platinum level sustainability can be achieved in any setting. With a crisp modern aesthetic, the architecture is site driven while making smart choices to minimize energy use and maximize space. Certified LEED Platinum, the custom home for a technology company executive fits snugly in a 25x75 foot lot in in San Francisco's Castro/Upper Market neighborhood. The 25' square plan contains 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in… - [Palm Springs House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palm-springs-house-pj-vj~5708742) - Location: Palm Springs, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Currently in the design stage, this 4500sf custom home in Palm Springs for a technology executive sits on a quiet cul de sac south of downtown. It includes 3 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, a large living/dining room, media room, kitchen, office and garage.The eastward oriented front of the house is relatively closed for privacy, while the western rear facade opens up to mountain views through a 27′ sliding glass door. The plan unfolds around a large open living area that creates an axis through the… - [Sonoma SIPS House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-sips-house-pj-vj~10904) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 30 - Description: Set into an east-facing hillside overlooking Sonoma, this custom house focuses on view, ventilation and controlled solar access. Its orientation respects contours and neighboring views while optimizing ventilation. Designed to consume “near net-zero” energy, it is Green Point Certified House with 180 points and employs SIPS, ICFs and other passive and active strategies minimized air conditioning to about 8 days for the entire year. Through its first ten months of occupancy, average total daily e… - [San Francisco Condo Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-condo-remodel-pj-vj~1622895) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 75 - Description: This top floor apartment in a stately two-unit building in San Francisco's Presidio Heights neighborhood enjoyed expansive Bay views to the north and city views to the south, but it suffered from a dark spaces, an obsolete floor plan and years of neglect. In a top to bottom remodel, DNM Architect opened up the space internally and to the outdoors using a minimalist contemporary palette of White Oak, Walnut and understated surfaces that emphasize light, views, and the owner's extensive art collec… - [Parkside Family Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parkside-family-remodel-pj-vj~218667) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 35 - Description: Architectural Artistry in Parkside The view from the street is a pristine Parkside home, but that belies a surprisingly open, contemporary and family-friendly design inside. The architect owner has seamlessly melded innovative, artistic features with classic elements in this 1931 California Mediterranean house. A stairwell wall angles askew; Douglas fir framing is neatly exposed; the kitchen sink wraps around like a highway s-turn, allowing 270 degrees of access. While the style reflects artistr… - [Panelized House on a Budget](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/panelized-house-on-a-budget-pj-vj~11219) - Location: Richmond, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Featured in the book, Prefabulous, by Sheri Koones, this panelized house is built on concrete piers over water and features an open plan for living and entertaining on the first floor and private quarters plus a roof garden on the second floor. A small meditation tower on the third floor commands views across the San Francisco Bay. The plan is organized to maximize light and views with the kitchen and master bath suite oriented towards the morning sun and the living spaces and roof garden orient… - [Panelized Green House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/panelized-green-house-pj-vj~11226) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: The clients, both professionals, desired a flexible home that included a private retreat, guest suite, indoor/outdoor entertaining, and offices that could easily be converted to bedrooms for future resale. Built on piers over the bay, the house is organized into two ‘pavilions’ around a central court containing the entry and a second floor hot tub. The court provides shelter against the near constant wind and brings light throughout the house. The east pavilion contains the master suite, guest s… - [Sausalito Cottage Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sausalito-cottage-remodel-pj-vj~1156855) - Location: Sausalito, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: DNM Architect has transformed a decrepit 550sf cottage in Sausalito into a charming one bedroom vacation rental that sleeps six. Plumbing, electrical, heating systems, and the foundation were entirely replaced. The ceiling was removed to expose the original framing and create a sleeping loft. A solar powered skylight was added for extra light. A new compact kitchen was added with French patio doors opening to a private exterior garden. - [Hill Street Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-street-remodel-pj-vj~11050) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: San Francisco’s “Hill Street” is aptly named to the point of being understated. This dramatic San Francisco remodel, poised high on a hillside, takes maximum advantage of its sweeping views that extend from the south bay to downtown. The original house, essentially identical to the neighboring houses below it, was a vintage 1300sf split level house from the early 1950’s in poor condition. The program was to completely remodel the old house and add an additional story above it to capture the amaz… - [Tiburon Renewal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiburon-renewal-pj-vj~2635202) - Location: Tiburon, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This 1970s vintage residence in Tiburon was ripe for an update. In addition to a new exterior that required much less maintenance than its original cedar shingle siding, the owners were looking for usable outdoor space and a better flow throughout the main areas of the house. Without changing the house's size or structure, we installed very low-maintenance cement fiber siding, specifically a combination of Nichiha Vintagewood vertical siding and Hardie Plank horizontal siding. This helped to dif… - [San Francisco Sunset garage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-sunset-garage-pj-vj~11254) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 7 - [TCI Lane Ranch Community- 3D Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tci-lane-ranch-community-3d-renderings-pj-vj~11255) - Location: Carbondale, CO - Photos: 108 - [Custom Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-furniture-pj-vj~1641604) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 30 - Description: Over several projects, DNM Architect has had the privilege of design custom furniture. - [The Sea Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-sea-ranch-pj-vj~6922107) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: DNM Architecture was hired by a couple with two grown children to design a new home in The Sea Ranch. The lot sits at the edge of a giant meadow, nestled against mature Monterey Cypress trees, with common areas and public hiking trails nearby, and a cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean just 450 feet away. Among other features, the clients asked for individual work studios as well as a vegetable and ornamental garden. The private garden, however, must remain hidden from public view to comply w… [See all 19 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dnm-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184644086) ## Ideabooks - [Fire place](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57467976/list/fire-place) — 29 ideas - [Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7484441/list/bathroom) — 67 ideas - [Great Kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/498407/list/great-kitchen-ideas) — 117 ideas - [Metal house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7403154/list/metal-house) — 153 ideas - [Jardin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24926443/list/jardin) — 341 ideas - [Kids bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26454683/list/kids-bedroom) — 81 ideas - [Laundry room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30951321/list/laundry-room) — 22 ideas [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dmarlatt) ## Community Q&A **Q: Standing seam - mired corners?** *(in Photo Questions)* The composition of this elevation is beautiful! Do I see standing seam roofing on the underside of the roof, with mitred corners? May you share the name of the roofer who installed this? A: This was installed by the general contractor about 10 years ago. He is Mario Sarmento: mariosarmento@sbcglobal.net and (415) 515-3758. **Q: What is the size?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The table is 4' diameter. It has leaves to extend out to 10'. **Q: Backsplash & Counter** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you share the material of the counter & backsplash? It looks like Carrara marble? I have natural maple cabinets & would like to achieve this "look". It's fresh & different from all the totally white kitchens I've been seeing. Thank you. A: Yes, I believe it was Carrerra marble. It was more than 10 years ago, so I don't know precisely. **Q: What are the** *(in Photo Questions)* Dimensions of courtyard? A: The courtyard is about 12' wide x 16' deep. **Q: paint** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the yellow color? A: This is a Kelly Moore custom color **Q: Ceiling panels** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please tell me why type of plywood is used, thickness, and how it is fastened? Thanks A: We used 1/2" Birch plywood. It is fastened to 1x4 furring strips with pan head screws. We used stainless steel screws for the look. We placed the furring strips at diagonals so there is a 1/2" reveal between the panels. The material cost was not significant, but it was alot of labor. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*