--- title: "Daniel M Swain, Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/daniel-m-swain-architect-pfvwus-pf~218659965 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~218659965.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Daniel M Swain, Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7763066d0243540f_9196-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1155 5th Street, Unit 103, Oakland, California 94607, United States" latitude: 37.8071 longitude: -122.2851 phone: "(510) 967-4022" website: http://www.danswainarchitect.com/ rating: 4.3 review_count: 6 followers: 87 last_updated: 2026-09-27 --- # Daniel M Swain, Architect Original Houzz profile: [Daniel M Swain, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/daniel-m-swain-architect-pfvwus-pf~218659965) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Oakland, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Emeryville, Piedmont - **Houzz rating:** 4.3 out of 5 (6 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves We are often asked what it is that makes our firm stand apart from what is admittedly a rather crowded field. When you partner with us, the first thing you get is a local architect well known in the community, who has lived in the great city of Oakland for 18 years and has been practicing all that time. This gives us a strong base of knowledge of the local regulatory agencies, their specific and varied needs, and that knowledge is very valuable when crafting a project for review. Secondly, you get a practical designer. Daniel Swain was first a carpenter and home builder before returning to University to pursue his degree in Architecture. That experience gave him a unique perspective on the construction process that is often not found in other architects. And third, you get a designer and builder who will care for your home as you do. Value its aesthetic and spirit, hear your needs and wants for your project, and combine those elements to create best project for you, your home and your budget! ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Deck Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Alameda - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Emeryville - Piedmont ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Daniel M Swain, Architect | | Address | 1155 5th Street, Unit 103, Oakland, California 94607, United States | | Phone | (510) 967-4022 | | Website | http://www.danswainarchitect.com/ | | License Number | C28776 | | Followers on Houzz | 87 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/pub/daniel-swain/2/a18/10a ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Daniel M Swain, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/daniel-m-swain-architect-pfvwus-pf~218659965) - **Website:** http://www.danswainarchitect.com/ - **Phone:** (510) 967-4022 ## Credentials **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: 4.3 out of 5 — 6 reviews** ### All 6 reviews **★ — Ashraf Alyan, July 2018** > Unfortunately Dan is not responsive and didn't respond to my refund request. > > We had an agreement for a house addition that started Oct 2017 and paid the initial deposit. The money paid covered the initial design effort and "as is" review or assessment. > It's now July 2018 and we've had various emails and text messages without any outcome. He or his team has not provided any information, when we setup a time to talk he doesn't call me. We had only ONE phone call in January and Dan had promised to give us an updated plan by the week after (nothing happened). > I can't tell if Dan is a talented individual but my experience is just not right. It's a 'take the money and run' from my perspective. **★★★★★ — douglasowyang, Jan. 2018** > Architect Dan Swain and project manager Gloria Beck helped us with our kitchen remodel in addition to replacing 2 archways that separated our living room and dining room. Without the expertise and experience of the 2 of them, we could not have envisioned all the potential possibilities that our house had. They can answer any question, know the latest trends and pros and cons of each, know how to keep things within budget, know how to move things along and problem solve, have attention to detail and think about things that we never had an idea we needed to think about, have plenty of contacts of contractors, have the flexibility to change plans when we changed our minds about something, are extremely patient as there were times we were very indecisive, know the best places to shop for whatever is needed for your project, and they have a great eye for what looks good! My wife and I were dreading having to face a remodel and all that entails but with the help of Dan and Gloria, it was as smooth as could be expected. I would highly recommend their services, especially for a major project. We are extremely pleased with the final project and pictures will be added soon! **★★★★★ — hbryant28, Feb. 2014** > Dan Swain is a very talented architect who completed 2 separate projects for us in the last few years. First renovation involved a total redesign of our master suite. Our space had numerous awkward angles that required clever and creative solutions. Dan had wonderful ideas. He completely changed the orientation of the bathroom, added a large master closet and made the bedroom area much more beautiful. He also helped us choose finishes and colors in both the bedroom and bathroom. He managed all permit related details and was available as needed throughout the entire project. Our second renovation entailed adding a terrace to our upper main living level and creating more liveable space in that same area. Again, Dan designed and coordinated all structural related issues and worked seamelessly with other professionals as needed (e.g. structural engineers and our fantastic contractor, Peter Curlee). Finally, we found his fees to be quite reasonable. We couldn't be more thrilled with the results. We unhesitatingly give Dan our highest accolades and recommend him for any new construction or renovation projects. **★★★★★ — shirleykitchen, Jan. 2014** > I hired Daniel M. Swain to design my kitchen. He was respectful, easy to work with, and very professional. The kitchen came out great (see photos of Oakmore Transitional Kitchen under his listing). He accompanied me to pick out the counters, lighting, and gave me feedback on my picks for pulls and other accessories. This even after I paid him in full. He continued to provide suggestions, especially on aesthetic features of the kitchen. Mr. Swain and the contractor, Peter Curlee, worked well together and both were open to my needs and wants, even when I disagreed with a couple of Mr. Swain's initial design elements. They both accommodated my wishes. After the project was finished, however, I realized the architect was right all along. Listen up: Heed your architect; he's the pro! > > I do not hesitate to recommend both Daniel M. Swain, architect, and Peter Curlee, general contractor. A dynamic duo! **★★★★★ — juliefarley808, Jan. 2014** > We interviewed 5 architects and picked Dan. He did a fantastic job of listening to what our thoughts and concerns were regarding a kitchen, living room, master closet, master bath and family room remodel plus a bonus/game room addition. Dan nailed it! Dan's ideas were very thought out - not only from a visual perspective but from a functional one as well. We did not spend much time hashing out different layouts and options. He had reason's behind why a particular idea of ours might not be the best solution and we felt Dan really knew what he was doing. He didn't just go along with what we thought when he knew it wasn't the right way to go. I tried to move the location of the refrigerator two times, and each time Dan explained why he put the refrigerator where he did. He was right - the refrigerator is in the perfect spot! Dan had very good explanations for why he felt the way he did. Dan was also a very practical designer, understanding the costs of construction and how a particular design would impact the bottom line construction costs. Dan was very helpful throughout the entire process, stopping by to check the progress, offer suggestions and was always available to discuss any aspect of the process with our sub-contractors. I highly recommend Dan Swain for all your architectural needs! **★★★★★ — nancybronstein, Jan. 2014** > My initial meeting with Dan Swain was all I needed to see that Dan was highly knowledgeable and trustworthy, a pleasure to work with, and sensitive to maintaining the architectural integrity of an older home (1920s), while still making sweeping and much needed changes. That was one of his top priorities and one of mine as well. Throughout the course of the design phase of the project, I met with Dan regularly as we discussed and planned what would be done. He was always available for questions (there were many), and patient in explaining what wasn't always clear to a first-time renovator. As we moved into the construction phase of the job, Dan continued to stop by to check in. He worked easily and closely with the contractor (Peter Curlee), and was there with expert advice when code, engineering, or design questions arose. From the start, Dan streamlined the design phase of the project so it moved along on schedule, but in a way that never rushed me in making decisions. No corners were cut. I could rely on Dan's design sense and guidance throughout the project. He took me on several initial shopping trips to give me an overview of where to look and what to look for for light fixtures, counter tops, sinks, stoves, without ever pushing decisions on me. His fee was extremely reasonable given his expertise and experience. The product and process he delivered was worth every penny it cost and more. ## Selected projects - [Kitchen Update for an Oakland Hills Mid-Century Modern Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-update-for-an-oakland-hills-mid-century-modern-home-pj-vj~1165817) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Prior to the remodel this space was a cramped interior kitchen with dated cabinets and tile counter tops. It took some fairly extensive structural work to open up the space to encompass a former outdoor area that had been enclosed by the previous owner. But in taking that step we were able to created an expansive live in, eat in kitchen that is open to the dining room and view of San Francisco Bay on one side and to the family room and back yard on the other. - [Updating a California Rancher](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/updating-a-california-rancher-pj-vj~1201902) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This project took an existing California ranch house with a large family room addition on one end and updated the home for today's family lifestyle. The original galley kitchen was expanded into an open L arrangement by integrating part of the original living room creating an open kitchen and a smaller cozy living room. The family room was opened up to the kitchen with an eat at island and the low flat ceiling was vaulted to create larger sense of space. Additionally remodeled the Master Bedroom… - [Oakmore Transitional Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakmore-transitional-kitchen-pj-vj~415542) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Renovation in an existing kitchen space using strand woven bamboo floors, white lacquered shaker cabinets, black granite counter tops with a textured satin finish, double sinks and an island. - [Oakland Ridge Top Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-ridge-top-home-pj-vj~334558) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This project consisted of a remodel for the master bedroom and bath and a new exterior view trellis off the top floor living room. For the terrace frameless glass rail was used in order preserve and expand the view and a new 3 panel door was installed for view and access from the living room. The bedroom and bath was reconfigured to create a new walk in closet, expand the bath and create a master suite off the lower floor. - [Berkeley Shingle Deck, Trellis and Balcony](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berkeley-shingle-deck-trellis-and-balcony-pj-vj~415571) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Replacement of an earlier second floor balcony and first floor rear stoop with an integrated redwood deck, balcony and trellis. Careful detailing that respected the quality and style of the home resulted in a beautiful finished product. Re-siding of the home and replacement of the existing windows were also included in the project. - [Oakland Hills Ipe Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-hills-ipe-deck-pj-vj~416196) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Replacement of an existing deck off the kitchen on the rear of a 1930's home in the Oakland Hills. Stainless steel cable rails framed in the Ipe wood create railing without interfering with the view. - [Oakland Farmhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-farmhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~334549) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Renovation of an Existing Kitchen in a 1920's era home. Wall was opened between the kitchen and the dining room and the hall reconfigured to create as much space as possible as well as to bring back some of the character of the home that had been lost to previous remodels. - [Oakland Ranch House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-ranch-house-pj-vj~334575) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 4 - [Oakland Backyard Cabana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-backyard-cabana-pj-vj~415588) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: An Addition to a existing freestanding garage to create a multi-use space for gardening, sewing, and a separate indoor space for celebrations from the main home. - [Prospect Ave Oakland - Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prospect-ave-oakland-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~3950670) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 11 - [Garydale Ct Alamo - Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garydale-ct-alamo-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~3950890) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 21 - [Wolford Moraga - Whole House Remodel and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wolford-moraga-whole-house-remodel-and-addition-pj-vj~3950373) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [45th Ave San Francisco - Kitchen / Deck Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/45th-ave-san-francisco-kitchen-deck-remodel-pj-vj~3950362) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 10 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/daniel-m-swain-architect-pfvwus-pf~218659965) ## Ideabooks - [Guerra Figgaroid Deck Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128260601/list/guerra-figgaroid-deck-ideas) — 8 ideas - [Entrys](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125289524/list/entrys) — 8 ideas - [Owyang Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83335515/list/owyang-kitchen-ideas) — 4 ideas - [Modern Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55939542/list/modern-ideas) — 1 idea - [Backyard Accessory Buildings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29234462/list/backyard-accessory-buildings) — 1 idea [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dmswain) ## Community Q&A **Q: I love the floor. Are they slate?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello Susan. It is a slate look but a porcelain tile. I recommend porcelain in most applications for durability and ease of maintenance and the newer tile lines are very good looking. Thank you for your question! **Q: Is the glass fixed or can they be opened? Dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Its a 16" deep sill and yes, you can purchase it as a unit. Its made by Marvin Integrity and is factory mulled into the bay and sold as a unit. Not sure what the cost would be in NC, but you can look up your local Integrity supplier and find out. Thanks, Dan **Q: wood paneling** *(in Photo Questions)* what did you use for the siding/ paneling? what stain was used? A: The siding is a finger jointed v-rustic radiata pine that matches the original siding on the garage. The paint is from the Benjamin Moore historical colors, I would have to look it up. Thanks! **Q: Island dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the island dimensions and how many inches from island to countertop? Thanks. A: Hello Angel, I am so sorry I did not respond sooner, I just did not see this. The Island is 2' x4' and the distance to the sink counter is 3'. It is a small Island but it works well in the space. Thanks! **Q: Countertops and cabinet type?** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you know the type of countertop and what the wood/finish the cabinets are? A: Hello D, thanks for your interest in the project. The counter top is a CeaserStone, color Lago Azul. It is discontinued now but there are similar fine grained quartz options out there. The cabinets are red birch, in a clear satin finish. Thanks again for your question. Dan S **Q: What color and finish is the countertop?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Ben, thanks for the question. The counter is a true black granite with a river wash finish. The slab was selected and the counters fabricated custom. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-27.*