--- title: "Elbert Associates — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/elbert-associates-pfvwus-pf~251664876 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~251664876.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Elbert Associates" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5223ffce0f7c9e55_8974-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3620 Mt Diablo Blvd Ste 200, Lafayette, California 94549, United States" latitude: 37.8961 longitude: -122.1119 phone: "(925) 980-4344" website: http://elbertarchitecture.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 58 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Elbert Associates Original Houzz profile: [Elbert Associates](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/elbert-associates-pfvwus-pf~251664876) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Lafayette, CA - **Serves:** Oakland, Concord, Berkeley, San Ramon, Alameda, Walnut Creek, Danville, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, Emeryville, Piedmont, Clayton, Saranap, Pacheco, Vine Hill, Canyon - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 100 Ideabook Saves Architecture, planning and interior design for new homes; remodels / additions to and expansions of your residence. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Pool House Design & Construction - Barn Design & Construction - Deck Design ### Areas Served - Oakland - Concord - Berkeley - San Ramon - Alameda - Walnut Creek - Danville - Martinez - Pleasant Hill - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Alamo - Emeryville - Piedmont - Clayton - Saranap - Pacheco - Vine Hill - Canyon ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Elbert Associates | | Address | 3620 Mt Diablo Blvd Ste 200, Lafayette, California 94549, United States | | Phone | (925) 980-4344 | | Website | http://elbertarchitecture.com | | License Number | CA; NV | | Followers on Houzz | 58 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Elbert Associates](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/elbert-associates-pfvwus-pf~251664876) - **Website:** http://elbertarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (925) 980-4344 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — Victor Vandenburg, May 2017** > Stephen helped us with the remodel of our Edible Arrangement store. He was wonderful to work with and patiently guided us through the permit and building process. Our project turned out great thanks to Stephen's construction knowledge. **★★★★★ — HU-761472, June 2016** > I contracted with the architectural firm of Elbert Associates for an extensive “whole house” remodel and update of my home in Moraga. > From the beginning of our association, I found Stephen easy to communicate with and very receptive to my concerns and ideas, while at the same time able to explain the consequences, both design-wise and financially, for many design decisions. He was mindful of my budget, yet creative and innovative in his designs. While I am not a formal type of person, I do want a certain style along with my comfort. Stephen accomplished this meld with finesse, and everyone who has seen it since has been impressed with the design. > > I found Stephen to be prompt and efficient. He also supported the project during construction, which was invaluable. Not only did he assure the quality of construction, but was able to work with the contractor in making efficient changes whenever the need arose during the remodel. > > I was very pleased with the design when the plans were finished; yet I like it even more now that I have lived in it. Stephen’s design opened my house to the best garden views and brought in much needed openness and light, in a very graceful and stylish way. The entire project has given me much pleasure, and turned my dull “rancher” into a home. **★★★★★ — Springwood Builders, June 2016** > As a remodeling contractor over the past 30 years or so I have worked with many architects. I consider Stephen Elbert to be one of the best architects with whom I have worked. I am impressed with his attentiveness to homeowner's interests and his creative solution to the various design issues that are always a part of a good remodeling project. In my own work, I always value teamwork. Stephen is a excellent person to work with throughout the length of the project. He is approachable, a good communicator and lends assistance when necessary which always make my job easier. I highly recommend Stephen to homeowners and contractors who are looking for a good architect they can count on. **★★★★★ — Karen Maas, March 2013** > We have worked with Stephen Elbert on extensive remodeling projects in our home including kitchen, family room, home office and baths. His artistic and creative ideas were invaluable and he guided us expertly through all the steps from planning to permits, engineering, contracting and final inspection. We will definitely work with him on future projects and give him our highest recommendation! **★★★★ — mikeforter, Nov. 2012** > Elbert Associate Architects helped us with the design and remodel of the bathroom in our 1916-era San Francisco home. The old bathroom was poorly laid out in a small area. We managed to claim some unused space, add some skylights, and update the function and aesthetics to create a bright, modern ambiance. Stephen Elbert made the design function well, and even acquired permits from the City. He has a great eye and artistic sense as well as attention to detail. He was able to sketch design ideas for us and refine the sketches based on our comments. And he helped us select tile, fixtures, paint and other essential elements, locate suppliers, and coordinate to make everything come together. We love the results! **★★★★★ — melissabonder, Oct. 2012** > Elbert Associates designed a large addition for our home. Most of the work was done by Stephen Elbert. As this was our first time building, he was wonderful in educating us and showing us our options. He listened to our ideas, and translated them into reality. His work is impeccable, precise, and creative. He walked us through every step of the process, and was always available to us. It was a pleasure to work with Elbert Associates, and we would gladly do it again. **★★★★★ — rneagle, Oct. 2012** > Stephen Elbert designed the house that we built in Upper Rockridge after the 1991 fire. We worked with him weekly for about a year to develop the plans. He also worked closely with our designer and contractor to guide the building and decorating process. We are still delighted with the custom details and overall layout of the house that we live in some 20 years later. We found Stephen to be knowledgeable, creative and practical. His expertise was invaluable to us and we highly recommend his skills to anyone considering a project. > > Tim and Rhonda Neagle ## Selected projects - [Bekins Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bekins-residence-pj-vj~110772) - Location: Moraga, CA, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Whole house remodel of existing 1960's vintage California Ranch House to increase functionality, infuse the home with natural light and extend the indoors out to exterior living spaces and their hillside yard. Work also added a Breakfast Room, the Master Suite / Studio / Office and Family Room; the remodeled remainder of the house includes a new, reconfigured Kitchen, Children's Bedrooms, Baths and the Powder Room. - [Weinzimmer - Maas Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/weinzimmer-maas-residence-pj-vj~167506) - Location: Moraga, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Kitchen, Ornamental Ceramic Tile, Granite Countertops, Pendant Lights, Recessed LED Lights, Skylight, Operable Skylight, Island, SF Bay Area architect, Lafayette architect, Ranch style, Custom cabinetry - [Sausalito Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sausalito-residence-pj-vj~1579350) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [McCormick Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mccormick-residence-pj-vj~167509) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Elbert-Kostant Master Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elbert-kostant-master-suite-pj-vj~104508) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Add Master Suite to existing residence. - [Forter-Gonzalez Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forter-gonzalez-residence-pj-vj~104512) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Bath remodel: increases perceptual space with new skylights and expands usable space with new tub / shower built into a former closet / attic area. Custom designed vanity / mirror / medicine cabinet. Facade rehabilitation: install new windows; install new lateral bracing and replace dry-rotting 70's plywood siding with new stucco appropriate to the other in-line residences in S.F.'s 'avenues. Repair deck structure, upgrade waterproofing and install new railings at Library Deck (above living spac… - [Neagle Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/neagle-residence-pj-vj~104097) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath 3 level upslope single family residence. [See all 7 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/elbert-associates-pfvwus-pf~251664876) ## Ideabooks - [CONTEMPORARY RANCH + EARTHY MODERN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177005427/list/contemporary-ranch-earthy-modern) — 2 ideas - [STEEL COLLAR TIES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177005198/list/steel-collar-ties) — 10 ideas - [DISH + SILVERWARE STORAGE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162821368/list/dish-silverware-storage) — 27 ideas - [GREAT ROOM 2 KITCHEN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162351282/list/great-room-2-kitchen) — 22 ideas - [RED BARN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162228141/list/red-barn) — 8 ideas - [DECK GUARDRAIL](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162227967/list/deck-guardrail) — 33 ideas - [FIREPLACE SURROUNDS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159918324/list/fireplace-surrounds) — 8 ideas - [COLLAR TIES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159617574/list/collar-ties) — 12 ideas - [SHOWER + SUBWAY TILE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154786939/list/shower-subway-tile) — 20 ideas - [Contemporary Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154008032/list/contemporary-ranch) — 10 ideas - [Mini-Splits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152043433/list/mini-splits) — 4 ideas - [STAIRS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149935033/list/stairs) — 2 ideas - [SIDING](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149935157/list/siding) — 1 idea - [CHIMNEY FLUE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143317361/list/chimney-flue) — 6 ideas - [PORCH](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140039484/list/porch) — 12 ideas - [VERTICAL SIDING](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132740985/list/vertical-siding) — 14 ideas - [FARMHOUSE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118062026/list/farmhouse) — 52 ideas - [WINDOW HEAD-JAMB-SILL](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125540207/list/window-head-jamb-sill) — 7 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51550950/list/kitchen) — 44 ideas - [STOLLER RES.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/95355800/list/stoller-res) — 34 ideas [See all 24 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/elbertarchitecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: Kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* Lovely kitchen. Great cabinet and hardware choices! A: Thanks for your comments! **Q: Legacy of Previous Owner** *(in Design Dilemma)* Do you think this hallway could maybe use some help? Short of turning this into a bowling lane, and presuming that the painted legacy and flooring with linear reference should go, does anybody have any suggestions? Any? Please? A: Re: acaba "?" and photo: Yes; however, I would continue the 'furred down' ceiling from pilaster to pilaster. In the subject 28' long hallway, I'd suggest a furred area of about 10' to 12' in length (lay out proportions in the hall to determine the 'right' length). Of course, no pilasters should be installed within the 3' wide hallway so that we don't reduce available width any further. Also: yes, framed photos on walls could be 'knocked' out of plumb by hallway users. There are 3-point framed mounting systems available (we use on restaurants to keep photos in place and level) that can be sourced from a frame shop or on line. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*