--- title: "By Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/by-design-pfvwus-pf~663183544 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~663183544.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "By Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/62838faf014cb3c8_7859-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "618 F St, Davis, California 95616, United States" latitude: 38.5538 longitude: -121.7418 phone: "(530) 758-9108" website: http://bydesign-studio.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 16 years_in_business: 30 best_of_houzz_awards: 15 followers: 273 last_updated: 2026-09-17 --- # By Design > The Leading Full Service Design Firm in Northern California Original Houzz profile: [By Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/by-design-pfvwus-pf~663183544) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Davis, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Sacramento, Napa, Davis, Woodland, Tahoe, El Macero, Bay Area - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - 30 years in business - Provides 3D Visualization ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - 30 years in business - References available - Provides 3D Visualization By Design is a full service Interior Design Firm specializing in kitchen and bath design. As the inspiration behind the award winning firm, owner and principal designer Elma Gardner, brings more than 20 years of design experience and industry expertise to every project. Focused exclusively on residential design, Elma works closely with every client on planning their dream remodel or new construction project. ### Services Provided - Building Design - House Plans - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Floor Plans - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Deck Design - Laundry Room Design - Construction Drawings - Home Remodeling Design - Interior Architectural Detailing - Outdoor Kitchens ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Sacramento - Napa - Davis - Woodland - Tahoe - El Macero - Bay Area ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 750,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | By Design | | Address | 618 F St, Davis, California 95616, United States | | Phone | (530) 758-9108 | | Website | http://bydesign-studio.com | | Years in business | 30 | | Followers on Houzz | 273 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ByDesignStudio/ - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/bydsgnstudio/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [By Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/by-design-pfvwus-pf~663183544) - **Website:** http://bydesign-studio.com - **Phone:** (530) 758-9108 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer - Certified interior Designer \#6153 State of California - ASID Platinum & Gold Design Excellence Awards - California Capital Chapter NKBA Regional Design Awards: 50+ awards 2006-2017 - NKBA National Large Kitchen - 1st Place & Best Kitchen 2017 - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 46.0 - Value: 46.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Diana Miglioretti, Nov. 2016** > Elma is fantastic! She is very professional with a great eye for flow, colors, and the tiniest of details. She designed our complete house remodel. She walked us through each step and helped us with the millions of choices we had to make. We couldn't have done it without her. We are so happy with the final product! The transformation is amazing. ### All 16 reviews **★★★★★ — Katy Zils, Oct. 2024** > We engaged Elma to design the remodel on our 1915 Craftsman and she did a truly wonderful job. She reconfigured a very funky arrangement of rooms into a family home just perfect for us. She was able to add a full bath and laundry room, turn a former upstairs attic into a proper primary suite, and relocate a poorly placed bathroom, all within the existing footprint of the home. More than anything, she helped us create a space for our family, with openness and flow, while still maintaining the character and charm of a 106 year old house. We'd highly recommend her design services. **★★★★★ — HU-635209054, Sept. 2024** > Elma and her team took our ideas and made improvements and modification that made more sense in planning our kitchen remodel. It really helps when we start throwing out ideas and Elma is able to gather your input, combined with her industry knowledge and design expertise and produce a fantastic finished product. Excellent Job!!!!!!! **★★★★★ — danieljcoyle, Sept. 2024** > We began working with By Design in 2000 and we are still working with her today! Over the years, every time we have a new "home improvement or remodel project" we know who to call...Elma! She is the absolute best designer on the planet. She begins by listening to your needs, daily routines and "dreams!" She then follows up with excellent questions to gather specific information. She uses uses all of this to create the most amazing designs for every room and space in your house. After this comes the fun part! Elma takes you "shopping" to pick out the fixtures and materials that will make your home YOURS!! Elma uses her keen sense of color, texture and style to create a design that is unique to YOU! Elma's incredible knowledge of kitchen appliances, plumbing fixtures, and decorative lighting ensures that your home will not only look amazing but will have all the functionality you desire. As Elma is a dealer for WoodMode cabinets, you will have access to the highest quality and most beautiful cabinets. This is very important because cabinets are key to bringing the style of your home to life! We highly recommend Elma Gardner of By Design for your next remodel project. You will love her and your new home! **★★★★★ — Rose Cholewinski, Oct. 2019** > Elma completed a remodel several years ago and we have been very pleased with the results, her service and her creativity. She completed a master bedroom and expanded the room by moving an exterior wall, 2 bathrooms, 2 offices, and a guest room. With her knowledge and love for what she does, she guided us through lots of decisions and got the job done with wonderful contractors. She was quick to follow up with answers to our questions and worked with the contractors to get the details right. I would work with her again in a heartbeat! **★★★★★ — Joy Snipes, June 2018** > We had our kitchen designed by Elma 15 years ago. To this day the quality of the cabinets and appliances that she supplied has stood the test of time and heavy use. During the design and installation process, Elma listened to what we envisioned for our kitchen as well as other areas in our house. She takes pride in her work and great care was taken to get all the details correct in a professional manner. **★★★★★ — carolie, March 2016** > Elma Gardner is a very professional, talented and well-sourced designer. She created the design for our Contempory kitchen, master bath and dressing areas. She also designed the lighting throughout our remodeled Eichler-inspired home. **★★★★★ — User, Nov. 2015** > Six stars! We are extremely happy with the outcome of the major whole house remodeling project that we undertook with Elma Gardner of By Design. She was creative, knowledgeable, personable, efficient, artistic, innovative and very enjoyable to work with. She listened carefully to our goals for our remodel and helped us to articulate those aspects that we did not have clear ideas about. Her cost and time estimates were realistic and were in writing so that we always knew what to expect. There was never any delay with appointments. Elma has a wide network of business contacts. She recommended the best quality materials and appliances, but also keeping our budget in mind. She accompanied us on all visits to suppliers. She has specific ideas and opinions and can explain them effectively. She did not let us be overwhelmed with an excessive number of choices, but would present a series of several options at a time. It was never a case of “Whatever you want … “ Elma worked well with our contractor. She continued to work with us at the end of the project when it was time to purchase furniture and furnishings. Our circumstances were such that we did not have much time to give to this remodel project. Elma made the best use of our time. The response by all who have visited our remodeled home has been most enthusiastic. Elma Gardner has our highest and unqualified recommendation as an interior designer. --NES&CES **★★★★ — barryshiller, Nov. 2015** > Elma helped me to completely redesign my townhouse at Telegraph Landing in San Francisco. She has an extraordinary understanding of architectural issues and contractor work flow and is therefore listened to and well respected by architects and general contractors alike. Things run smoothly under her watch. > > She has an exceptional eye for beautiful form and colors. Elma helped me to select a multi-toned wooden floor that I would never have trusted myself to select on my own. I love how beautiful this floor turned out, and it turned my home into a showcase. All colors, everywhere, flow and compliment one another - something I could not have achieved on my own. **★★★★★ — Andrea, Nov. 2015** > We were looking to update our kitchen and were told Elma Gardner of By Design was the best kitchen designer in the area. We are so lucky that we were able to work with her. She spent hours helping perfect our plans, coming up with "solutions" to tricky areas, such as expanding our ceiling soffit to define the kitchen area and making the most of every hard to reach area. Every detail is perfect. She is a true professional. We love our classic white kitchen! **★★★★★ — John Lauppe, June 2014** > I had hired Elma to do a design plan and oversee construction of the kitchen in my previous residence. I moved about ten years later and the kitchen was the primary selling point. It remained as current as when it was built a decade earlier. When I considered redoing the kitchen in my current residence, I contacted Elma again. After much discussion a plan was made. Although the space, as before, was gutted, in this most recent project everything went back into the same location - fridge, ovens, dishwasher, sink, etc. The project also included the addition of small wine fridge, construction of a banquette dining area with storage and redoing a small half bath adjacent to the kitchen. Besides reconfiguring storage areas and lighting, Elma assisted in the selection of all materials, cabinets, appliances, countertops, fixtures, flooring, etc. Elma has a keen attention to detail and a thorough knowledge of available materials and products and it shows in the finished job. Although the remodeling experience is never a pleasurable one, the end result was more than worth it. I couldn't be happier. **★★★★★ — danieljcoyle, May 2014** > Elma provided design services for the kitchen and two bathrooms of a full home remodel and 1100 square foot second floor addition. She listened to what we wanted in our home and provided a beautiful design. She worked very well with our architect and general contractor to coordinate her elements with the plan and construction for the entire house. She met her deadlines, was pleasant to work with, and met our budget. She was an integral part of our team and provided the knowledge to tie all of the design elements of our home together, even assisting us with exterior paint colors. Though we completed our remodel over ten years ago, we have worked with Elma up to the present time in adding furniture, artwork and fabric to our home and a 2012 update of our master bedroom and bath which was not part of the initial remodel. **★★★★★ — jwbruner, April 2013** > ByDesign completed a an award-winning kitchen remodal in my former home and assited with my kitchens and bathrooms in a home I built in 2006. ByDesign and Elma Gardner provided cutting edge and practical design solutions to a home which was featured in Fine Homebuilding's annual home issue. > One of the key features was the use of concrete countertops as a design element and part of a strategy to provide more thermal mass. **★★★★★ — ftablin, April 2013** > We have worked with ByDesign (Elma Gardner) twice, both with excellent results. Elma has a great sense of style, and how your renovations will fit within your dwelling style. All of our meetings were easy to arrange and designs followed in a timely manner. ByDesign uses Brookhaven/Wood-Mode cabinets which are very high quality with great features. Our usable storage space was vastly increased and much easier to organize. Our contractor worked well with By Design and we would be pleased to work with them again! **★★★★★ — bobbiallen, March 2013** > We have a kitchen, powder room and laundry room remodel. ByDsgn has done the design and is consulting on all aspects of the project. We are doing the work ourselves. This is the second project we have done with Elma Gardner, MKBD, the principal of the company. We have had an excellent experience this time, as with our previous project 13 years ago. She is very experienced, is conscientious about deadlines and has worked with us on budget. We enjoy working with ByDsgn and highly recommend this company. **★★★★★ — cookd1, March 2013** > Elma Gardner is a very talented designer and a fun person to work with. We originally contacted her to help us with the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry design and install for our new home. She offers all the design help needed to complete a project. First, she presented a couple of different layouts for us to consider. The designs were fantastic. Then she scheduled appointments for us to meet with her at several different showrooms including: lighting, plumbing, appliance, and tile showrooms. She listened to what we wanted and helped us make good choices. She was available to meet at the job site during construction. > > Elma runs a great business; she is very organized, efficient and accommodating. She gets things done on time and she is easy to contact by phone, email or in person. The cabinetry company that she works with makes high quality, beautiful cabinets. ## Selected projects - [New American Home 2023 (Kitchen)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-american-home-2023-kitchen-pj-vj~7416944) - Location: Las Vegas, NV - Photos: 24 - [New American Homes 2023 (Bathrooms)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-american-homes-2023-bathrooms-pj-vj~7416947) - Location: Las Vegas, NV - Photos: 23 - [Modern Spanish](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-spanish-pj-vj~7533457) - Location: El Macero, California - Photos: 44 - [New American Homes 2023 (Outdoor Kitchen)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-american-homes-2023-outdoor-kitchen-pj-vj~7416948) - Location: Las Vegas, NV - Photos: 13 - [The New American Remodel 2019](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-new-american-remodel-2019-pj-vj~6039843) - Location: Las Vegas, NV - Photos: 31 - Description: Farm to fork design concept realized in this dramatic kitchen complete with Butler's pantry and prep kitchen. Fruit and vegetables grown on site in raised beds are washed and cleaned in the laundry service area, prepped for cooking or preservation in the prep kitchen and finally stored or cooked in the main kitchen with three work zones. Expansive floor to ceiling glass panels open the kitchen/great room to the outdoor living space, pool and out door kitchen. Beautiful rough hewn European Oak ca… - [The New American Remodel Master Suite 2019](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-new-american-remodel-master-suite-2019-pj-vj~6040043) - Location: Las Vegas, NV - Photos: 28 - [The New American Home 2016](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-new-american-home-2016-pj-vj~2085096) - Location: Henderson, NV - Photos: 33 - Description: The newly constructed home emerges from a sharp ridge with sweeping views of Las Vegas. The exterior stone work flows seamless through glass panels to the interior. The minimalist exterior called for simple design solutions, exquisite attention to detail and the use of texture and color to soften the hard surfaces used throughout the home. The simple rectangle kitchen space flows from the dramatic entry stairwell, connecting the dining space with the great room that then opens to a deck by way o… - [East Coast Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-coast-traditional-pj-vj~5619232) - Location: Davis, CA - Photos: 15 - [Historic Georgian Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-georgian-renovation-pj-vj~455410) - Location: Woodland, CA - Photos: 10 - [Contemporary Arts & Craft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-arts-and-craft-pj-vj~198854) - Location: Davis, CA - Photos: 9 - [Zen Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-master-bath-pj-vj~5619453) - Location: Davis, CA - Photos: 7 - [Corona Del Mar Beach Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corona-del-mar-beach-bungalow-pj-vj~199029) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 21 - [Rustic Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-contemporary-pj-vj~2359479) - Location: Davis, CA - Photos: 11 - [Soft Contemporary Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soft-contemporary-home-pj-vj~201969) - Location: Davis, CA - Photos: 10 - [Contemporary / Traditional Blend](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-traditional-blend-pj-vj~2082608) - Location: Gold River, CA - Photos: 7 - [Contemporary Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-farmhouse-pj-vj~270584) - Location: Davis, CA - Photos: 6 - [Traditional Farmhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-farmhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~270573) - Location: Fair Oaks, CA - Photos: 4 - [Eichler Inspired Mid Century](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eichler-inspired-mid-century-pj-vj~2082618) - Location: Fairfield, CA - Photos: 13 - [Mid Century Influence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-influence-pj-vj~2082643) - Location: Sacramento, CA - Photos: 7 - [Soft Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soft-contemporary-pj-vj~2082640) - Location: Sacramento, CA - Photos: 6 [See all 29 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/by-design-pfvwus-pf~663183544) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/1009322557.m3u8?s=883159327615563aa7c89b993e667bee6c61f50b&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** Yes, we handle the preparation of permit-ready plans for your kitchen and bath remodels and additions. Our goal is to streamline the process for you, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order for regulatory approvals. **Do you design both kitchens and bathrooms?** Yes, I specialize in both kitchen and bathroom design. I am a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), Certified Bath Designer (CBD), and hold the highest certification as a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD). **Do you specialize in a particular design style or kind (modern, contemporary, luxury)?** While my design philosophy centers on creating spaces that reflect your individual personality, my portfolio demonstrates expertise across various styles, including modern, contemporary, traditional, and luxury designs, as seen in my award-winning projects. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** I specialize exclusively in residential design, encompassing both new construction and remodel projects. This includes everything from custom homes and additions to detailed interior design planning and exterior architectural detailing. **Do you provide full-service design or design-only plans?** We provide full-service design, covering everything from initial space planning and permit-ready plans to material and fixture selection, custom window treatments, lighting design, and project management, ensuring a cohesive outcome. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Ashland](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183781400/list/ashland) — 6 ideas - [Cherry Lane](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180977640/list/cherry-lane) — 6 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152333104/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas - [Permutt House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141788376/list/permutt-house) — 11 ideas - [Otto](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/133528032/list/otto) — 5 ideas - [Fireplace ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132788131/list/fireplace-ideas) — 23 ideas - [Devine](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91712171/list/devine) — 12 ideas - [2019 TNAHR](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91707964/list/2019-tnahr) — 8 ideas - [Ohlendorf](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89536573/list/ohlendorf) — 4 ideas - [Tyler Johnson](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89045698/list/tyler-johnson) — 10 ideas - [Cross Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82044433/list/cross-ideas) — 32 ideas - [Elma's idea book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64230199/list/elma-s-idea-book) — 61 ideas - [Dieter](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75241418/list/dieter) — 7 ideas - [apron sinks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64409078/list/apron-sinks) — 4 ideas - [NHAB](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55069646/list/nhab) — 22 ideas - [Hartley](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49612124/list/hartley) — 14 ideas [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/elmagardner) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks A: My images can only be used with credits to both myself as the designer and the photographer … it does not appear that you do that on your blog. **Q: what is the tile floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the tile floor? A: This is a Walker Zanger tile. **Q: Range Hood** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand is this modern Range Hood please? thanks. A: The Hood is a Miele hood. **Q: Nice mirror** *(in Photo Questions)* Is that a frameless mirror? A: Thank you ..... yes the mirror is frameless! **Q: What is the wall behind the bed wallpaper or and where can I get it?** *(in Photo Questions)* Bedroom accent wall A: The accent wall is two different tiles from Dal Tile. I believe neither of them is still available. **Q: Beautiful Floor!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me who makes that flooring? It makes the space look ultra cozy! A: The tile is a wood like porcelain tile from Dal Tile. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-17.*