--- title: "New Avenue — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/new-avenue-pfvwus-pf~788652576 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~788652576.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "New Avenue" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f4239b0d0ed82ae1_0986-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Berkeley, California 94720, United States" phone: "(855) 563-9283" website: https://www.newavenuehomes.com/ rating: 4.9 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 113 last_updated: 2026-08-27 --- # New Avenue Original Houzz profile: [New Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/new-avenue-pfvwus-pf~788652576) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Berkeley, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward, Concord, Berkeley, Richmond, San Mateo, Daly City, Redwood City, Mountain View, Alameda, Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, San Rafael, Danville, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Burlingame, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Pinole, Moraga, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Emeryville, El Sobrante, Piedmont, Rodeo, Tiburon, Sausalito, Atherton, Woodside, Pacheco, Tara Hills, North Richmond, Rollingwood, Bayview, Montalvin, Fairfax, Canyon - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2018), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves New Avenue is a design/build firm on a mission to help everyone find their place and create a more enriching life. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Basement Remodeling - Barn Design & Construction - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Landscape Plans - Laundry Room Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Home Gym Design & Construction - Earthquake Retrofitting ### Areas Served - San Jose - San Francisco - Oakland - Hayward - Concord - Berkeley - Richmond - San Mateo - Daly City - Redwood City - Mountain View - Alameda - Walnut Creek - Palo Alto - Santa Cruz - San Rafael - Danville - Pleasant Hill - San Pablo - Burlingame - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Pinole - Moraga - Mill Valley - San Anselmo - Emeryville - El Sobrante - Piedmont - Rodeo - Tiburon - Sausalito - Atherton - Woodside - Pacheco - Tara Hills - North Richmond - Rollingwood - Bayview - Montalvin - Fairfax - Canyon ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 3.5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | New Avenue | | Address | Berkeley, California 94720, United States | | Phone | (855) 563-9283 | | Website | https://www.newavenuehomes.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 113 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/NewAvenueHomes - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/NewAvenueHomes - Blog — http://blog.newavenuehomes.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [New Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/new-avenue-pfvwus-pf~788652576) - **Website:** https://www.newavenuehomes.com/ - **Phone:** (855) 563-9283 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - B Corp "Best of The World" Award. This award recognizes New Avenue for achieving the top 10% of all B Corps in the annual B Corp social impact assessment of positive social and environmental impacts. - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2018), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — han\_phony, Jan. 2019** > Kevin at New Avenue is absolutely awesome. I called up to get an estimate on my bathroom renovation project. Due to the small size of my project, New Avenue isn't able to take it out. But Kevin introduced me to a different contractor that New Avenue has worked with. The new contractor was able to work on my project and deliver all the designs we planned for. Although I didn't work with New Avenue directly, Kevin's referral helped me build the bathroom of my dream. I can only imagine how great it would be to work with New Avenue. **★★★★★ — mary richerson, Feb. 2018** > From the start New Avenue Homes made my life easier - > Helping to understand city permitting and inspection needs while being a great crew and managing the sub-contractors effectively. We rehabbed an old Victorian in west oakland that needed a lot of love. The process made easier by collaborating with New Ave. > > Not only did we rehab the house we were able to add a ADU and a garage - for a great return on initial investment. > > Thanks NEW Avenue **★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2018** > I became a partner with New Avenue late summer of 2017. As an independent design consultant, I had recently spoken to a number of firms who were interested in partnering up. New Avenue was actually last on my list, as it looked like a spiffy marketing gig on the surface and I had never seen such a platform before. > > Right off the bat, I was put together with a number of clients in the northern Bay Area, where I already had a few projects in process. They were of a similar scope of work and within cities that I already had active projects in. When the clients were ready to go, I was already immersed with their particular city's regulations and the knowledge from one project easily transferred to another. Some clients were so compatible, that we hugged during our initial consultation meeting! I thought that was a really good sign of the partnership to come. > > I am thrilled to be a partner with New Avenue. During the design process there are questions for contractors and specialty subs, like the plumber or electrician, and I have been able to connect with great New Avenue contractors to rally ideas with. Getting contractor feedback onboard early in the design process is an immeasurable benefit for the overall project. The benefits of shifting from an independent design consultant to now being a part of a huge team of knowledgable professionals, is immense. Not only for myself, but for the clients that I am able to work with. Thumbs up on the creative business strategy of New Avenue! I'm so happy to have made the connection! **★★★★★ — KJM Interiors, Nov. 2017** > Kevin and New Avenue are amazing to work with! They are incredibly knowledgeable about the new build and renovation process and have actual data on costs that is tremendously helpful to my clients. By partnering with New Avenue, the homeowners on my project received comprehensive detail on all their construction bids, which proved incredibly helpful as the scope of the project evolved. On other projects outside the New Avenue platform, I've found it much more difficult to get that same level of transparency and clarity around specific scope and expected costs. **★★★★ — Russell Feirstein, July 2017** > Kevin and New Avenue are assisting immensely in my build of an ADU in San Jose, CA. Now that codes have been relaxed (Jan 2017) and changed to make such builds for my particular property, layout, setback requirements, easement relaxation, and other general circumstances more amenable, I am proceeding with a design and build that I've had in mind for nearly 9 years now. At long last, the empty space will have some more productive current and future use for one or more purposes going forward. The fact that the projects are kept and contacts made online are also quite helpful for project tracking, costing, and modifications. **★★★★★ — HU-883648, June 2016** > The team at New Avenue is top notch. They've been invaluable in assisting with the design and permitting of my secondary dwelling. I would highly recommend! **★★★★★ — Lisa Cain, May 2013** > We are about to break ground on our cottage. My Mom and I have been working with New Avenue since before we purchased the main house so that we could make sure we got a property that would work for both my family and allow for a cottage for her. > > Other than the property selection, they've also designed and managed the permit and contractor selection process. Berkeley is known for challenging permitting- but New Avenue knew what was feasible and what wasn't from the get-go so permits went very smoothly. > > I'm looking forward to their continued assistance as we enter the construction phase- and to posting photos when my Mom is ready to move in! ## Selected projects - [El Cerrito Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/el-cerrito-custom-home-pj-vj~2744151) - Location: El Cerrito, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Remodel and old tired home into a new modern home - [Multifamily - Adding Apartments to the Ground Floor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multifamily-adding-apartments-to-the-ground-floor-pj-vj~2745649) - Location: Berkeley, CA - [Modular Accessory Dwelling With Sunset Magazine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modular-accessory-dwelling-with-sunset-magazine-pj-vj~2744195) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 13 - [West Oakland Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-oakland-victorian-pj-vj~2744162) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 8 - [Poppy's Place: Two-Bedroom, Two-Bath Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poppy-s-place-two-bedroom-two-bath-home-pj-vj~179146) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: This not-so-small home in Berkeley's historic Elmwood neighborhood has both a colorful past and future. When the owners purchased their main home, they inherited a dilapidated house in their backyard that was built in 1908. This 1908 house was most likely an earthquake shack that was thrown together after the big San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. We worked with the owners to bring a new future to this collapsing backyard cottage. The new home was designed in compliance with the zoning rules and… - [Menlo Park Accessory Dwelling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/menlo-park-accessory-dwelling-pj-vj~2744289) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 3 - [Lake Merritt Remodel and Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-merritt-remodel-and-guest-house-pj-vj~2744284) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 5 - [Alameda Admiral's House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alameda-admiral-s-house-remodel-pj-vj~2744136) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 18 - [Spring's Cottage: One Bedroom Spanish-Style Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spring-s-cottage-one-bedroom-spanish-style-cottage-pj-vj~71392) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: At the end of a long narrow driveway this Spanish style home and a new cottage are tucked between old oak trees and giant redwood trees. The new cottage is a beautiful 674 square foot home with a double sided glass fireplace the faces both the bedroom and the living room. Large windows in the kitchen and living room overlook the Orinda hills. Extra storage is tucked throughout with a nice coat closet at the main door and extra linen storage in the bathroom. The real story is about the three gene… - [Berkeley Backyard Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berkeley-backyard-cottage-pj-vj~618849) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Albany Accessory Dwelling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/albany-accessory-dwelling-pj-vj~618865) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Three generations plan to share this cute little Albany, California home. The owners recently completed a major upgrade and remodel to the main home with new electric, new plumbing, new windows and a new kitchen and bath. Now they are ready to build a little cottage that is sustainability built with recycled and reclaimed materials, spray foam insulation, non-toxic materials throughout and plans call to install solar that will offset both the main home and the new cottage. The owner is a grandmo… - [Santa Cruz Guest House - Accessory Dwelling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-guest-house-accessory-dwelling-pj-vj~1384721) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 42 - [Dennis and Lisa's Paradise in El Cerrito, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dennis-and-lisa-s-paradise-in-el-cerrito-ca-pj-vj~804369) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Dennis and Lisa, two young parents from El Cerrito, CA, contacted us in the summer of 2011 with the idea of replacing a huge, old chicken coop in their backyard with a nice cottage for Dennis’s mother. Having grown up nearby, Dennis wants to invest wisely in the family's character-rich property that has an amazing garden and a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The family has a sizable and interesting yard. Three homes in a row used to be shared by one family, and, thus, no fence separates their ho… - [Bruce and Nancy's Berkeley Pad](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bruce-and-nancy-s-berkeley-pad-pj-vj~804250) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: Bruce and Nancy inherited an old milk barn that stretched from each side of their property and actually went over into their neighbors yard by a bit. With wriggly tin roof, doors falling off and crags in the foundation it was barely useful for storage. After their parents experience a not-so-nice sublet one holiday, they came to the conclusion that the old barn could become something better. Their project was limited to 12' in height due to both planning codes and a northern neighbor's much love… - [Travis and Kelly's Casita Guesthouse and Office](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/travis-and-kelly-s-casita-guesthouse-and-office-pj-vj~802790) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Travis and Kelly approached New Avenue back in February 2013 to discuss adding an accessory dwelling to the backyard of their Oakland, CA home. This 250 square foot casita is intended as a guesthouse and office. Construction took about 5 to 6 months and began at the end of 2013. Some challenges to this project included poor access to the backyard, a very sloped lot, and older utilities which lead to a replaced water line. Just as the the work came to completion in June 2014, Travis and Kelly ado… - [Susan's Cottage: Studio with Upstairs Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/susan-s-cottage-studio-with-upstairs-loft-pj-vj~179765) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/new-avenue-pfvwus-pf~788652576) ## Ideabooks - [New Avenue's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29889186/list/new-avenue-s-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/newavenuehomes) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the roof height from the ground? Above 14 ft?** *(in Photo Questions)* Roof height? A: The roof height is approximately 18' at the peak. **Q: ceiling height?** *(in Photo Questions)* Please tell what is the ceiling height in the loft and main floor to loft floor?Thank you! A: Approximately 6'4" from the top of the bamboo floor to the bottom of that ridge beam. Contact us at newavenuehomes.com and we'd be happy to share the actual construction plans. **Q: Square footage?** *(in Photo Questions)* And is this a main residence, or a part time/guest abode? A: This is a guest house that was built where there used to be an old one car garage. It is about 300 square feet on the ground floor and another 150 upstairs. **Q: Floor tiles** *(in Photo Questions)* is this linoleum or ceramic or concrete?great floor wonder what material,porcelain?Mystery great looking. A: It is stained concrete. It's a DIY project by the owner. You can see and read more here: http://newavenuehomes.com/small-home-clients/dennis-lisa-adu-el-cerrito **Q: Loft ladder** *(in Photo Questions)* in NC I think these loft ladders are not to code,beats staircase anybody know differently? A: They are not to code for a staircase by any means, it is a ladder. Depending on where you are building, this may be allowed as a ladder to a loft, as they are used in this picture. Stairs vs. ladders are very different codes. The best way to think of putting in a latter like this is to plan on putting in one of those $200 Home Depot attic pull down stairs, then permit that and build something like this. Ladders to lofts are fun but are generally a bad idea for anyone over 18.... **Q: What type of hinge is used with the doors being so close togeather?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These are IKEA cabinets and the hinges are the standard hinges that come with IKEA cabinets. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*