--- title: "Design SI — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-si-pfvwus-pf~92837609 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~92837609.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Design SI" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e963433a02673d8e_4266-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Chico, California 95973, United States" phone: "(530) 965-5731" website: http://Www.roubenm.com rating: 5 review_count: 21 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 176 last_updated: 2026-08-18 --- # Design SI Original Houzz profile: [Design SI](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-si-pfvwus-pf~92837609) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Chico, CA - **Serves:** Chico, Hamilton City, Cohasset, Nord, Vina, Bay Area, Butte County, Greater Sacramento Area, Lake Almanor, Lake Tahoe, Shasta County - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (21 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Offers Custom Work At Design SI, we believe every space has a story waiting to be told. Our team of designers, artists, engineers, and craftsmen collaborates to craft creative and innovative design solutions, specializing in unique residences, branded environments, and timeless interiors. Guided by a holistic and sustainable approach, we ensure every project reflects the individuality of our clients while respecting its context and purpose. Our Philosophy We approach each project as an opportunity to uncover its unique potential. By focusing on your lifestyle, goals, and budget, we create spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Drawing inspiration from the Arts and Crafts tradition and modern design principles, we combine locally sourced materials, cultural sensitivity, and a meticulous attention to detail to deliver designs that are both beautiful and timeless. Why Choose Design SI? Collaborative Creativity: We believe in working closely with our clients to ensure their vision comes to life, crafting spaces that truly reflect their needs and personality. Attention to Detail: Every element is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the overall vision, ensuring a cohesive and polished result. Sustainability: Our designs prioritize environmental consciousness, creating spaces that meet today’s needs while considering tomorrow’s challenges. Community Focus: Our work extends beyond individual projects to initiatives that serve the broader community, such as the Rebuild Paradise campaign and affordable housing design. Our Expertise Our services range from custom home and interior design to furniture design, restorations, and adaptive reuse projects. Whether you’re building a new home, reimagining an existing space, or designing an environment that supports your brand, we ensure a seamless and enjoyable design experience. At Design SI, we don’t just create spaces—we transform ideas into environments that inspire, connect, and endure. Let us help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to begin your design journey. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Attic Conversion - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Custom Beds - Custom Bookcases - Custom Built-ins - Custom Cabinets - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Furniture - Custom Home Bars - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Design Consultation - Dining Room Design - Entry Design - Feng Shui Design - Furniture Selection - Home Office Design & Construction - Home Staging - Home Theater Design - Interior Design - Kids Bedroom Design - Lighting Design - Living Room Design - Playroom Design - Sunroom Design & Construction ### Areas Served - Chico - Hamilton City - Cohasset - Nord - Vina - Bay Area - Butte County - Greater Sacramento Area - Lake Almanor - Lake Tahoe - Shasta County ### Typical Job Cost $2,000 - 25,000 Each project is conceived in terms of its individual potential and opportunities for the client. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Design SI | | Address | Chico, California 95973, United States | | Phone | (530) 965-5731 | | Website | http://Www.roubenm.com | | License Number | 29769 | | Followers on Houzz | 176 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/DesignSI - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=34525548&trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Design SI](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-si-pfvwus-pf~92837609) - **Website:** http://Www.roubenm.com - **Phone:** (530) 965-5731 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NCIDQ certified - M.Arch. - M. Arch 1998 - Southern California Institute of Architecture - B.A Arch 1995 - SUNY Buffalo - http://www.csuchico.edu/pub/inside/11\_03\_30/rouben.shtml - http://www.newsreview.com/chico/indigenous-design/content?oid=6955587 - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2025), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [NCIDQ Examination](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncidq-examination-pfvwus-pf~882083937) - [AIA Central Valley](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-central-valley-pfvwus-pf~689425103) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 21 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Vicky Caporale, Dec. 2024** > I can't imagine what our house would have turned out like if we hadn't found Rouben and his team. They brought our house plans to life with their realistic renderings. They are there for you as much or as little as you would like. We came to Rouben with our house plans already almost completely drawn but needed his help when it came time to decide things like a giant wall of windows, where to place certain doors and windows, how big to make them, where to place beams in the ceilings, cabinet height, color choices, landscape layout, etc. Looking at the plans on paper just isn't enough. Rouben and his team can bring them to life so you can see exactly what you are getting and don't have to guess and regret later when it's too late. They took time to review my many Pinterest and Houzz boards to get to know my style. You do not have to imagine it -they'll show it to you. > When designing the exterior of our home, I had a hard time deciding between a white or a green color of the house and brick options. Rouben and his team created multiple renderings of our house with various colors and textures so I could see exactly what each option would look like. By the time I picked the final colors, bricks, roofing material I knew exactly what it would look like and had zero doubts. > Another example of how amazing their skills and service are is when we were deciding on a fireplace layout, finishes, size, placement, etc. We started with one design but had to pivot and Rouben and his team made it easier by providing renderings of what was in my head. Their final rendering was exact down to the size of our tv and fireplace so we knew exactly what size to order, etc. > I just can't say enough about how valuable their service is. Rouben and his entire team are easy to work with and made each step enjoyable and exciting along the way. **★★★★★ — Todd Brandtman, Sept. 2022** > It was great to work with Rouben. He got us to express our concepts of what we wanted, then took that starting point and embellished it to create our dream home. He helped us every step of the way, from textures to colors, to interior design, using 3-D mock ups in order to compare options. He worked with our contractor to be sure everything was just the way we wanted it. The result was fantastic. We get great compliments on our house every time someone comes over to see it. **★★★★★ — grreatone, Jan. 2018** > Work hard and give great results, call and keeps in touch, project is coming along and looking good. Almost ready to submit to the county for approval to start building. Can't wait **★★★★★ — Echo Song, Jan. 2017** > Design SI is a team of professionals!!! Rouben is an extremely talented architect. He listens and communicates with us during the whole process. Always keeping our interests in their mind, they try hard to come up with designs that work for our needs within a reasonable budget. We are more than pleased with the work Rouben and his team have accomplished! Design SI is the best in town! **★★★★ — Joel Garcia, Oct. 2016** > As a fan of modern contemporary design, I was very excited to find Rouben's business in northern California. HIs style quickly grabbed my attention. From the very beginning, Rouben and his team have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable. We have worked on four projects together and I am consistantly impressed with their customer service and attention to detail. From design to construction, Rouben is always present to answer my questions and put my concerns at ease. > > I would recommend Rouben and his team to anyone who is inspired by contemporary and modern design. **★★★★★ — Kafele Hodari, Oct. 2016** > Once again the team at DesignSI has knocked it out of the park! I viewed the project, this time, as fairly straightforward: frame and hang the 20 or so pieces of photography and oil canvas art that my wife and I recently purchased while vacationing in New Orleans. > > I knew they would do a great job, as this is the 4th or 5th project that they've helped me with over the last 4 years. Nevertheless, I was taken aback by the creativeness, attention to detail, and professionalism of their work. After initially discussing the project with Rouben, I found communication with Alyson to be timely and straightforward. She promptly addressed my queries and concerns and always had unique insights and an additional unique perspective to add. > > Because of my sometimes hectic schedule, after sharing my vision and ideas, I gave the team complete autonomy on the details of the project. I love how the 6 pieces placed in the stairwell share a common purplish color palate and complement the black and white table in the adjacent kitchen. I also love how they placed the photographs of the 2 cars (one old school '57 Chevy, in Havana, and one '87 Cutlass Supreme on 20" rims, in New Orleans) in the same room. The photos are on walls facing each other with a different photo on the adjoining adjacent wall. The contrast between the two beautiful cars in amazing and exactly what I had in mind when I purchased them both. > > I could go on about the quality and choice of framing, the price and value of their services, the perfectly placed height of the photos, or the fact that they were able to complete the project in Seal Team 6-like precision while my wife was at work (the surprise was worth it!) but I trust my sentiments are evident by now. DesignSI does a fantastic job! No matter how complex or straightforward your project appears, they approach it with a level of sophistication, creativity, and attention to detail like few others. > > Thanks team! **★★★★★ — Roopam Chowdhury, Oct. 2016** > No job is too big or too little for Design SI. So I had an unusual design request: Building a treehouse! And they crushed it. I told them the idea and general layout (VERY LITTLE DIRECTION). Just the fact that I want to build a treehouse for the kids, that will go between 2 oak trees. That is all they needed. They provided a design that was easy to follow and used innovative materials like corrugated plastics for walls and roof. Also suggested use of wire instead of traditional balcony. These innovative ideas for materials saved time and money. and the end result looks GREAT. Now I am hiring them to do my actual home and I have every confidence they will do a great job. **Comment from Design SI:** > Thanks so much for the opportunity! We loved working with you and the family! **★★★★★ — Lyle and Cassie Vargas, Sept. 2016** > My wife and I asked Rouben Mohiuddin and his Design SI team to design a modern style house to fit our sloping lot and maximize our lake view. > Rouben knows modern design well and shared many options with us.He is very artistic and turned our simple ideas into something amazing.His final design fit the look and feel of the land well and it has the "WOW" factor. > Working with Rouben,Zack and Alyson, has been an easy and fun experience.We are looking forward to working with Design SI during the construction of our dream home. > We wholeheartedly recommend Rouben and his Design SI team. > Lyle and Cassie Vargas **★★★★★ — Kimberly Snyder, Feb. 2016** > Roubin and his colleagues are amazing!! They went above and beyond to create a magical place for my kids to play. They were creative & very resourceful! I loved all of the ideas and was amazed by what they came up with!! I will definitely be contacting them for all my upcoming projects. **★★★★★ — Joe Silbernagel, Feb. 2016** > After having used Design SI for a previous project, I had them come up with a design and plan for my backyard. They presented many ideas that incorporated my vision for the project. Any changes or questions that I had, they were very receptive and responsive. They stayed within budget and finished in a timely manner. I would recommend them for any of your design needs, whether it be a building or landscaping project. **Comment from Design SI:** > Thank you for the opportunity, we really enjoyed the process! **★★★★★ — Airehart Construction, Jan. 2016** > Design Si has provided us at Airehart Construction and our clients with a very progressive and innovative residential architectural design for a condominium renovation. In addition their interior design concepts achieve an innovative and intellectual finished product through the use of unique building materials. Rouben Mohiuddin, their principal personally oversees all of their designs. He is personable, responsive, and has a strong grasp of all architectural styles. We highly recommend the use of Design Si for your next project. **★★★★★ — Sarah M, Dec. 2015** > Rouben custom built a dining table for me that needed to fit the proportions of my dining space. Since the space is small but I wanted as large a table as possible, he designed the table to be as long as possible in the center and then reduced the corners to avoid bumping into sharp corners while navigating the space. This helped out tremendously. The piece is also trendy yet organic and natural. I'm delighted! ## Selected projects - [Lake view residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-view-residence-pj-vj~4841364) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Old Stage Road - custom residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-stage-road-custom-residence-pj-vj~6528150) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: Project Goal: Harmonizing Modern Design with Natural Surroundings The Old Stage Road Custom Residence was envisioned to seamlessly integrate contemporary aesthetics with the natural beauty of its environment. The aim was to create a sustainable, light-filled home that offers both comfort and a strong connection to the outdoors. Design Process: Collaborative Creation In partnership with the client and builder, we focused on maximizing natural light through expansive windows, selecting eco-friendl… - [Canyon Oaks Custom Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canyon-oaks-custom-residence-pj-vj~1780100) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Bringing ‪‎modern‬ residential ‪design‬ and capturing the the breathtaking landscape of the north state, ‪chico‬ CA, with views of Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta, it infuses ‪\#‎natural‬ elements and materials with light filled spaces and interiors made from locally available materials...Canyon Oaks House 1 - Exterior ‪materials‬...Ledger stone, plaster, powder coated sheet metal. Interior materials: plaster, ‪‎bamboo‬, claro ‪walnut‬, concrete, stone, glass, granite. - [Borzoi House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/borzoi-house-pj-vj~7543812) - Location: Paradise, CA - Photos: 13 - [Lake House Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-house-residence-pj-vj~364479) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: 5000 sg ft residence. new england inspired. - [Z House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/z-house-pj-vj~7147671) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Canyon Oaks Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canyon-oaks-townhouse-pj-vj~746025) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: Interior design of canyon oaks town house with new flooring, fireplace feature wall, TV room and bar, breakfast nook with new fittings fixtures, and furnishings. Project budget: $40,000 G.C.: Airehart Construction Inc. - [Durham Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/durham-farmhouse-pj-vj~7564814) - Location: Durham, CA - Photos: 5 - [Walnut Creek](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/walnut-creek-pj-vj~4841241) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Lewis Residence exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lewis-residence-exteriors-pj-vj~6801375) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [River House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-house-pj-vj~6528156) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Villareal ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/villareal-adu-pj-vj~6324948) - Location: Oroville, CA - Photos: 3 - [Rebuild Paradise - pro bono projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rebuild-paradise-pro-bono-projects-pj-vj~6324983) - Location: Paradise, CA - Photos: 4 - [McClenon Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mcclenon-residence-pj-vj~2468244) - Location: Mount Hamilton, CA - Photos: 7 - [Kight Biglione Resicence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kight-biglione-resicence-pj-vj~2350911) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: This project renovated the interior, with the kitchen, dining area, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. There was the addition of new storage places and appliances in the kitchen with fittings and fixtures, and there was the creation of the laundry, pantry, and TV rooms. There was also a new feature wall added that has an eco smart fireplace and a new front room display space. - [Backyard Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-landscape-design-pj-vj~2594962) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 2 - [Chico Orchard Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chico-orchard-residence-pj-vj~842605) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Chico farm house - spanish revival - [North Chico Residence - Interior Design and Landscape Design in Progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-chico-residence-interior-design-and-landscape-design-in-progress-pj-vj~428098) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This is a example of a 2500 sq.ft. recently built model home in North Chico. Minor changes where done to the interior to create a more open space feel, particularly connecting the residence to a outdoor living room and garden, while taking providing a function and programmatic layout for multi functional spaces within the home. - [Reclaimed wood Pieces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/reclaimed-wood-pieces-pj-vj~356928) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 33 - Description: All lumber originated from non commercial sources in Butte County. - [Backyard oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-oasis-pj-vj~1187443) - Location: Chico, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: brick dome [See all 27 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-si-pfvwus-pf~92837609) ## Ideabooks - [Tilley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/175992613/list/tilley-residence) — 3 ideas - [Jones Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140456358/list/jones-project) — 35 ideas - [Peter and Catherine](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139018825/list/peter-and-catherine) — 23 ideas - [Gonzales Almanor Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115008986/list/gonzales-almanor-cabin) — 16 ideas - [Shariati Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114746776/list/shariati-residence) — 3 ideas - [Craftsman and Ranch style homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93346093/list/craftsman-and-ranch-style-homes) — 17 ideas - [Lewis Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89809470/list/lewis-residence) — 27 ideas - [McClenon Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77178505/list/mcclenon-residence) — 34 ideas - [Miller Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76651319/list/miller-residence) — 30 ideas - [Firecamp Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69378949/list/firecamp-remodel) — 1 idea - [Silbernagel Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69378455/list/silbernagel-residence) — 4 ideas - [Hubbard Residence Concept Drawings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65600553/list/hubbard-residence-concept-drawings) — 8 ideas - [Hubbard Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62744377/list/hubbard-residence) — 31 ideas - [Oroville house concept development](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57630835/list/oroville-house-concept-development) — 23 ideas - [Garcia Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58721286/list/garcia-residence) — 26 ideas - [kim and brents playroom murals](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57589517/list/kim-and-brents-playroom-murals) — 10 ideas - [FLW;s Taliesin residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51873663/list/flw-s-taliesin-residence) — 7 ideas - [LAWN Alternative Patio design mixing sof scapes and hardscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50979900/list/lawn-alternative-patio-design-mixing-sof-scapes-and-hardscapes) — 4 ideas - [Water conserving / Drought tolerant landscapes and lawns](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50358857/list/water-conserving-drought-tolerant-landscapes-and-lawns) — 6 ideas - [chico residence interior examples](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44044349/list/chico-residence-interior-examples) — 34 ideas [See all 30 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/designsi) ## Community Q&A **Q: Beautiful table and base, where did you have the base fabricated?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you, the table was designed build for one of our custom homes, all fabricated in house. Here are some process pics https://m.facebook.com/DesignSI/albums/355182887888614/ **Q: which brick color better?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hi We have a 1 story house need brick stain. Now 2 color plans. Please advise which is better, the dark redor light red? A: consider light sandblasting, might give you an interesting natural look **Q: Master Bedroom Size** *(in Design Dilemma)* What is an acceptable size for a Master Bedroom with adjoining Master Bath with a king-sized bed, nightstands, chest. Want to have it adequate size but not waste space. A: 14 x 16 is a comfortable size on the smaller end I think. **Q: Need help with updating fireplace** *(in Design Dilemma)* We did some updates to our living room and only have a little more to go. We have an older house and are looking to do some updates while still maintaining the original character. We painted the room Revere Pewter, adding crown molding and the recess lighting, and added a sectional, two accent chairs, and a floor lamp. The one thing we're still stuck on is the fireplace area. We're trying to keep original wood to go with the rest of the room. We want to do something with brick, and are debating whether to paint over it in whitewash or possibly stone or tile instead. Same with the bottom of it, we went to look at slabs of granite and marble at a store, but think tile might also work since the space on the bottom isn't that deep. We will be adding doors as well to complete the look and to use it as wood burning. If you have any suggestions for how to update the overall look without taking away from the original wood, I would love to hear! I've also attached a picture. Thanks, Rachel A: If you plan on keeping the TV, I think you should integrate the TV into the design of the original FP **Q: To sink or not to sink?** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are considering renovating our new home to make our kitchen more central. We are going to make the current living room a kitchen, and turn the the garage into the living room. We have 8' ceilings in the house, which I wish we had made higher. Should we raise the floor of the living room to create a better flow? Or should we create a sunken living room to gain the higher ceiling in this space? Our house is similar to the attached plan, except our kitchen is moved back into the coffee corner to make a larger kitchen, and our basement stairs start in the main part of the house next to the laundry room. The stairs come into the end of the current kitchen and are surrounded by a rail. I was thinking that the current kitchen would become a sitting area, and the garage would the main living space. I would put a double sided ethanol fireplace between the sitting area and living space. A: If it is challenging to find architects where u are, another option is to consider a design build firm. Maybe even consult with professional designer/ architect for space planning only, develop a plan, a few elevations of proposed ideas then work with a local engineer and contractor to help you achieve the technical aspects. **Q: Stucco** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the stucco finish, make and color please? A: apologies, we don't have the final spec on the exterior color as it was decided at the end by the owners --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-18.*