Skeels Design / Architecture

Wade has impeccable taste and is a joy to work with. He brought creative ideas to the table, while also working collaboratively to find creative solutions to satisfy the needs of three opinionated adults in our multi-generational family! He helped us with an ADU project requiring a lot of back and forth with the City of Berkeley, for which he deftly handled the (sometimes infuriating) bureaucracy with skill and grace. Wade is an 'old school' architect -- he draws and designs by hand -- often in real time during discussions, which can be a fun and inspiring process. (He converts the designs ultimately to CAD for permitting and construction.) Our project required adherence to green design principles, and Wade was excited and totally on board with incorporating them into the design, while also respecting the historic nature of our 1920s bungalow. If you're looking for a real architect, who understands proportion, scale, and fine details and can skillfully move your project through the labyrinth of permitting - trust your job to Wade.

I worked with Wade for a period of 18 months on the turning a mediocre vanilla structure into a beautiful new modern house. Wade had great vision and pushed hard for a copper exterior to our bath expansion and he was 100% correct. He worked for days on coming up with the new color for the new cedar siding. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and no question or suggestion I had was not shot down but discussed professionally. He worked great with our contractor as well as our interior designer. I would whole heartedly recommend Wade ,

Wade is one of a rare breed of architect. Not only does he have an uncanny ability to visualize and articulate compelling designs, he has that elusive ability to make all the pieces work together. His plans are thorough and detailed, which makes building from them a pleasure. As General Contractors, we are especially grateful that Wade is a team player. He is always willing to work with us to make sure the design takes shape in such a way as to deliver the best, most durable results for the homeowner. An objective arbiter, Wade makes certain that the homeowner and the contractor are treated fairly. Smart, skilled, responsive, approachable, and fair; we couldn't ask for a better architect.

I have hired Wade for several different remodeling projects. I couldn't be happier with the results. Wade is a true talent, and has a keen eye for detail. He really takes the time to perfect the design himself. He is rare in the sense that when he is working in the field, he really takes time and care to speak with craftsmen about each and every detail. I love working with him because he is grounded and humble for a guy as talented as he, and I'm picky! He really listens to what I want with great attention, and always creates something incredible that always exceeds my expectations. A true find.

Wade Skeels is the owner of Skeels Design. I can't say enough about his attention to detail and passion for architecture. Wade is client oriented architect who can do everything from drafting plans to interior design and landscape architecture. Although he specializes in turn of the century American Craftsman style, he is just as adept working on modern and industrial projects. He has a great sense of style and environmentally conscientious. I highly recommend him.

I hired Wade on remodeling a Mission Revival / Arts & Craft home in Berkeley, CA. The home was owned by the same family since it was built in 1905 and the last upgrade and remodeling was sometime in the late 50's. The bones of the house were great but there were parts of the house — like the small kitchen, a parlor room and a formal dining room — that no longer fit 21st century style of living. Wade masterfully reworked the plans of the house creating more space, features and a flow that took advantage of the site. I've been in this house over 14 years now and loving the simplicity and elegance of the space Wade had designed for me. Wade's work is simple and elegant and have great respect for materials and history of a place. He's mindful of schedules and budgets. A pleasure to work with