building Lab, inc.

We hired building Lab to overhaul our existing two bathrooms, rework our entryway and laundry "nook", and to revamp our small bedroom into a master suite, which included building an addition onto existing roof space. We knew we loved bL's aesthetic after looking over their portfolio; we were won over by Stephen Shoup's honest and straight-forward approach to client relations. We were looking for a team we could trust with the design and build, and also to deal honestly with expectations around expense and timing. Stephen and his team delivered beyond our hopes on all fronts. Our project was held up by a neighbor dispute, and bL was with us every step of the way, acting with their usual integrity and patience. The entire team at bL were always listening to our ideas and thoughts about design, yet also willing to lend their advice, given their design expertise. I could wax on about how delightful it was to work with the bL gang, but, more importantly, at the end of the project we were left with a stunning new master suite, new gorgeous bathrooms, and a more welcoming entryway; all reflecting the beautiful design, craftsmanship, and care of building Lab. We wish we had more projects for them, simply for the pleasure of seeing the gang, but alas, they made our whole house so beautiful it will surely serve us for a very long time. We heartily recommend bL.

Stephen and his team were a pleasure to work with throughout our home improvement project. We all know communication is key for success, and they made the journey to finished product as smooth as could be, by keeping us informed and responding to us with professionalism, respect and courtesy every time. buildingLab remodeled our existing shower as well as full demo and remodel of our small ADU.

We hired buildingLab for the design of our multi-phase whole house remodel. Living too far for buildingLab to also do the build phase, they helped us identify the right build firm and stayed actively involved in the build process offering a partnership with the build company and ensuring the end product met their design intent and high quality standards. While we stayed within the footprint of the original house, everything about the layout changed. The design process was very collaborative. Stephen and Hide listened and took the time to get to know us, our living style and design needs. They asked questions and offered unique design solutions. Not only was their style aligned with ours but since they took the time to get to know us, we trusted completely their recommendations on product selection. Months after each design phase there was a circle back about anything we would do differently around design or product selections. Everything was then fed into the learning process for a future project. Any questions or concerns were immediately addressed. We enjoyed working with Hide and Stephen and love everything about our new home. Some of our favorite features are things we never would have considered without their suggestions. Their attention to detail and high quality standards coupled with a genuine customer focus makes working with buildingLab a unique and positive experience.

building Lab served as our architect for a whole-home remodel plus landscaping for our mid-century modern home. Even though we did not change the footprint of the home and made only minor changes to the layout, the transformation was dramatic. We felt that building Lab listened well and valued our input in the design process. We are very happy with the outcome: a simple, clean, harmonious design, beautiful yet restrained, a comfortable dwelling that makes sense and will continue to make sense for some time to come. We were not completely prepared for the time and expense involved in such a project, but the end result made it worthwhile. We had an excellent general contractor and subcontractors that each contributed to the outcome. But building Lab was involved from start to finish and ensured that it came together in the right way. Great job.

building Lab designed and oversaw a whole house remodel for our home from 2014 to 2017. Stephen and his team have an incredible eye for detail, went above and beyond in understanding our aesthetics and practical needs and proposed numerous unique and inspiring details throughout the project. They were collaborative, invited us into the design process, and iterated quickly based on our ideas and the natural constraints of the project. The practicality of understanding how each design detail would be built brought both inventive solutions and helped us understand early what would be possible and why. Working with the same team through both the design and build phases brought peace of mind, greatly reduced the degree of project management I had to take on personally, and resulted in a consistency of accountability from start to finish. When surprises occurred (as they always do in a substantial renovation), design details were quickly adapted with the same thoughtfulness. building Lab treated the entire project with a true pride of craft and the results are simply stunning. I would recommend them without reservation.

I started looking at Eichler homes for inspiration for our whole house remodel and found photos of Stephen's house on Houzz. My husband Lester and I loved everything about it. We wanted to keep the original design of our 1952 Eichler-inspired home as much as possible and needed an architect who could help us realize our aspirations and guide us through the design process. Luckily for us, that architect was building Lab. Stephen and Hide are fantastic and fun to work with. Stephen and Hide have a very strong design style and aesthetic (which we love). They helped us explore different concepts throughout the feasibility study phase. They provided us insights about each concept, so we could understand how the design would impact the way we move and use the space and how each space or element would relate to one another. My husband and I learned so much from building Lab and we appreciated the level of thoughtfulness in their designs. We worked with building Lab on subsequent design phases, which included finalizing the design, budget and scope we wanted to move forward with for the remodel project. Stephen and Hide provided us invaluable guidance with the general contractor bid process and proceeded to develop all the construction deliverables for our remodel. Even though building Lab hasn’t been heavily involved during the build process, they have been very helpful answering our random design questions along the way, from fencing to back patio pavers to kitchen cabinets to closet door handles. There are so many details and decisions we had to make - we would often ask ourselves, what would building Lab do? We’re so happy with everything that we’ve been able to accomplish for our home remodel with Hide and Stephen by our side.

We recently collaborated with Stephen Shoup and his team at building Lab for a stunning, thoroughly modern master bathroom remodel. This project called for complex architectural detailing, where the intersection of materials became the highlight. They put great value in the creative process, turning challenges into opportunities. We enjoyed working with the building Lab team and look forward to collaborating again.

As a structural engineer I work with a lot of architects and contractors. The design process and implementation can make a huge difference in how difficult my job will be. Building Lab not only makes my job much easier but also makes it enjoyable. It's a collaborative process through design and construction, which makes the project run more smoothly and results in a higher quality end product.

We have worked with Stephen and the Building Lab team on several projects. It's rare to find a collaborator with which we find so much in common- attention to detail, seeing a project through to completion with care and patience. I can highly recommend that any architect, client or fellow contractor or vendor work with them, you will not be disappointed.

I would trust building Lab with any of our designs! A true partner with a keen eye for design and construction. Stephen was a pleasure to work with and I respect him greatly.

building lab designed a new master bathroom for my existing house in San Francisco. The builder referred to it as a jewel box, which describes how we feel about the result. The designer re-imagine a space that was broken into barely useable sections and combined them into a logical flow that is both aesthetic and practical. Now I love taking showers in my bathroom and just admiring the rest of it while in the shower!

We hired buildingLab to do a 3-month kitchen remodel in San Francisco and they were great. It was a collaborative design process, which we really appreciated. Their aesthetic is clearly modern but they were able to problem-solve around some tricky issues in our traditional San Francisco house. For example, when we removed a wall, suddenly we were looking at making one cohesive room out of 2 rooms with very different styles. BuildingLab came up with a creative solution that really works. The crew that realized the remodel was excellent too: on time, clean, and professional. They were respectful of our neighbors, and of the fact that we were living in the house during the remodel. Most importantly, their work was great and anything that we found wrong, they fixed without giving us a hard time. A year later, we still love our kitchen!

We hired building Lab to do a comprehensive remodel of our main living area. After interviewing several firms, we chose Stephen's firm because their design philosophy was most coherent and workmanship was outstanding based on the portfolio of past projects, some of which we were also able to see in person. The team that was assigned to our project did a great job of communicating and managing the project from beginning to end. Although some miscalculations and misunderstandings are expected from a project of our scope and complexity, the experience throughout the remodel was enjoyable and kept us engaged with the right level of involvement. Our input during design and build were solicited and incorporated through weekly meetings, but not to the extent of being overwhelming. Their attention to detail was exceptional, from scanning every square inch of paint until it were applied uniformly, to spending days tuning cabinets after they were installed to ensure alignment was straight. I can be quite OCD on certain details but even so, many other things were identified and addressed that I may not have noticed if they were not brought to my attention. In the end, I think what speaks best about their work is how they stand behind it. Nearly one year since we moved back in, any issues that we have had (e.g. some grout started cracking as new construction areas began settling, a window showed some mold forming) Stephen happily and promptly sends someone to fix it at his own expense. I expect as time goes on that these issues lessen but it is of great peace of mind to know that I can always rely on building Lab to be there with us as we enjoy our new home for many years to come.

If you're looking for a architect or contractor, put this talented team on your list. Stephen Shoup and the Building Lab team helped us remodel our San Francisco home. We wanted to stay in the city but needed to expand our usable space. So we built downward, finishing a raw lower level into a modern living and play space. We were super thrilled with the results, but more to the point of this review, we actually ENJOYED the process of renovation. Here's why: 1. Great communication and project management. Lots of people will joke about how bad contractors are at delivering against a plan and timeline. Building Lab worked hard to develop a strong plan and communicate it throughout the journey. I actually shared one of Building Lab's spreadsheets with my own project management team at work because it was so thorough! 2. Impeccable eye for detail. This asset is pretty intangible, but now that we've moved back into our home, we appreciate it every day. Stephen and team really think before they demolish, build, and install. They asked questions we didn't even think about, such as "What is the precise right finish for the polished concrete floor?" or "How many folds should be in the curtains?" We are now appreciating all of the small but crucial decisions that Building Lab identified and helped us make. 3. Better living through design. Our project included some unique elements, such as a hidden laundry room and extensive built-in cabinetry. They even turned what was once the biggest limitation of our architecture (a side stairwell built in the 1920s) into one of the most elegant features in our space. The enhancements Building Lab recommended were functional (We have small kids....We're not living in a museum.) as well as beautiful. 4. Good people. You better love your builder because they may literally be living with you for several months. This team is a class act, and their subs were universally strong as well. We would not hesitate to hire them again.

We hired buidling lab for a major bathroom remodel - actually three. One being upgrading an existing bathroom and the other converting a master bath, walk-in closet and hallway into a larger master bath and adding a half-bath. They did a fantastic job with the whole project. In particular we were very impressed by their creativity and how everything turned out. Design touches are evident throughout incl the additional lights that really enhanced the whole look. Excellent job.

Stephen and his crew were hired to fabricate, install and renovate a high end family room that my office designed. I recommended Stephen to my client because I knew that the project required skilled and experienced woodworkers and builders with a furniture grade level of craftsmanship as the project involved a lot of custom designed built-ins. In other words a high level of precision and attention to detail was needed and they were able to deliver. Other than the high quality of the work, Stephen and his team were well organized, professional, easy to communicate with and a pleasure to work with. Often times projects go sideways due to lack of communication or inability to work together to find solutions, this was not the case with this project. I look forward to working with Stephen on the next project. You can see the project on my page: http://www.houzz.com/projects/15562/alamo

Stephen Shoup and his team are true master builders - they create amazing designs with great detail and executes it in a professional and accountable fashion. If you are in the Oakland area this is the team to call upon.

My wife and I hired building Lab to do a complete kitchen/bath remodel and deck addition in 2007. They refined and finalized a design concept we had, completed the work--to our great satisfaction--on time and on budget, and were a pleasure to work with. I especially appreciated the fact that the design team worked with and even enhanced the innate character of our home, which dates from the 1890s. The job foreman, a master cabinet maker, even built our kitchen cabinets to look like they came from that period. The entire crew was personable, professional, thorough, and reliable, and communications between us and everyone at building Lab were clear, complete, and trouble-free. We have recommended them many times to friends, and if we were to embark on another major remodeling project we would not hesitate to hire them again.

I have worked with building Lab for several years, photographing their work. Stephen and his staff are outstanding in every way. The projects they build are designed flawlessly, and the craftsmanship of the work has to be seen to be believed -- something I value highly as a photographer! Joints fit perfectly, lines are straight and solid, there are never "flaws" that have to be photoshopped out. I work with many builders, architects, and designers, and I can say that I recommend building Lab wholeheartedly for their honesty, craftsmanship, and design aesthetic.

As a paint contractor focused on high end residential construction, we have had the opportunity to work with some of the most skilled and passionate contractors and builders across the bay. When we arrive to paint, we have a unique opportunity to see the builders work in its raw form and see the designers vision come to life step by step. When we first hooked up with Steven Shoup and the Building lab team in March of 2011, it was apparent that they were something different. With a flare for modern architectural design, urban functionality and bold integration of innovative materials and textures, they quickly jumped to a place of the highest admiration among myself, my team and my friends and family. The work they do is like muti dimensional contemporary art with a comfortable feel and functional practicality which delights their customers. I have come to look to them as a model for success in both their client based service and their commitment to excellence. Simply put, as Building Lab grows, our Bay Area community is richly rewarded

building Lab (bL) offers the complete package. Thoughtful and collaborative design, meticulous execution, and the highest levels of integrity. Their team is highly organized, which reduced the stresses associated with planning and construction of our whole house remodel. Stephen, the owner, was hands on throughout the entire process and spent many weekend hours helping us refine our finishes (including several trips to Heath and Ceramic Tile Design). Chris, the lead carpenter, ran a tight ship and kept the project on track (he also used his awesome cabinetry skills to make us a beautiful built in, a late addition). bL does beautiful work with a laser-like focus on the details. We were impressed with the high standards to which they hold themselves and their subs. They picked up on design details that most would have never noticed and they stand behind their work. Their hard work resulted in a dramatic transformation from a house to a home that we truly love.

We hired building Lab to do the construction work on a renovation of our house in Bernal Heights, San Francisco. Or project consisted of a relocation of our kitchen, adding a half bath on the second floor, relocation of the stairs and entry way, as well as an addition of a master bath and bedroom on the back of our first floor. Building Lab was one of five contractors that bid on our job and we were impressed from the very beginning by Stephen Shoup's proactive and professional approach to the bidding process. He was the first to visit our house with his crew and sub contractors and really seemed to get his head into our project. Building Lab did not come in as the lowest bid but we felt Stephen, being a design/builder, brought something extra to the table that would really make our project succeed. Looking at his website and visiting one of his other jobs in progress we really felt that Stephen and his crew understood the design feel we were after. We were also very happy with how the construction proceeded. We had weekly meetings with Building Lab and our architect to discuss progress and issues and we never felt out of the loop. Chris, the lead Building Lab foremen, was fantastic to work with on a daily basis and we really felt that we had friendly rapport with everyone on the building Lab team. As with any construction project we did end up spending a bit more money and time than we had originally planned on. For the most part this was due to change orders we made along the way to upgrade or add certain details that we decided we wanted. Building lab did a good job making sure we understood the impact of each change and often worked with us to help keep costs low. All and all we were very pleased with the results. Our house is fantastic and we are more than willing to work with Stephen and Building Lab on future work on our house.

I have hired Building Lab for three projects: building a guest room under my garage; remodeling the layout of the living room, bedroom and basement; and remodeling the kitchen. The house was old (100 years) and had been remodeled in a very disjointed way over that time. We have now tied together all the incongruous aspects of the house, preserving the 100 year old “cottage” feel, while updating every aspect of the house with the latest technology, codes etc. Building Lab did a great job. The projects were generally completed on time, and to our satisfaction from a quality point of view. They kept us informed on the project and listened to what we wanted. I would certainly go to them first with any additional projects we want to complete.

I hired Building Lab in the spring of 2004 to renovate a fifty year old two-story house in the Oakland hills. It was badly deteriorated and required major reconstruction of many of its elements: The original custom floor-to-ceiling wood-framed windows had to be rebuilt. Expansive decks on both levels had to be reengineered. And the kitchen and bathrooms had to be redesigned. In fact, the only parts that remained of the original house were the foundation and about forty percent of the interior framing. In addition, a number of new features were added: a complete seismic upgrading, an elevated clerestory above the dining area, and a pushed-out front entrance that offers a view of the garden from the new expanded entry hall and adjoining large, open stairway. Building Lab was a much smaller operation at the time, and Stephen Shoup himself was the project manager on site during the entire construction. I worked closely with him during that time and got to know him very well. I gained a high regard for the quality of his work and his attention to detail. He is easy to work with, always willing to consider my ideas when offered, and fair in dealing with the changes that are inevitable in the contract of a project of this size. The project came within the budget I had set for it, and I was very happy with the final outcome. We have become good friends, and I have called on Building Lab for several other smaller but still major projects since this time. I have full confidence in Stephen and would not consider hiring any other building contractor.

Buildind Lab provided both design and build services for a stand alone au-pair suite at our property. Stephen Shoup was personally involved through the effort. He and his team's commitment to quality, detail and excellence was indeed stellar. They understood us as clients and our needs and specific tastes. They truly listened and reacted with speed. They stuck to their original budget and timeline. Above everything else, their strive for perfection and desire to exceed expectations is indicative about the ethic and pride they bring to their work, day-in and day-out. In short it was an absolute pleasure to work with them and we would highly recommend them.