Craig O'Connell Architecture

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Craig O'Connell Architecture Improving lives through design
Architecture | New Construction and Large Scale Remodels
http://www We have been named Best of Houzz every year since 2014.

Craig O’Connell Architecture will skillfully guide your vision from design to build. Our goal is to strike the right balance between your aesthetic, your functional needs and the natural environment. The true reward is creating a space that improves your life. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, we believe architecture and construction must work together harmoniously. We have strong relationships

with builders, structural engineers, interior designers, permit expeditors and more and can help curate a whole team to ensure your architectural dreams come to life. Celebrating over ten years in business, we bring a sustainable, modern approach to elevate every remodel, renovation, commercial building and new construction project. Apartment Therapy, Marin Magazine and Luxe have featured our work. A licensed architect with a Master’s degree from Montana State University, Craig O’Connell has nearly 20 years experience designing and managing residential and commercial projects. Prior to starting COA, Craig was a project architect at Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates.

Before: a home with great bones but an outdated layout and design.After: a modern home with updated design that feels br...
18/08/2026

Before: a home with great bones but an outdated layout and design.

After: a modern home with updated design that feels brighter, more functional, and uniquely personal.

While a project is being reviewed by the building department, there's still plenty happening behind the scenes. We continue refining cabinetry, tile selections, stone details, finishes, and other design elements so the project is ready to move forward once permits are approved. ✨

Learn more about our process: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

Before: an underutilized backyard with untapped potential.After: a seamless indoor-outdoor living space where the dining...
11/08/2026

Before: an underutilized backyard with untapped potential.

After: a seamless indoor-outdoor living space where the dining room flows naturally onto a welcoming patio designed for entertaining.

One advantage of working with an experienced architect is understanding how the permit process works. Every city has its own procedures, review timelines, and requirements. Knowing how to prepare complete drawings and communicate with plan reviewers helps keep projects moving efficiently. 🏛️

See how we guide projects from concept to construction: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

Before: an aging façade that no longer reflected the homeowners' vision.After: a refreshed exterior that honors the home...
04/08/2026

Before: an aging façade that no longer reflected the homeowners' vision.

After: a refreshed exterior that honors the home's character while feeling timeless.

Before: an outdated kitchen ready for a new chapter.

After: the finished result homeowners dream about.

What most people don't see is everything that happens in between. Before construction can begin, your project goes through the permitting phase—a critical step that ensures your plans are safe, code-compliant, and ready to build. That's exactly what we're covering in our latest blog.

Permit acquisition is an important milestone in every project. Before construction begins, plans are reviewed to ensure they meet current building, safety, structural, fire, and energy codes. It's a process that protects both the home and the people who will live in it. 📋

Learn more about our architectural process: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

28/07/2026

Good design isn't about spending more—it's about making informed decisions. 💡

During the permit phase, we help clients evaluate materials, fixtures, lighting, and flooring to find the right balance between quality, aesthetics, and budget. Small decisions made thoughtfully can have a significant impact on the overall project.

Learn more about our approach: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2025/10/29/construction-amp-permit-documents-what-happens-in-step-3-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

Every older home has its surprises 🔍. During the permitting phase, we often recommend exploratory openings in walls, cei...
21/07/2026

Every older home has its surprises 🔍. During the permitting phase, we often recommend exploratory openings in walls, ceilings, or floors so the team can identify potential issues before construction begins. Taking this proactive step helps reduce unexpected delays and allows everyone to plan with greater confidence.

Learn more about our process: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2025/10/29/construction-amp-permit-documents-what-happens-in-step-3-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

The permit process may feel like a waiting game, but there's still plenty happening behind the scenes 🏡. While permits a...
14/07/2026

The permit process may feel like a waiting game, but there's still plenty happening behind the scenes 🏡. While permits are under review, we continue refining the project by selecting finishes, fixtures, flooring, lighting, and other design details so construction can move forward efficiently once approvals are in place.

See how we guide projects from concept to completion: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2025/10/29/construction-amp-permit-documents-what-happens-in-step-3-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

🤔Have you ever wondered: how long does it take to acquire a permit, especially when you live in the SF Bay Area?Our bran...
09/07/2026

🤔Have you ever wondered: how long does it take to acquire a permit, especially when you live in the SF Bay Area?

Our brand new blog post walks you through the timeline and process of acquiring one for your home renovation project.

“After doing this for so many years, I’ve learned a lot to speed things up, make things more efficient, and avoid any lags in the process,” says Craig. “I curate the drawings and present them to the building department in a way that gets approved efficiently. More minute details are not important for the building department to see, so it’s about presenting bigger-picture ideas without getting into the weeds too much.”

👉Read our new blog post here: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2026/7/7/permit-acquisition-what-happens-in-step-4-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond (and for more on our before-and-after shots from a down-to-the-studs remodel in Fairfax, CA).

rusticmodern

Before construction begins, every successful project needs a solid roadmap 📋. Construction Documents transform approved ...
07/07/2026

Before construction begins, every successful project needs a solid roadmap 📋.

Construction Documents transform approved designs into detailed plans that guide builders, consultants, and permitting agencies. This phase ensures your project is coordinated, code-compliant, and ready for the next step toward construction.

Learn more about our architectural process: https://www.craig-oconnell.com/blog/2025/10/29/construction-amp-permit-documents-what-happens-in-step-3-of-your-home-remodel-in-the-bay-area-and-beyond

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1592 Union Street, Suite 133

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