Plonowski Architects + Builders, Inc.

I have been working with Jeff Plonowski for a couple of years now performing structural engineering work for him. I have had the rare opportunity to work with him during the design and conceptualization phase to performing construction observation during his building phase.
Jeff has the unique expertise of being both a designer (Architect) and builder. His hands on construction experience and value-​driven approach puts him ahead of most Architects and Builders in Southern Marin. I highly recommend him to homeowners.

I specifically hired Jeff not just to design and draw a tricky additional floor of living space with a new custom stairwell in my 107 year old building in San Francisco, but to also navigate confusing bureaucratic red tape and layers of paperwork to get my project off the ground. In SF the Department of Building Inspection is not at all easy to work with for the average home owner, especially when doing a large multi hundred thousand dollar project like mine. But Jeff got the necessary signatures and got the project approved. Considering various existing issues and the complexity of the project I am not sure that a contractor or architect without extensive experience dealing with SF DBI could have made it happen.
Though I served as my own contractor and did not use Jeff’s construction crew, Jeff often met with city inspectors on my behalf. I saw in his portfolio that he has done many projects in San Francisco; he really knows how the City bureaucracy works. He knows what the many plan reviewers like to see to get a permit approved and what they don’t want to see. There is no way I could have ever gotten my permits without him. We even had a few surprises and had to submit revised plans after we were well into the project.
When he drew my plans he hooked me up with a structural engineer (which was required because I was modifying the bearing structure of the building, concrete foundation work, etc). At the end of it all I now have a beautiful new super energy efficient floor of well lighted living space with a gas fireplace, access to a gorgeous yard and deck, safety features, everything 2013 code compliant and stamped with the City’s seal of approval. I get nothing but rave reviews and compliments from visitors when they see the finished product.
When you work with Jeff, you come to know that he can visualize completed construction in his head before he even puts his pencil to paper. He has a lot of ideas to make a new but yet unbuilt place great, and he can present you with a variety of ideas and styles of construction that you might not even imagine exist. I’d highly encourage anyone planning a construction project, big or small, in Marin County or San Francisco to meet Jeff and see what he can offer you. His portfolio is gorgeous, so have a look at it.

Jeff Plonowski and his highly skilled team did an exceptional job renovating my San Francisco house. Top notch detailing. The project actually came in on time and on budget. Plonowski is his own contractor as well as an architect. He was on site everyday for the entire construction project. His taste level is very high. You will not find a better architect/​contractor for your job.

Great job – design was great, on time, close to budget and clean. Would use them again.