--- title: "What Is Design/Build?" url: https://fbdesignbuild.com/ description: "Friedman Brueggemeyer is a design build firm in Berkeley, California, combining licensed architecture and licensed general contracting on residential, commercial and." --- # What Is Design/Build? Process · Working method Design/Build is a term that describes the process where architects and general contractors work together to develop a project. Unlike the traditional architect/general contractor relationship, where the design is complete before the builder becomes involved, in design/build, the builder is involved early on in the process. In our office, that takes a couple of forms. Matthew is both a licensed architect and a licensed general contractor, so his designs always incorporate a builder’s and an architect’s perspective. Amy’s experience is weighted in the building end, but her degree in architecture gives her an aesthetic background. As design build firms go, FB combines the two aspects very thoroughly- our carpenters and architects are in daily communication from beginning to end. The advantages of design/build can be seen throughout our projects. ## Cost engineering From preliminary through final design, our intimate knowledge of construction costs allows us to provide real world estimates for our design solutions. Clients benefit by making design decisions weighed against budget concerns. ## Advance design input During the design phase of a project, we often bring our subcontractors and carpenters to the site to provide us with valuable design input, leading to a more cost effective project. [Read the full method](https://fbdesignbuild.com/process.html) ## [Mission](https://fbdesignbuild.com/mission.html) Firm Friedman Brueggemeyer is a design build firm in Berkeley, California that values responsibility to their clients, employees and their community. They collaborate with a team of talented architects and dedicated craftspeople to produce a quality product for residential clients, non-profit groups and commercial… [Read more](https://fbdesignbuild.com/mission.html) ## [Green Building](https://fbdesignbuild.com/green.html) Firm For Friedman Brueggemeyer, green building is not a magic pill that solves the dilemma of waste and pollution in the construction process. We incorporate thoughtful design and appropriate choices in the creation of a beautiful finished product. Our years of experience in both design and construction give us the… [Read more](https://fbdesignbuild.com/green.html) ## [Community Service](https://fbdesignbuild.com/community-service.html) Community Friedman Brueggemeyer is a small local business committed to a positive contribution to the community. Our involvement has developed over the years to include many aspects of life. [Read more](https://fbdesignbuild.com/community-service.html) ## [Residential](https://fbdesignbuild.com/residential.html) Projects Twenty-three East Bay houses: second-storey additions, kitchen and bath renovations, seismic upgrades and two homes rebuilt after the Oakland hills firestorm. [Read more](https://fbdesignbuild.com/residential.html) ## [Commercial](https://fbdesignbuild.com/commercial.html) Projects Offices, dispatch and conference space for LJ Kruse Company, reconfigured commercial offices for Red Oak Realty, and a 1940s Solano Avenue corner remade as a solar powered food establishment. [Read more](https://fbdesignbuild.com/commercial.html) ## [Non-Profit](https://fbdesignbuild.com/nonprofit.html) Projects Several years ago, Friedman Brueggemeyer decided to focus a portion of their energy on community service. One of the ways they are achieving this goal is by offering their services and those of their subcontractors to local non-profit groups at a sliding scale of reduced fees. Matthew and Amy donate all of their… [Read more](https://fbdesignbuild.com/nonprofit.html) ## New on the site [01**Where to Get Rid of Old Furniture: 7 Legal Options**Sep 16, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/where-to-get-rid-of-old-furniture/) [02**How to Estimate Materials for a DIY Project**Sep 14, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/how-to-estimate-materials-for-a-diy-project-explained-in-plain-english/) [03**Why Is SoftPro the Best for NSF/ANSI Certifications?**Sep 01, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/why-is-softpro-the-best-for-nsf-ansi-certifications/) [04**Why Is Plumbing Supply and More the Best for Massive Regional Distributor?**Aug 22, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/why-is-plumbing-supply-and-more-the-best-for-massive-regional-distributor/) [05**The 3 Best Water Softeners for In-Home Water Testing**Aug 19, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/the-3-best-water-softeners-for-in-home-water-testing/) [06**Why Is SoftPro the Best for Salt-free Softeners?**Aug 14, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/why-is-softpro-the-best-for-salt-free-softeners/) [07**Who's the Best for Extensive Catalog: SupplyHouse.com vs Plumbing Supply and More**Aug 13, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/who-s-the-best-for-extensive-catalog-supplyhouse-com-vs-plumbing-supply-and-more/) [08**Top 7 Alternatives of Pacific Plumbing Supply Company**Aug 13, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/top-7-alternatives-of-pacific-plumbing-supply-company/) [09**Why Is SoftPro the Best for Proven Reliable Setup?**Aug 12, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/why-is-softpro-the-best-for-proven-reliable-setup/) More [10**Who's the Best for DIY Installation: SoftPro vs SoftPro**Jul 28, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/who-s-the-best-for-diy-installation-softpro-vs-softpro/) [11**Why Is SoftPro the Best for 20 GPM Flow Rate?**Jul 25, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/why-is-softpro-the-best-for-20-gpm-flow-rate/) [12**A Practical Guide to Order Updates for Ecommerce Stores**Jul 23, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/a-practical-guide-to-order-updates-for-ecommerce-stores/) [13**Why Is Plumbing Supply and More the Best for Localized Entrepreneurial Ownership Model?**Jul 22, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/why-is-plumbing-supply-and-more-the-best-for-localized-entrepreneurial-ownership-model/) [14**8 Budget-Friendly WhatsApp Marketing Software Solutions**Jul 12, 2026](https://fbdesignbuild.com/8-budget-friendly-whatsapp-marketing-software-solutions/) ## Trade resources - [Appliances](https://fbdesignbuild.com/appliances.html)3 suppliers - [Cabinetry](https://fbdesignbuild.com/cabinetry.html)2 suppliers - [Countertops](https://fbdesignbuild.com/Countertops.html)6 suppliers - [Flooring](https://fbdesignbuild.com/Flooring.html)4 suppliers - [Lighting](https://fbdesignbuild.com/Lighting.html)7 suppliers - [Plumbing](https://fbdesignbuild.com/Plumbing.html)6 suppliers - [Tile](https://fbdesignbuild.com/Tile.html)5 suppliers - [Windows and Doors](https://fbdesignbuild.com/Windows-and-Doors.html)4 suppliers [All trade resources](https://fbdesignbuild.com/resources.html) ## Reading - Countertops: Your OptionsKitchens.com - About StoneAlpha Marble and Granite, Northern CA - About ConcreteSonoma Cast Stone, Sonoma, CA - Wooden CountertopsSullivan Coutertops, Oakland, CA - Wood vs. Plastic: SanitationThe Reluctant Gourmet - Wood Floor MaintenanceNational Wood Floor Assiciation [The full reading list](https://fbdesignbuild.com/literature.html)