Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Berkeley, CA
Established in 1997, Skeels Design is an award-winning architectural firm rooted in Berkeley, California. Our practice centers on creating functional, enduring spaces that enhance daily life through custom residential, commercial, and sustainable design solutions. With over 24 years of experience, we combine technical expertise with artistic vision to deliver projects that harmonize with their environments. Our collaborative approach prioritizes client needs while maintaining rigorous attention to detail and craftsmanship. We specialize in new construction, remodels, historic restoration, and vineyard developments across California.Our commitment to sustainability drives us to integrate energy-efficient systems and natural materials into every project. As licensed professionals, we navigate complex permitting processes and construction challenges with precision. Our portfolio includes luxury homes, retreats, and commercial spaces that reflect both innovation and timeless design principles. Client testimonials highlight our ability to transform visions into reality through transparent communication and problem-solving expertise. Recognized for excellence, we continue to push boundaries in architecture while upholding core values of integrity and environmental responsibility.
Services
Custom Residential Design
Interior Design
New Construction
Remodels & Additions
Historic Restoration
Vineyard Development
Passive Solar Design
Resort Planning
Construction Administration
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 24+ years of architectural experience with a focus on sustainable design.
- Our collaborative process ensures client visions translate into functional, beautiful spaces.
- We specialize in navigating complex permitting and zoning requirements in California.
- Our portfolio includes award-winning historic restorations and luxury residential projects.
- We integrate energy-efficient systems and natural materials into every design solution.
What people say
Impeccable taste
Creative solutions
Great to work with
Masterful renovations
Energy-efficient expertise
Services
Custom Residential Design
Creating tailored living spaces that balance aesthetics and functionality. Our designs incorporate client lifestyles while adhering to local building codes. We specialize in modernizing historic homes and developing luxury estates with seamless indoor-outdoor integration.
Historic Restoration
Reviving architecturally significant properties while maintaining historical integrity. Our process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern upgrades to meet contemporary living standards and energy efficiency requirements.
Sustainable Design
Implementing eco-friendly solutions through passive solar design, renewable materials, and energy-efficient systems. We optimize building performance while minimizing environmental impact across residential and commercial projects.
Vineyard Development
Designing vineyard estates and agricultural facilities that harmonize with natural landscapes. Our approach integrates functional winery operations with visitor-friendly spaces while respecting environmental constraints.
Construction Administration
Providing comprehensive construction phase services including contractor coordination, quality control inspections, and design intent enforcement to ensure project specifications are accurately implemented.
People
Wade L. Skeels
Founder & Lead Architect
Licensed California architect with 25+ years experience specializing in residential and commercial design. Recipient of Berkeley Architectural Heritage Award and California Energy Commission grant recipient for solar design research.
Questions
What architectural services does Skeels Design offer?
We specialize in custom residential design, historic restoration, vineyard developments, sustainable architecture, and full-service construction administration across California.
How does Skeels Design approach sustainability?
We integrate passive solar principles, energy-efficient systems, and natural materials while maintaining compliance with California's green building standards.
Can they handle complex permitting processes?
Yes, our team has extensive experience navigating zoning regulations, historic preservation requirements, and municipal approval processes.
What project types do they specialize in?
We focus on luxury custom homes, vineyard retreats, historic renovations, and commercial developments requiring specialized design solutions.
How long has Skeels Design been in business?
Founded in 1997, we have over 24 years of experience delivering architectural projects throughout California.
Reviews (5)
Sid B.
Jan 25, 2021
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I'm a remodeling contractor who worked with Wade on a super-custom, ultra high-end remodel and addition in Tiburon. One of the most striking, compelling residential designs of which we've been a part. Wade is one of a rare breed of architect, in that, unlike many architects, he understands how all the pieces will fit together in the field. That makes our job so much easier. His plans are thorough and detailed, which makes building from them a pleasure. He is always willing to work with us to make sure the design takes shape in such a way as to deliver the best value for the homeowner
Stephen S.
Jan 24, 2021
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We have worked with Wade on several major renovations to our house. We have found him to be incredibly creative in his solutions to our problems as well as very detail oriented and able to handle all the permitting and drawings required to get the projects off the ground. One the great things with working with Wade is his ability to be flexible on the job and not let things get to him and taking our suggestions and making them work as well as his own. He also works really well with contractors and interior designers. We recommend Wade for any job - big or small.
Amy G.
Jan 22, 2021
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Wade is a great talent with mad skills and a fabulous taste level. It's fun and rewarding to brainstorm creative ideas with him and watch him turn vision into executable plans. His sense of humor also comes in handy to take the sting out of some of the stressfulness of the design, planning and building processes. We love working with Wade, and we love the end product that comes from such a great working relationship.
Vanessa W.
Jan 15, 2021
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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
Todd M.
Apr 25, 2014
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In 2005 I hired Wade to remodel my home in San Francisco. The project included a complete overhaul of the lower floor living space along with some structural work to the foundation and a complete upgrade to the plumbing and electrical systems.
Wade's attention to detail and appreciation for period architecture certainly came in handy as he masterfully combined original 1912 materials and details with a floorplan that is open and better accommodates modern day living. The result was unique and functional, seamlessly integrating the two floors.
Wade's deep understanding of construction
Wade's attention to detail and appreciation for period architecture certainly came in handy as he masterfully combined original 1912 materials and details with a floorplan that is open and better accommodates modern day living. The result was unique and functional, seamlessly integrating the two floors.
Wade's deep understanding of construction
