Design Process:
Every space is different. Every space can be transformed to help meet your living needs and desires.
When I am hired for a project, the following shows the typical stages of plan development:
Concept Plan Development
Preliminary Cost Estimate from Contractor
Construction Drawings and Engineering
Submit for city/county review & get bids
Permit & Build
I can explain the details of these stages to you in person
Design Philosophy:
“I strive to create captivating yet affordable living, working, and entertaining spaces that are as functional as they are attractive."
Design Awards:
Featured Home:
As a past member of the AIBD (American Institute of Building Designers), I entered some of my home designs into design competitions and won several top awards!
This home in Encinitas, CA, was a major remodel inside and out and was given a Craftsman style. It made the cover of the San Diego Union Tribune, Coastal Magazine.
My travels to Europe inspire me as a designer!
(This is a brass clad hallway in Oslo, Norway)
arlen ROper inc.
Designer vs. Architect:
As a Residential Building Designer, people often ask me, "How are you different from an architect?"
Generally speaking, an architect gets more involved in a project, often selecting specific manufacturer products, managing the bidding process, and even overseeing construction.
I take a simpler approach, offering assistance with the design process, drawing your plans on the computer, coordinating with other consultants (e.g. structural engineer), and getting the plans approved for a building permit.
I have 17 years experience working for a national builder and have spent a lot of time at construction projects, so I understand construction and cost savings that will be implemented into your design.
My company was born in 2008 and I have never looked back. I have had hundreds of great clients and great projects since then, and look forward to hundreds more!
Design Reviews:
"Arlen was a pleasure to work with. His ideas, designs, and direction really helped our major remodel project. We doubled the size of our home a few years back and we are still getting compliments from our family and friends when we entertain. Not only did our home not look like it had been remodeled, but we felt our home should have won awards!"
Greg & Cynthia
"After interviewing several building designers for our historic 1893 home remodel, we decided to move forward with our project utilizing Arlen's expertise. It was obvious he was the right choice for us, not only because of his lengthy remodel design experience and professionalism, but also because of his high level of customer care. We wanted someone who we could communicate with well, someone who would understand what we wanted and was also willing to help us in developing our vision of creating a dream home. We got all of this and so much more with Arlen. He is attentive, communicative, fast, and his drawings were outstanding. We have friends and family jealous of the plans Arlen provided to us because they had paid so much more for far less impressive work. If you want excellence at a fair price and someone who is willing to go above and beyond for your project (as was the case for our historic home), then going with Arlen for your project is truly a no-brainer. You won't be disappointed, that is for certain."
Jeroen & Karina
"We are extremely happy with your ideas. The new second story meshed with the house, roofline and neighborhood very well. Instead of a boring addition, it is visually rich and interesting, e.g., the eight little windows in the stairwell, the double posts holding the balcony, and much more. But it is also very functional. The new rooms will fit our needs perfectly. Given the confines of the job -- financial, but also spatial -- it amazes me that something so aesthetically pleasing and functional was possible. Your recommendations were always spot-on. One of the things I particularly appreciated was that you were also very practical. As opposed to some designers, time wasn't wasted pursuing ideas not permitted by zoning laws and so on. All in all, we're thrilled with your designs and your help throughout the process, and feel comfortable recommending you to anyone."
Craig
"I believe our project was a little more complicated than most. Our idea was to take my childhood home and update it for the way my young family lives, without ruining the integrity of the home. During my initial consultation with Arlen, he was able to take the ideas I had in my mind and sketch them out on paper. I felt like Arlen and I were on the same page from the get-go and I immediately trusted him. During that consultation, I knew I found someone who could make my dreams a reality. Within a short time our plans were completed and approved. Arlen was recommended to me by a friend who recently used him and was also very happy. I am so happy we found Arlen and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a designer."
Nichole