About us
Design 1 Studio Inc. is a full-service building design firm based in Los Angeles County with over 10 years of experience and more than 1,500 completed projects. We specialize in custom home design, ADUs, multi-family developments, home remodels, building additions, kitchen design, and commercial tenant improvements. As one of LA’s earliest and most experienced ADU design firms, we’ve been producing permitted ADU plans since California first passed its landmark ADU legislation. From ground-up custom homes to multi-story mixed-use buildings, we deliver complete, permit-ready construction documents and see every project through from initial concept to final approval. We don’t hand off and we don’t disappear. Residential and commercial clients throughout all of LA County trust Design 1 Studio to get the job done right — the first time.
Business highlights
12 years of experience
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
5.049 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 98% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% | ||
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Filter reviews by service
Showing 1-25 of 49 reviews
Allison D.
Jun 2026
Architectural Service
We own a taco shop in East LA and needed to expand the kitchen and add more seating. Design 1 Studio redesigned the whole interior and handled all the permits. The health department approved everything first try and we were able to add 12 more seats. Business is up 30% since the remodel. Best money we ever spent.
Isaac T.
Jun 2026
Architectural Service
I?ve been building ADUs for clients as a GC for five years now and I always recommend Design 1 Studio for the plans. The reason is simple: their plans don?t create problems during construction. Dimensions are accurate, details are clear, and when the inspector shows up, everything matches. That?s all I ask for.
Krish C.
May 2026
Architectural Service
A coworker recommended Design 1 Studio after they designed her ADU. I called on a Tuesday and had my consultation by Friday. They designed a one-bedroom detached ADU for my backyard that?s modern and private. They positioned the windows and entry so that the ADU and main house each have their own space without feeling on top of each other. Really thoughtful design. City approved the plans first try.
Victoria R.
May 2026
Architectural Service
Design 1 Studio handled the plans for my new restaurant space. They knew all the health department requirements, the hood and ventilation specs, grease trap sizing, ADA restroom layout ? everything. I?ve opened restaurants before with other designers and this was by far the smoothest permit process I?ve been through. Plans were approved by both the building department and health department without corrections. That saved me weeks.
Taina M.
May 2026
Architectural Service
We needed a master bedroom addition and a full remodel of our existing kitchen and two bathrooms. Design 1 Studio handled all of it as one project. The addition was designed to match the existing roofline and exterior perfectly. The interior layouts are functional and beautiful. Our contractor complimented the level of detail in the plans multiple times during the build. We get compliments from every visitor now.
Phil W.
May 2026
Architectural Service
We spent months looking for the right designer for our forever home and we?re so glad we chose Design 1 Studio. They listened to everything we wanted, took notes, asked smart follow-up questions, and came back with a concept that captured our vision perfectly. The design phase took about three months and the construction documents were finished a month after that. We?re about six weeks into the build now and everything has gone smoothly.
Duplex D.
May 2026
Architectural Service
I?m a small-scale developer and hired Design 1 Studio to design a duplex on an infill lot. They understood the zoning, the setbacks, and the parking requirements without me having to explain anything. The design maximized both units at around 1,200 sq ft each. Plans passed plan check with only one minor comment about the site drainage, which they corrected in two days. I?ve already hired them for my next project.
Jackson W.
May 2026
Architectural Service
They converted our two-car garage into a studio ADU. The design maximized the 400 sq ft we had to work with and included a full bathroom and kitchenette. I?m giving 4 stars because I had to follow up a couple of times to get status updates during the plan check phase. Once I reached them they were always helpful and knowledgeable. The plans were approved and the conversion is done and looks great.
Rudy C.
May 2026
Architectural Service
Solid experience with Design 1 Studio. They designed a one-bedroom ADU for our side yard. The lot had some grading challenges and they worked around them well. Plan check came back with a few items related to the drainage plan, which they corrected within a week. I?d give 5 stars but the initial turnaround on the preliminary design was a bit slower than I expected. That said, the final plans were thorough and professional.
Javier L.
May 2026
Architectural Service
We built an ADU so my mother could live close to us. Design 1 Studio designed it with her needs in mind ? no steps, wide hallways, a walk-in shower with a bench, and easy-to-reach cabinets in the kitchen. They were patient and kind throughout the process and checked in with us even after the plans were submitted. The unit is built and my mom is safe and happy in her own space right behind our house. We are so grateful to this team.
Nora M.
May 2026
Architectural Service
Design 1 Studio designed a second-story addition to our single-story home. We were concerned about it looking like an obvious add-on but the design blends perfectly with the original roofline and exterior. The structural plans were solid and our contractor didn?t have to request any clarifications during the build. The addition is complete now and everyone who sees it assumes the house was always two stories. That?s exactly what we wanted.
Donna H.
May 2026
Architectural Service
We had a large backyard but a weird lot shape that two other designers told us would be too difficult for a two-story ADU. Design 1 Studio came out, took measurements, and showed us it was absolutely doable. They designed a beautiful 1,100 sq ft two-story unit with two bedrooms and two full baths. The city approved it and it?s now built and rented. I recommend them to anyone who?s been told their lot is too complicated.
Donna H.
Apr 2026
Architectural Service
We had a large backyard but a weird lot shape that two other designers told us would be too difficult for a two-story ADU. Design 1 Studio came out, took measurements, and showed us it was absolutely doable. They designed a beautiful 1,100 sq ft two-story unit with two bedrooms and two full baths. The city approved it and it?s now built and rented. I recommend them to anyone who?s been told their lot is too complicated.
Carolyn L.
Apr 2026
Architectural Service
I opened a new salon in Glendale and hired Design 1 Studio for the tenant improvement plans. They designed the space layout including all the plumbing for the wash stations, the electrical for each styling station, ventilation, ADA compliance ? everything. The health department and building department both approved the plans on the first submittal. My contractor said the plans were clear and easy to build from. I opened on schedule and the space is exactly what I envisioned.
Morris T.
Apr 2026
Architectural Service
Excelente experiencia con Design 1 Studio. Nos diseñaron una ADU de dos recámaras en nuestro patio trasero. Todo el equipo fue muy profesional y siempre estuvieron disponibles para contestar nuestras preguntas en español. Los planos se aprobaron sin correcciones y la construcción ya empezó. El diseño es moderno y funcional. Los recomendamos completamente.
Angelina P.
Apr 2026
Architectural Service
Design 1 Studio did the plans for a full kitchen and bathroom remodel in our 1960s ranch home. The designs were thoughtful and made good use of the existing space without requiring us to move walls. Plan check went smoothly. I?m giving an A instead of an A+ only because the timeline for the construction documents ran about two weeks past the original estimate. They communicated the delay and explained it was due to the structural coordination. Final product was excellent and I would use them again.
Steven L.
Apr 2026
Architectural Service
We hired Design 1 Studio to design our new home from the ground up. About 3,600 sq ft, modern Mediterranean style, five bedrooms. The design process took roughly four months and they were collaborative the entire time. We went through three rounds of revisions on the floor plan and they never rushed us or made us feel like we were being difficult. The 3D renderings they provided were incredibly helpful for visualizing the finished home. Construction documents were detailed and well organized. Our GC said the plans were some of the best he?s worked from.
Jack J.
Apr 2026
Architectural Service
Hired Design 1 Studio to design a detached ADU in our backyard. They came out for a free consultation the same week I called. The designer evaluated our lot, explained the setback and height requirements for our specific zone, and had preliminary concepts to us within two weeks. The construction documents were thorough and the city approved the plans with zero corrections. Our contractor was genuinely surprised. From start to permit approval took about three months. Very professional, very responsive, fair price.
Mike J.
Mar 2026
Architectural Service
Used them for a bathroom and kitchen remodel in Covina. I originally thought I could just get plans from one of those online template sites but my contractor told me to hire a real designer. So glad I listened. The permit process was smooth and the designs actually made sense for my specific space.
Marvin L.
Mar 2026
Architectural Service
Quick turnaround, fair pricing, and excellent communication. They designed a multi-family project for us (4 units) in Pomona and the city approved the plans on the first submittal. That alone saved us months. Highly recommend for anyone doing multi-family in LA County.
Sandri B.
Mar 2026
Architectural Service
We are retired and wanted to build an ADU for our daughter’s family in our backyard. Design1 Studio was so patient with us through the whole process. We’re not tech-savvy but they printed everything out for us and explained every detail in person. The ADU is finished now and our grandkids love it. Thank you!
Gregg B.
Mar 2026
Architectural Service
Had them design a three-story mixed-use building in Downtown LA. Retail on the ground floor, residential above. They knew the zoning code inside and out and helped us get the maximum density allowed on our lot. Plan check came back with only minor corrections. Already planning our next project with them.
Ken C.
Mar 2026
Architectural Service
We used Design1 Studio for a pretty large remodel in Whittier. The design phase went well and they were open to our feedback throughout. I would have liked a little more hand-holding during the plan check process since it was our first time, but the plans got approved and the end result turned out great. Would hire again.
Sheldon G.
Mar 2026
Architectural Service
Hired them for a garage conversion to ADU. Simple project but they treated it like it was a mansion. Very detailed plans, helped us understand what the city would and wouldn’t allow. The whole permit process took about 6 weeks which I was told is fast for LA.
Isaac T.
Mar 2026
Architectural Service
From our very first meeting I knew these were the right people for our project. We added a second story to our home in El Monte and they designed it so beautifully that it doesn?t look like an addition at all. Neighbors keep asking who our architect is.
Licensing
State Contractor License Requirements
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FAQ
Design 1 Studio is currently rated 5.0 overall out of 5.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Design 1 Studio accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, Design 1 Studio offers free project estimates.
No, Design 1 Studio does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Design 1 Studio does not offer emergency services.
No, Design 1 Studio does not offer warranties.