South Bay
Los Gatos projects often justify architect-led planning because of site complexity and high construction values.
Permit notes
| Path | Best for | Watch out | Ask first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed architect | Custom homes, complex additions, hillside lots, design-led remodels, high-value projects | Can be overkill for simple permit drawings or budget-first ADU work. | Will you be architect of record, and what is excluded from your fee? |
| Residential designer | Remodel layouts, additions with clear constraints, homeowner-friendly design help | License boundaries matter; structural and code complexity may need architect/engineer support. | Who signs, stamps, or coordinates the permit set if the city asks? |
| Design-build firm | Owners who want one team handling design, pricing, and construction | Less independent pricing leverage. The same team is designing and selling the build. | When do I get a realistic construction number, and can I keep the plans? |
| Permit drawing team | ADUs, garage conversions, as-builts, small additions, settled designs | Not the same thing as a full architectural design process. | What city comments do you handle, and what requires outside engineering? |
These are structural placeholders until local firm data is manually verified.
Future slot for architect-led custom homes, complex additions, and design-forward remodels.
Future slot for settled-scope permit drawing work and city comment response.