“Delivered the Vision”

It was really wonderful to work with DERN Architecture + Development, Theresa Fatino Design and the Skyline Construction Design+Build team who understood my vision and translated into reality. We had many challenges as most projects have but we saw through them together constructively with sensible value engineering that held true to the concept with the end result kept intact.

— Adam Perry Lang, Perry Lang’s Yountville

“Keen detailing in home and office”

DERN Architecture + Development FAR EXCEEDED my expectations and demanding standards in terms of creating absolutely beautifully designed editions to my home and offices. Professional, responsible, knowledgeable, and experienced—with a keen interest in detail—best describe this architectural group. It was an absolute pleasure to have worked with this group. I would also like to add that the project came in under budget and right on schedule. VERY pleased!

— Dr. Ray H.

“Everything we wanted and more”

There are moments when everything in your project falls into place, and the results are perfect. That was how we felt about getting to work with Michael Dern. We were originally slated to work with another architect, and due to various circumstances, we ended up being assigned to Michael for our large house remodel project.

Let's start with the fact that Michael is the nicest man ever. He is thoughtful, kind, courteous, works well with clients and contractors, and really listens to what you have in mind for bringing your building dreams to reality. Move on to the fact that Michael has incredible depth of knowledge, both in aesthetic architectural details and engineering concepts that can take your project to new heights (which he did on our project, literally transforming a low-slung ranch into a modern craftsman haven).

Aside from his expertise and attitude, we loved the fact that Michael wasn't afraid to offer new ideas -- and truly, his suggestions are spot-on. He suggested pass through areas, a pantry and a window configuration that truly transformed our little ranch into something so much more liveable and enjoyable. We remodeled over 75% of our house, and Michael was meticulous with all of the details, no matter how small they were. He cared as much about the position of wall sockets as he did with the window placement, and we felt truly looked after by someone with great expertise. Without Michael's guidance and artistic sense, we would not have the home we have today.

If you are looking around for an architect who will work in brilliant ways -- and make it enjoyable in the process -- then you don't need to look beyond Michael Dern. Not only can we confidently recommend him, we would hire him again in a second if we had another project.

— Rick and Christy Heron

“Extremely proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented”

DERN was brought into a challenging project to augment the design effort on the Agora project in Walnut Creek, CA.

I found Michael to be extremely proactive, collaborative, and solution oriented with the items he was assigned to. Michael’s attention to detail, experience, and common sense approach was very helpful in finding solutions to rather difficult design challenges encountered on the project. Based on my experience with Michael I would highly recommend him.

— Bob Aroyan, Deacon Corp.