Atmosphere Design Build - Grass Valley, CA

Jen J.

My family got extremely sick due to a build defect in our last home. After camping for 3 ½ years because we were unable to find a home we could tolerate, and doing a lot of research on how homes should be built, we set out to find an architect who could design a safe home for us. It wasn’t easy. Luckily, we stumbled across Mela and Jeff.

They listened to our concerns and met them with solid build science. They worked with us to design a house that will be not only safe, but also beautiful. They gave us a 30+ page detailed plan set that specified every relevant detail; where the anchor bolts should go, how the windows should be waterproofed, the exterior insulation and rainscreen assembly on the wall, the foundation drainage and waterproofing. No stone was left unturned. I’m not a visual person and really had no idea what it would look like, but now that it’s shaping up, I see how they considered everything; window placement, ceiling height, even the way the house sits on the lot, and its relationship with the trees.

The only thing I’d do differently is to buy land in the area where the “Build” side of Atmosphere Design Build can build the plans. It’s been challenging to get a contractor to build the home as specified.

It’s easy to find an architect who can design you a pretty house. It’s much harder to find one who can design you a safe house. Mela and Jeff can do both.

John M.

We are so grateful to the entire Atmosphere team for helping us realize our dream house. They had a vision that transformed a dark and dated 1990s building into a modern, efficient, super-comfortable, light-filled home. Throughout the design and build process, they brought integrity, good cheer, and a collaborative spirit that allowed us to lean on their design expertise while still putting our own spin on the project. Their attention to detail and standards of quality in the finish work are second to none. Many thanks to Mela, Dave, Erin, Matt, Jacob, and the rest of the team for treating our home as if it were their own. We couldn't be happier with our new digs!

Ellen W.

Mela and Dave designed and built the most wonderful home for me! Seeking a smallish, modern, and energy efficient home for a unique lot with building constraints I researched firms, interviewed three and selected Atmosphere Design Build as the best fit for me. Mela worked with me during the land purchase due-diligence process and adapted their design process to minimize my costs through being granted a necessary county variance.
Just as we were ready to begin the build, COVID hit and inserted innumerable unexpected challenges with sourcing, costs, and staffing the build. Dave and Mela worked with me throughout process, trying to manage cost increases and potential construction delays. They welcomed my creative ideas and my participation in materials and fixture selections. The entire ADB team was nothing less than a pleasure to with work.
My finished home is phenomenal! Design features I hadn’t even envisioned bring the house to life in a way that so meets my disposition. On top of an amazingly tight home shell, the meticulous construction and finish work simply take one’s breath away in this house – a house that is not “fancy” per se. A hundred times over I would choose again Atmosphere Design Build!

Nate W.

We had the absolute pleasure of working with the whole Atmosphere crew on an extensive remodel of our home and the design of a new outbuilding. They were exceptional every step of the way, and had tremendous attention to detail and quality in the design and build of every aspect of our project. We couldn’t be happier with the results and the experience of working with them. Cannot recommend them enough!

J H.

It was an absolute joy to meet Mela and discuss the process of building our home. She is amazing and insightful, she truly is relatable! The entire philosophy at Atmosphere is just what is needed in the world of architecture and building. Her vision and stewardship enabled us to see our home as a part of the whole. I highly recommend taking a little time to meet Mela and learn what Atmosphere is about, it will be a great step in the journey to creating a living space that fits you and your environment.

Nathan S. H.

Kathy B.