Dedicated to inspiring through architecture, we take pride in providing our customers with fully
customized and innovative design solutions to their dream homes. We continuously pursue high
quality, offering original sustainable solutions and striving for complete customer satisfaction
in all our projects, be it a home remodel, addition, interior or exterior renovations or
ground-up family homes. From Beach homes to Urban Manors, from Ultra-Modern homes to
Mediterranean Villa’s, from Ranches to Eastern mansions, from traditional homes to tailored
Contemporary architecture, from space creation to ensuring unhindered views, we do it all.
Read More
All our designs are made with strong collaboration with our clients with their input in each facet of the process from the concept to its realization, taking their dreams and turning them into an even better reality. We always strive for the ‘wow’ factor, ensuring a memorable journey towards making one’s dream home realized. We retain long term relationships with all our clients as they become a part of our MDA family.
We are dedicated to custom build homes, always striving to use the latest technology, committed to innovative solutions and discovering unique potentials of every project fitting with the client’s distinctive lifestyle and requirements.
We use 3D technology to provide our clients with design options where they can visualize the space and the various possibilities it can offer. This way, they make an informed decision of the option which most fits in with their requirements and style.
Sustainable & smart home features are also integrated into almost all our homes. Clients don’t want their homes to be just breathtaking, but also good for the environment. With an abundance in sustainable options nowadays, this also provides a significant reduction in utility costs.
We are privileged and humbled to receive many awards for our homes, new and remodels. Our remodels range from expansive to modest, to complete exterior and interior transformations!
We believe great architecture defines its inhabitants and brings with it, a timeless
beauty.
Show Less
Our work by town: Los Altos Hills · Los Altos · Atherton · Palo Alto · Woodside & Portola Valley · Saratoga
California has made it easier than ever to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property. On a typical single-family lot you can now add a new detached ADU, an ADU converted from existing space such as a garage, and a Junior ADU (JADU) of up to 500 sq ft inside the house. Cities must approve ADUs that meet the state standards without a public hearing, and must allow units of at least 850 to 1,000 sq ft. Our summary of the current state rules is below the ADU projects.
Read More
Why an ADU?
Whether it is a garage or basement conversion, or a detached or attached ADU, an ADU adds space and value to your property. It can be extra room for your family, an in-law unit or guest suite, a home for grown children or for parents, an art studio, a pool house or a home office. If you are looking for a return on your investment, it can also be rented out.
Why us?
- We design custom ADUs that fit your home, your lot and your needs.
- We are experienced with every type of ADU, from garage conversions to detached guest houses.
- We know the state ADU rules and each city's local standards, and guide your project through permits.
- We show you your ADU in 3D, so you can see it before it is built.
- You can also choose from our existing ADU designs for a lower fee.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
California ADU rules at a glance
California's state ADU law (Government Code sections 66310 to 66342) sets the minimum standards every city must follow. Cities can be more generous, but not stricter. This summary reflects the state rules in effect in 2026, including the changes that took effect on January 1, 2026.
| What you can build | On a single-family lot: one ADU converted from existing space (such as a garage), one new detached ADU, and one Junior ADU (JADU) inside the house. On a multifamily lot: up to eight detached ADUs (but no more than the number of existing homes), plus ADUs converted from non-living space such as storage rooms or garages, up to 25% of the existing units. |
| Size | Cities must allow at least 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom ADU and 1,000 sq ft for two or more bedrooms. Many allow up to 1,200 sq ft. An attached ADU can be limited to 50% of the main house, but an 800 sq ft ADU must still be allowed. A JADU can be up to 500 sq ft, inside the walls of the house. |
| Height | Detached: at least 16 ft; 18 ft within half a mile of major transit (plus 2 ft to match the roof pitch of the main house). Attached: up to 25 ft, or the local height limit if lower. |
| Setbacks | No more than 4 ft from the side and rear property lines for a new ADU. None for converting an existing structure or rebuilding in the same footprint. |
| Parking | No parking is required within half a mile of public transit, in a historic district, or when the ADU is part of the house or an existing structure. Otherwise, at most one space. No replacement parking is required when a garage or carport is converted or removed for an ADU. |
| Approval | The city has 15 business days to confirm your application is complete and 60 days to approve or deny it, with no public hearing. A denial must explain in writing what to fix. Every city must also offer pre-approved ADU plans. |
| Fees | No impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft; larger ADUs pay fees in proportion to the size of the main house. Most conversions do not need a new utility connection or connection fee. |
| Owner occupancy & rentals | You do not have to live on the property to build or rent out an ADU. For a JADU, the city can require the owner to live on site only if the JADU shares a bathroom with the house. Cities may ban rentals shorter than 30 days, and JADUs cannot be short-term rentals. |
| Selling an ADU | An ADU usually cannot be sold separately from the main house, unless your city has chosen to allow ADUs to be sold as condominiums. |
| Unpermitted ADUs | Units built without permits before 2020 can usually be legalized. The city can only require fixes for health and safety problems. |
Every city also has its own ADU rules, and the details depend on your lot. We check the state and local rules for your property at the start of every project. To talk about an ADU, call (650) 565-9036 or send us a message.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate home on the same lot as a house, with its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping space and entrance. It can be detached, attached, or converted from existing space. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a unit of up to 500 sq ft inside the walls of a house, with its own entrance and at least a small kitchen; it can have its own bathroom or share one with the house. This is a general summary, not legal advice.