Design-Build Disciplines

Unified Architecture & Execution

A single accountable team delivering architectural planning, Pasadena city permitting, and master-crafted residential construction.

Culinary Architecture

Architectural Kitchens

We treat the kitchen as the architectural anchor of the home. From structural wall removal to custom rift-sawn oak millwork and unlacquered brass details, our design-build workflow ensures zero miscommunication between design intent and physical fabrication.

Flush Steel Beam Insertion Blum Movento Undermounts Quarter-Sawn White Oak Zoned Architectural Lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we stay in the home during construction?
Yes, for kitchen-only projects we establish dedicated dust containment barriers, negative-air filtration machines, and an operational temporary kitchenette.
How are appliance lead times handled?
All appliances are specified and ordered during Phase 2 (Permitting) before demolition starts, eliminating jobsite delays and framing adjustments.
Project Parameters (Demo)
$95,000 – $180,000+
Typical Duration: 7–10 Weeks

Full Scope Inclusions:

  • Complete architectural space planning & 3D lighting studies
  • Custom local cabinetry fabrication with soft-close Blum hardware
  • Natural stone / quartzite slab procurement and templating
  • Commercial-grade appliance integration & dedicated electrical circuits
  • City plan check, building, electrical, and plumbing permits
Calculate Custom Kitchen Estimate Book In-Home Walkthrough
Private Sanctuaries

Spa & Primary Suites

Creating restorative private spaces through Schluter-certified waterproofing, heated stone flooring, concealed plumbing fixtures, and custom acoustic insulation.

Schluter-KERDI Waterproofing Curbless Linear Drains Heated Terrazzo Floors Concealed Thermostatic Valves

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a curbless shower feasible on a raised foundation?
Yes. In older Pasadena Craftsman or Spanish homes with raised foundations, we sister and recess floor joists to achieve seamless flush entry while exceeding deflection standards.
How is mold prevention addressed?
We install complete vapor-impermeable Schluter-KERDI membranes on all shower walls and ceilings, paired with ultra-quiet 110 CFM Panasonic WhisperSense auto-sensing ventilation.
Project Parameters (Demo)
$45,000 – $85,000+
Typical Duration: 4–6 Weeks

Full Scope Inclusions:

  • Schluter-KERDI lifetime waterproofing membrane system
  • Curbless linear drain installations with custom slope screeds
  • Floating solid wood vanities with integrated quartz basins
  • Smart thermostatic concealed valve shower configurations
  • Quiet humidity-sensing architectural ventilation
Calculate Custom Bath Estimate Book In-Home Walkthrough
Historical Preservation

Whole-Home Transformations

Full-scale renovations for character homes. We reconcile historical architectural integrity with modern thermal efficiency, seismic safety, and open indoor-outdoor flow.

Seismic Perimeter Retrofit Historic Commission Clearances Multi-Zone VRF Heat Pumps 200A Electrical Upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you manage historical review board approvals?
Yes, we regularly handle Design Review Commission hearings in Pasadena, South Pasadena, and San Marino landmark districts to secure Certificates of Appropriateness.
How are structural seismic retrofits coordinated?
We bolt mudsills to perimeter stem walls, install plywood shear wall panels, and engineer framing hold-downs alongside architectural interior improvements.
Project Parameters (Demo)
$280,000 – $650,000+
Typical Duration: 16–24 Weeks

Full Scope Inclusions:

  • Full structural engineering, load-bearing beam insertions & seismic tie-ins
  • Complete MEP overhaul (copper re-pipe, 200A panel, zoned heat pumps)
  • Architectural window restoration or historically accurate reproductions
  • Continuous engineered European white oak flooring throughout
  • Dedicated site superintendent present 100% of working hours
Calculate Whole-Home Estimate Book In-Home Walkthrough
Expanded Living

ADUs & Custom Additions

Maximize California parcel potential with detached or attached Accessory Dwelling Units designed to harmonize with your existing architecture rather than look like a prefab box.

Ministerial Fast-Track Review Independent Sub-Metered Power Fleetwood Glass Sliders Vaulted Scissor Trusses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Pasadena setback rule for detached ADUs?
Standard California ADU legislation allows 4-foot rear and side setbacks up to 16–18 feet in height, with fast-track state ministerial review exemptions.
Can utilities be sub-metered for rental income?
Yes, we engineer separate electrical sub-panels, independent tankless water heaters, and split sewer connections to enable easy rental management.
Project Parameters (Demo)
$190,000 – $340,000+
Typical Duration: 14–20 Weeks

Full Scope Inclusions:

  • Title 24 energy compliance modeling and civil foundation design
  • Independent utility sub-metering (sewer, water, electric)
  • Full acoustic envelope separation for rental or guest privacy
  • Architectural rooflines matching main residence pitch and tiles
  • Turnkey occupancy certificate handoff
Calculate ADU Estimate Book In-Home Walkthrough
Design-Build Standards

What Sets Arroyo Apart

Comparing Arroyo's unified design-build approach versus fragmented traditional contractor bidding.

Service Standard Traditional Bidding Arroyo Design-Build Pro
Single Point of Contact Architect & Builder blame each other 100% unified accountability
Budget Predictability Frequent change order escalations Guaranteed line-item pricing before demo
Permitting Clearance Homeowner coordinates municipal desks Turnkey City of Pasadena plan check
Homeowner Visibility Ad-hoc text messages & phone tag 24/7 Live Client Portal & Weekly Logs