Santa Barbara & Montecito
Design and construction, managed by a single team, under a single contract — from initial concept through construction completion.
Let's Talk See Our ProcessWhat Is Design-Build?
Design-build consolidates what has traditionally been three separate relationships — architect, contractor, and interior designer — into a single, integrated team. Rather than serving as the common link between firms, you work with one aligned team from initial concept through construction completion.
At Kellow, your project's drawings, selections, budgeting, and construction are managed under one roof. Our in-house designer works directly alongside our project managers and field team, ensuring that what we design is what we build.
The benefit is not simply convenience. It is clarity — on scope, on cost, and on what to expect at every phase of your project.
How It Works
We want to learn about your project, including your wants and needs. We will discuss your time frame and target investment to explore whether we are the right fit.
We walk through the details of your project, explore what is possible within your investment range, and discuss a preliminary plan and estimated budget.
Once the Design Contract is executed, our design team works with you to develop drawings, plans, and selections — putting your vision to paper with real-time value engineering at every step.
Our trade partners provide firm quotes after a thorough review at your home. We develop a single fixed price for construction — no surprises, no line-item negotiations.
This phase begins with a pre-production period where you meet your project team, review the schedule, and finalize on-site logistics before work begins.
Our comprehensive warranty gives you peace of mind that we will be there for you long after your project is completed.
Why It Matters
Design and construction phases run concurrently rather than in sequence. You are not waiting on approved drawings while contractors schedule site visits or develop bids.
Cost is evaluated throughout the design process, not at its conclusion. Selections and scope are developed with construction pricing in mind, so the estimate you receive reflects a project we are confident we can build.
Design and construction accountability rest with one team. Questions about scope, schedule, or decisions do not require coordination between multiple firms — they are answered by the people building your home.
Our designers and field team work in close collaboration throughout each project. Plans are reviewed for constructability and feasibility before they are presented to you, and the design team remains involved during construction.
We have navigated Santa Barbara's permitting process, HOA requirements, and Montecito overlay regulations across a range of project types. This familiarity informs how we approach feasibility and timeline from the first conversation.
What We Build
Full-scope transformations — from gut renovation to thoughtful room-by-room updates that make your whole home work better.
Santa Barbara's kitchens deserve better than stock cabinets and builder-grade finishes. We design and build kitchens worth cooking in.
Spa-quality bathrooms that hold up. We handle layout, plumbing, tile work, and all the details that make the difference.
We design and build home additions that feel like they were always there. We love additions and we can help you through the entire process.
We specialize in ADUs and guest houses, built custom for each property and each individual homeowner's need. We love helping people either age in place, bring family home, or secure a solid rental income stream. Whatever the motivation may be, we love custom ADUs.
We weren't just looking for a contractor. We wanted someone who could see what our house could become. Kellow did exactly that — and then they built it.
Santa Barbara homeowner — Whole House Remodel
We begin every project with a conversation. We'll discuss your goals, your investment range, and whether our process is the right fit for your project.