The LAB Process
LISTEN | ALIGN | BALANCE
Story
Founded in 2016, Design Build Labs is led by industry veteran, William Robertson, with category-leading expertise in architectural design planning, energy storage, construction and, more than anything, process. Design Build Labs (DBL) is an end-to-end design and construction firm known for our versatility and responsiveness based in Los Angeles, CA. DBL specializes in listening, activating, and balancing what we have heard through our proprietary [LAB] process. We combine your experience with our understanding of commercial and building structures, occupancy planning, and the energy needs of humanity.
DBL is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the US Green Building Council and is committed to improving the built environment to drive positive change.
We enjoy the pretty stuff and the dirty work. We materialize your vision while doing all the little things on a project that no-one else wants to do.
Vision
Improve the resilience of our projects to make them less costly to the environment. Merge commercial buildings with the future needs of communities and the environment. Design improvements that are beautiful and contribute to a stable energy future.
Design Build
General Contracting
Commercial Renovations
Energy Projects
Hospitality & Retail
Industrial
Light Medical
Permitting
Architecture
Technical Drawings
Fire Rebuild
Design Build General Contracting Commercial Renovations Energy Projects Hospitality & Retail Industrial Light Medical Permitting Architecture Technical Drawings Fire Rebuild
Experience
-
Commericial, Retail + Hospitality
DBL specializes in transforming office and industrial spaces to enhance functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Our renovations focus on creating modern, optimized environments tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.
-
Microgrids + Energy Upgrades
At Design Build Labs, we specialize in integrating energy efficiency into our projects through advanced solutions like microgrids, which enhance the resilience and sustainability of commercial buildings. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we create energy systems that reduce environmental impact while ensuring reliable power for future needs.
Community Support
At DBL, we understand the profound impact that the recent fires in Altadena and Palisades have had on our community. As a dedicated partner in the architectural and construction industry, we are committed to supporting those affected in rebuilding their lives and homes.
Our Community Support initiative focuses on offering practical assistance, resources, and expertise to help fire victims navigate the recovery process. We provide customized architectural and construction solutions to aid in the design and reconstruction of homes, ensuring they meet not only current safety standards but also the specific needs of families as they heal and rebuild.
In these challenging times, we are here for our community. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the fires, please reach out to discuss how we can assist you in the rebuilding journey. Together, we can restore hope and resilience in Altadena and Palisades.
Services
-
Our architecture services blend innovative design with practical functionality to create spaces that inspire and endure. From concept to completion, we work closely with clients to craft custom designs that reflect their unique vision while optimizing for efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether it's a residential project, commercial space, or community development, our team brings creativity, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence to every detail. At DBL, we believe great architecture is about more than just structures; it's about building environments that enhance lives and stand the test of time.
-
Needs analysis, visioning, budget and schedules that makes your project real.
Strategic planning is a crucial process that transforms conceptual ideas into actionable projects through a series of structured steps, including needs analysis, visioning, budgeting, and scheduling. Beginning with a thorough needs analysis, stakeholders can identify specific goals and requirements that must be addressed to ensure the project's success. This foundational step is complemented by a visioning process, where a clear and inspiring project concept is developed to align with stakeholder aspirations and objectives. Subsequently, the strategic planning process involves meticulous budgeting, which ensures that all financial considerations are accounted for, enabling effective resource allocation and cost management. Meanwhile, establishing realistic schedules outlines the timeline for project milestones, fostering accountability and allowing for effective progress tracking. Together, these elements of strategic planning—needs analysis, visioning, budgeting, and scheduling—collaborate to create a comprehensive framework that transforms project aspirations into concrete realities, ultimately facilitating successful implementation and achieving desired outcomes.
-
Turning strategy and design into action with complete construction documents and permitting drawings.
This process involves the creation of a comprehensive schematic design, space plan, construction documents and permitting drawings, which provide the necessary details and specifications for project implementation. By meticulously outlining every aspect of the design, including dimensions, materials, and structural components, design planning ensures that all project teams have a clear understanding of the project's requirements. Additionally, these documents facilitate the permitting process by adhering to regulatory standards and local codes, thereby streamlining approvals and reducing potential delays. Through thoughtful design planning, the vision articulated in the strategic phase is translated into a practical roadmap, enabling the seamless transition from conceptualization to construction and ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with all relevant guidelines.
-
Leadership for design, bidding, construction and procurement.
Effective leadership is pivotal throughout the entire lifecycle of a project, encompassing design, bidding, construction, and procurement. In the design phase, strong leaders foster creativity and collaboration to develop innovative solutions that meet the project’s goals and client needs. During the bidding process, they guide teams in crafting competitive proposals that adhere to budget constraints while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, which is critical for winning contracts and building stakeholder relationships. As the project transitions to the construction phase, effective leadership involves coordinating activities, managing resources, and maintaining open communication among various teams to ensure timely and budget-compliant completion while upholding quality and safety standards. Finally, in procurement, leaders play a crucial role in establishing strategic partnerships with suppliers and negotiating favorable terms, ensuring that all materials and services meet project specifications. By providing clear direction and fostering a collaborative environment throughout these phases, leadership significantly contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the project.
-
We build everything with detail, accountability and fairness.
Our approach begins with meticulous attention to every aspect of the building process, ensuring that each element meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and aligns with project specifications. We prioritize accountability by maintaining open lines of communication with clients, subcontractors, and stakeholders throughout the construction process, allowing for transparency and timely updates regarding progress and any challenges that may arise. Additionally, our dedication to fairness ensures that all parties involved are treated with respect and equity, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and mutual success. By embodying these core principles, we strive to create not just structures, but lasting relationships and a strong reputation built on integrity and excellence within the construction industry.
-
Provide vendor options and then generate an organized competitive environment.
Procurement management plays a vital role in ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and cost-effectively by providing a range of vendor options and fostering a structured competitive environment. This process begins with thorough research and evaluation of potential vendors, allowing organizations to identify qualified suppliers who can meet specific project requirements. By presenting a diverse array of options, procurement management empowers decision-makers to select vendors based on quality, price, and reliability, ensuring the best fit for the project’s needs.
-
How to get the most out of your contractor.
Construction management is essential for maximizing the value and effectiveness of your contractor throughout the project lifecycle. By implementing a proactive approach, construction management ensures that all aspects of the construction process are meticulously planned and executed, fostering clear communication and collaboration among all stakeholders. This includes setting realistic timelines, establishing budgetary controls, and monitoring progress to ensure adherence to project specifications. Effective construction management also involves regular performance evaluations and feedback, which help identify areas for improvement and optimize contractor efficiency. By leveraging expert oversight and strategic guidance, construction management allows clients to achieve the highest quality results, streamline operations, and ensure that the contractor delivers on their commitments, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.
-
Conditional use permitting, building permits and corresponding schedules.
Permit streamlining is a critical process that enhances the efficiency of obtaining the necessary approvals for construction projects, encompassing conditional use permitting, building permits, and associated schedules. This approach involves a comprehensive understanding of local regulations and requirements, allowing for the timely preparation and submission of all required documentation. By organizing the permit application process and establishing clear timelines, permit streamlining minimizes delays and helps prevent costly project hold-ups. It also fosters effective communication among stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and project teams, ensuring that everyone is aligned and informed about the status of the permits. Through careful planning and coordination, permit streamlining not only accelerates the approval process but also enhances compliance with zoning laws and building codes, ultimately paving the way for a smoother and more efficient construction experience.
-
We work closely with you to deliver the insight and assistance you need.
As expert witnesses, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and valuable insights tailored to your specific needs in legal proceedings or disputes. Our collaborative approach involves working closely with clients to fully understand the intricacies of their cases, drawing on our extensive expertise and industry knowledge. By analyzing relevant data, reviewing documentation, and offering clear, objective assessments, we ensure that our clients are equipped with the information and guidance necessary to navigate complex legal landscapes. Our commitment to delivering precise, well-informed testimony is rooted in a deep understanding of the subject matter, enabling us to effectively communicate critical findings and analyses in a clear and persuasive manner. Ultimately, our goal is to empower you with the assistance you require to make informed decisions and achieve favorable outcomes in your legal matters.
-
Utility, Commercial and Industrial Scale Microgrids Development.
Our services encompass comprehensive feasibility studies and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) solutions tailored specifically for utility, commercial, and industrial-scale microgrid development. We begin by conducting thorough feasibility assessments to evaluate the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of microgrid projects, ensuring they align with the unique needs and goals of each client. Following this analysis, we deliver integrated EPC services that streamline project execution, from initial design and procurement of resources to the final construction and commissioning of the microgrid. By leveraging our expertise in microgrid technology and project management, we empower clients to harness the benefits of resilient energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid, ultimately contributing to energy efficiency, cost savings, and reduced carbon footprints.