Architecture + Construction
Story
Founded in 2016, Design Build Labs is led by industry veteran William Robertson, bringing category-leading expertise in architectural planning, energy infrastructure, construction delivery, and, above all, process. Based in Los Angeles, Design Build Labs (DBL) is an end-to-end design and construction firm known for its versatility and responsiveness. Our work is grounded in Design Democracy, a methodology developed to address a common problem in the built environment: spaces designed for appearance rather than everyday use. Through Predictive Placemaking, DBL replaces top-down decision-making with a data-informed process that captures the collective intelligence of an organization before design begins. By combining structured engagement with behavioral insight, we create environments that reflect how people actually work and interact.
We believe successful buildings are defined not by how they look on Day 1, but by how they perform on Day 1,000, supporting culture, improving occupancy, and delivering lasting value.
DBL is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council, committed to improving the built environment through thoughtful, lasting change.
Vision
Design spaces shaped by the people who use them — environments guided by collective culture rather than individual preference. We believe design should be inclusive, measurable, and responsive, creating places that strengthen organizations while bringing clarity, beauty, and purpose to everyday experience.
Design Build
General Contracting
Commercial Renovations
Energy Projects
Hospitality & Retail
Industrial
Light Medical
Permitting
Architecture
Technical Drawings
Fire Rebuild
Project Management
Design Build General Contracting Commercial Renovations Energy Projects Hospitality & Retail Industrial Light Medical Permitting Architecture Technical Drawings Fire Rebuild Project Management
Services
At DBL, every service is an expression our operating philosophy: Design Democracy.
Before we design, we listen at scale, with structure, and with AI-powered analysis that uncovers the authentic needs of your entire organization. Before we build, we have consensus, not assumptions. When we are done, we measure, because an empty building, no matter how beautiful, is a failed building.
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We don’t begin with drawings, we begin with listening. Our process engages the entire organization, from leadership to frontline teams, through structured narrative and visual surveys designed to uncover honest input beyond the limitations of focus groups or town halls. The result is a Cultural Blueprint: a data-driven understanding of how people actually work, what environments energize them, and what the space must do to support them. Only then do we design. The architecture that follows is not based on assumptions or trends, but on the authentic character and needs of your organization, which is why the spaces we create are not only admired, but actively used.
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The single most valuable thing we can do for your project is be involved before the lease is signed. Our strategic planning service embeds architectural and Design Democracy expertise into the real estate transaction itself — before site selection, before term sheets, before brokers set expectations. This is the moment when the most value is created and the most risk is eliminated. We have seen clients spend six months of rent on an unoccupied space because of a flawed lease clause that a one-hour architectural review would have caught. We have also seen a single $250,000 strategic decision save a client more than $2.5 million in delays. Proactive strategy is not a line item. It is a mindset — and a measurable return on investment.
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We turn strategy and design into action. DBL produces detailed schematic designs, space plans, construction documents, and permitting drawings that bring clarity and precision to every project. Our plans meet regulatory standards, streamline approvals, and guide construction with accuracy—translating vision into buildable reality.
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We manage every phase of a project with precision and purpose. From planning and permitting to construction oversight and final delivery, our team ensures projects stay on schedule, on budget, and aligned with the client’s vision. We coordinate seamlessly with architects, engineers, and contractors to anticipate challenges and maintain momentum. At DBL, effective project management means clear communication, smart problem-solving, and results that stand the test of time.
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We build with precision, accountability, and integrity. DBL manages every detail of the construction process with transparency and craftsmanship, fostering collaboration among clients, subcontractors, and partners. Our commitment to fairness and quality ensures projects are delivered on time, on budget, and built to last.
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We identify, evaluate, and manage vendors to ensure every project benefits from quality, cost efficiency, and reliability. Our process creates a structured, competitive environment—offering clients multiple qualified options and transparent comparisons. By aligning vendor selection with project goals, timelines, and budgets, DBL secures the best value and performance at every stage.
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We help clients get the most from their contractors through proactive oversight and clear communication. DBL manages schedules, budgets, and quality standards from start to finish—anticipating issues before they arise and keeping every detail aligned with project goals. By fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous performance review, we ensure construction runs smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
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We navigate complex permitting processes to keep projects moving forward. From conditional use permits to building approvals and scheduling, DBL manages every step with precision and foresight. Our team coordinates closely with local agencies and project stakeholders to ensure compliance, reduce delays, and maintain momentum. With a clear plan and proactive communication, we turn permitting into a seamless, predictable part of the project—not a roadblock.
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We provide clear, objective expertise to support clients in legal proceedings and disputes. Our team combines technical knowledge with analytical precision to evaluate data, review documentation, and deliver well-founded assessments. By working closely with attorneys and stakeholders, we help clarify complex issues, strengthen arguments, and present findings with confidence and credibility.
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We develop utility, commercial, and industrial-scale microgrids through comprehensive feasibility studies and turnkey EPC services. Our process evaluates technical, financial, and regulatory factors to ensure each system meets client goals for resilience and performance. From design and procurement to construction and commissioning, DBL delivers fully integrated energy solutions that enhance reliability, reduce costs, and lower carbon impact.
Experience
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Residential
At DBL, we design homes that reflect your lifestyle, personality, and aspirations—seamlessly blending design, functionality, resilience, and sustainability. Whether building new, rebuilding, or expanding, our team thoughtfully crafts every detail to bring your vision to life with beautiful, individual, and defensible spaces, from modern minimalism to timeless tradition.
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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.
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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.
