About David Michael Designs
David Michael Designs is a full-service drafting and design firm established in 2003, providing comprehensive residential and commercial design solutions. With over two decades of experience, we specialize in as-built documentation, remodels, additions, new construction, and detailed architectural plan sets prepared for permit approval.
Founder David Michael Theis began his career as a project manager and contractor for a local design-build firm, gaining more than six years of hands-on field experience before transitioning fully into design. This real-world construction background allows us to create plans that are not only visually compelling, but also practical, buildable, and cost-conscious.
David Michael Designs is a full-service drafting and design firm established in 2003, providing comprehensive residential and commercial design solutions. With over two decades of experience, we specialize in as-built documentation, remodels, additions, new construction, and detailed architectural plan sets prepared for permit approval.
Founder David Michael Theis began his career as a project manager and contractor for a local design-build firm, gaining more than six years of hands-on field experience before transitioning fully into design. This real-world construction background allows us to create plans that are not only visually compelling, but also practical, buildable, and cost-conscious.
|
Over the years, David has worked on virtually every project type—from kitchen and bath remodels to large-scale additions, custom homes, and commercial spaces—developing a streamlined workflow that saves clients time, reduces revisions, and minimizes costly surprises during construction.
Technology-Driven Design We utilize Chief Architect to produce highly detailed 2D construction drawings and immersive 3D models. This advanced approach allows clients, contractors, and consultants to clearly visualize the finished project before construction begins. |
|
Our full 3D modeling process eliminates guesswork and helps prevent the common “that’s not what I expected” problem. By seeing the design in realistic form early on, clients can make confident decisions, reducing change orders, delays, and budget overruns.
Flexible, Client-Focused Workflow Once your existing structure is modeled, we can quickly test multiple layout options—moving walls, windows, doors, and architectural elements in real time. This gives you the freedom to explore design possibilities without incurring additional drafting fees for every minor revision.
Our goal is simple: clear plans, clear vision, and a smooth path to construction.
Industry Leadership & Training In addition to client work, David is recognized as a leading expert in Chief Architect software. He founded ChiefTutor.com, one of the most widely used independent training platforms for the program. Through this resource, architects, engineers, designers, and DIY users around the world learn professional drafting and modeling techniques.
This deep technical expertise translates directly into faster turnaround times, higher-quality drawings, and more efficient coordination with engineering and permitting requirements.
A Complete Project Resource David Michael Designs works closely with a trusted network of structural engineers and experienced contractors. We can recommend qualified professionals for your project and help you obtain competitive bids, ensuring you have the right team in place from concept through construction.
Whether you are planning a small remodel or a custom home, we provide the drawings, visualization, and guidance needed to bring your vision to life—accurately, efficiently, and beautifully.
Flexible, Client-Focused Workflow Once your existing structure is modeled, we can quickly test multiple layout options—moving walls, windows, doors, and architectural elements in real time. This gives you the freedom to explore design possibilities without incurring additional drafting fees for every minor revision.
Our goal is simple: clear plans, clear vision, and a smooth path to construction.
Industry Leadership & Training In addition to client work, David is recognized as a leading expert in Chief Architect software. He founded ChiefTutor.com, one of the most widely used independent training platforms for the program. Through this resource, architects, engineers, designers, and DIY users around the world learn professional drafting and modeling techniques.
This deep technical expertise translates directly into faster turnaround times, higher-quality drawings, and more efficient coordination with engineering and permitting requirements.
A Complete Project Resource David Michael Designs works closely with a trusted network of structural engineers and experienced contractors. We can recommend qualified professionals for your project and help you obtain competitive bids, ensuring you have the right team in place from concept through construction.
Whether you are planning a small remodel or a custom home, we provide the drawings, visualization, and guidance needed to bring your vision to life—accurately, efficiently, and beautifully.
Read Dave's Online Artical from the makers of Chief Architect.
|
|
What Our Clients Are Saying...
I found Dave to be very enjoyable to work with. He's a nice guy who is a master of his trade, and unlike most people in his business, he's very responsive - even for the work that comes after he has been paid in full (revision requests from the city, change requests from a less-than-decisive client, etc.). I've been mapping out my addition/remodel over the last 5 years that I've been living at my house, so I thought I knew exactly what I wanted when I came to Dave.
My wife and I had our second child on the way (she has since been born), so it was time to take action and make some of our home dreams a reality. Dave was very respectful of the fact that I had put so much thought into the upgrades, but made some suggestions that ended up drastically improving our design. He got my as-builts and the first version of our design done in less time than he promised, and did screen share sessions with me to talk through requested tweaks and update the design in real time. He uses some of the best design software out there (Chief Architect), which allowed me to see our designs in 3D as well.
My wife also found this very helpful. Dave has a great sense of humor and made the entire process very fun (this is probably my favorite part about working with him), but equally important is the fact that he put together a design that is going to truly transform my entire home for my family and I. Dave's plans were approved by the city and our project is now under way. I give him my highest recommendation, and I've already told a lot of my friends about him, including and especially those who are in his industry. I'm trying but can't think of anything that I liked 'least' about working with him. The entire experience was positive, and I'd be extremely excited to work with him again. In fact, I plan on it.
Please feel free to let me know if I can provide any further information, or if you have any specific questions.
Good luck with your remodel!
Thank you,
Michael Z.
My wife and I had our second child on the way (she has since been born), so it was time to take action and make some of our home dreams a reality. Dave was very respectful of the fact that I had put so much thought into the upgrades, but made some suggestions that ended up drastically improving our design. He got my as-builts and the first version of our design done in less time than he promised, and did screen share sessions with me to talk through requested tweaks and update the design in real time. He uses some of the best design software out there (Chief Architect), which allowed me to see our designs in 3D as well.
My wife also found this very helpful. Dave has a great sense of humor and made the entire process very fun (this is probably my favorite part about working with him), but equally important is the fact that he put together a design that is going to truly transform my entire home for my family and I. Dave's plans were approved by the city and our project is now under way. I give him my highest recommendation, and I've already told a lot of my friends about him, including and especially those who are in his industry. I'm trying but can't think of anything that I liked 'least' about working with him. The entire experience was positive, and I'd be extremely excited to work with him again. In fact, I plan on it.
Please feel free to let me know if I can provide any further information, or if you have any specific questions.
Good luck with your remodel!
Thank you,
Michael Z.
|
M&M Homeowners
Mike & Michelle [email protected] Project Date: December 2018 Attention all homeowners! Dave Theis of David Michael Designs saved our Whole House Remodel project - while giving us complete peace of mind and joy throughout the process. Isn't that what we as homeowners are supposed to feel? We're supposed to enjoy the process and feel excited about the journey, right? Prior to finding David Michael Designs on Houzz.com, we had a very difficult time getting anything done with our first designer. Not with Dave Theis! Dave is responsive, professional, reasonable, accurate and fast! He is kind, compassionate, funny and treats his customers with mutual respect too! |
|
He is a man of his word and kept every commitment he made to us! Having gone through difficulties in the past with other vendors, and losing trust, we, as homeowners, tend not to trust anyone. From the beginning, however, we felt at ease with our decision to go with David Michael Designs. It was one of the best decisions we made in regards to our Whole House Remodel. If we could go back in time, we would skip over the first designer and go directly with David Michael Designs. Everything went according to plans - even finished a week earlier than expected! He remained committed all the way through the City Stamped approval stage (just like he said he would). Dave Theis, of David Michael Designs is one of the "good guys"! It is rare to come across someone of such integrity and good character in this day and age who ALSO knows what he's doing! He has the perfect background to be an excellent home designer too, coming from construction (which ultimately lead him to design work). Not all designers actually understand construction like Dave! If you're looking for a designer for your next remodel, addition or new construction project, save yourself the headache of endless searching and worrying and consider David Michael Designs. If only we could go back in time and give ourselves the same advise, we would be months ahead of the game. He's a gem. We thank God we found him! We recommend him and we would use him again in a heart beat!!
Michelle
[email protected]
Michelle
[email protected]
|
|
|
Jeff Wright
[email protected] Project: Aug 2023 Dave and his team were amazing. They not only did a spectacular design job, but their sincere customer service was outstanding. They came up with such creative ideas to solve problems we were having that made the home functional and look great. I highly recommend Dave and his team to anyone looking for a talented architect with excellent customer service. Thank you Dave! If he had not stolen our silverware I would have definitely given him a five star review! |
|
|
John Hooker
[email protected] Project Date: September 2012 David Michael Designs has helped me with many projects. David is so good at his job that our current client ( a software engineer ) called him a genius !! The beauty of his service is he is extremely talented and also very reasonable priced given the level of professionalism he provides. I am a general contractor and am very pleased to be able to offer David's name to my client's as I know he will be patient during the planning stage and we will have an end result of very happy customer. His plans are very detailed yet very clear and the 3D design makes it easy for customer to understand and for me to follow the plan. |
|
|
Relationship: David Calderwood
Project Date: April 2016 Project Price: more than $100,000 David and his team truly listen to us and made every effort to make our dream house come true. We not only had standard plans to look at, David used a computer program that allowed us to click on any room and view the entire space from that location as if we were standing in that room. All changes were done quickly and completely. I would highly recommend David. |
|
Relationship: Colleague / Andre T
Project Date: January 2013
I have worked with David Michael Designs on numerous occasions for the past 4 years and find them to be, frankly, the best in their field at what they do.
Always professional and knowledgeable, never failed to do an excellent job.
Relationship: Client / Leah Alprin
Email: [email protected]
Project Date: October 2015
Project Price: more than $100,000
I have used David Michael Designs for a few construction projects.
He is great to work with, has fabulous ideas and solutions to design and construction issues and gets the work done in a timely manner.
He is also very communicative and prompt in getting back to requests and suggestions. I have referred him to other clients. I would highly recommend his services and I plan to hire him again for future projects.
Email: [email protected]
Project Date: October 2015
Project Price: more than $100,000
I have used David Michael Designs for a few construction projects.
He is great to work with, has fabulous ideas and solutions to design and construction issues and gets the work done in a timely manner.
He is also very communicative and prompt in getting back to requests and suggestions. I have referred him to other clients. I would highly recommend his services and I plan to hire him again for future projects.
Relationship: Client / Julie T.
Project Date: January 2016
Project Price: $1,000 - $9,999
David is a pleasure to work with and nailed our design in a fraction of the time other architects quoted. The reason being his ability to truly listen to what we had to say and then translate it into the design. I am sad this part of the process is over because I won't have our design meetings to look forward to anymore. Additionally, David's ability to meet in person or remotely expedited the process and both methods of discussing the project were equally as efficacious.
Project Date: January 2016
Project Price: $1,000 - $9,999
David is a pleasure to work with and nailed our design in a fraction of the time other architects quoted. The reason being his ability to truly listen to what we had to say and then translate it into the design. I am sad this part of the process is over because I won't have our design meetings to look forward to anymore. Additionally, David's ability to meet in person or remotely expedited the process and both methods of discussing the project were equally as efficacious.
|
Relationship: Client / Diane R. / [email protected]
Project Date: September 2023 David Michael Designs did an amazing job for us! I would highly recommend them & their excellent work! David delivered what he promised and we got an amazing design, on time & with a 3D video that shows exactly what your getting! He was a joy to work with, very professional and caring! I give David Michael Designs 10 Stars! Sincerely, Diane R Yorba Linda, CA |
|
We won this years Home Designer Digest
|
|
Read even more examples at:
https://www.houzz.com/browseReviews/davidmichaeldesigns
https://www.houzz.com/browseReviews/davidmichaeldesigns
