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"Best Design-Build firm in Los Angeles."

- General Contractors Magazine

© Letter Four, Inc. 2024

© Letter Four, Inc. 2024

About Us

LETTER FOUR INC. builds great spaces with great people, from start to finish. We are one of Los Angeles’ premier Design-Build firms, established in 2010 by Architect Lauren Adams and General Contractor Jeremy Baker. By combining our expert backgrounds through a true owner-partnership, we’re able to provide a more organized and collaborative experience than other firms, one that addresses all of your needs while maintaining a streamlined process.

When you work with LETTER FOUR, you’ll get personable, white-glove service geared toward your project’s unique goals and vision. Our mission is to help residents like you achieve luxurious builds that embody a fresh approach to design, one that enhances lifestyle and happiness with a holistic philosophy.

We’ve served many satisfied homeowners as a residential general contractor in Los Angeles, and we hope to make you one of them! If you’re a freethinker who values good design and collaborative construction, we want to work with you. Our favorite clients are those who aim to create truly special spaces through respectful teamwork. We seek out imaginative projects that aim to chart new territory in design, offering the insights and expertise necessary for achievement.

Talk to Our Team

Project Planning Pack

If you're considering a major remodel or new construction you'll want to start with your own independent research. This is why we created the Project Planning Pack -  to give motivated homeowners, like you, the information you need, before you talk to an architect or contractor.

Here is some of what we’re giving out for free:

  • Answers to frequently asked questions
  • A self-interview to get a deeper understanding of your project
  • A road map that shows you the design and construction process, from start to finish
  • Our hand-picked list of experts who can help you at each stage of the process
  • Budget worksheet that gives you a ballpark cost estimate for your entire project
  • Project specific checklists
  • Warning signs to watch out for when interviewing architects

We hope this will help you gain greater knowledge of the design-build process and set you up for success.

Check Out Our Project Planning Pack

Your Project Action Plan

When you’re ready to start a bit of preparatory work on your project, but don’t want to commit to a build just yet, choosing one of our Project Action Plans is an ideal solution. These packages encompass some of the first steps with which we start every project, and are essential for determining if and how your project can unfold within your budget. We invest extra time in these initial steps to help you avoid costly changes or delays down the road.

This is also a great way to ensure our relationship starts on the right foot. Beginning with one of these packages allows us to ease into a project together, feeling out if we’re a good fit before making the commitment to work together on the entire project. It’s similar to having a “dating” period before deciding to get married. Much like tying the knot, building a house is one of the biggest and most important decisions you can make… so why rush it? We give you a chance to properly plan for your project and gather all of the necessary information so that you can make an educated decision when committing to the full project scope.

Your Action Plan Options

We’ve designed and built some of LA’s most inspiring residences. See the difference in Letter Four’s homes.

See Our Expertise in Action

From modern and minimalist to traditional and elegant, our portfolio showcases our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. We’ve designed and built a diverse range of residences in Los Angeles, each tailored to our clients’ unique needs and styles.

With our combined backgrounds in architecture and construction management, our dedicated team has the skills and expertise to bring your vision to life. We pay close attention to detail throughout all project stages and prioritize quality design and maximum constructability to efficiently deliver projects on time and within budget.

Browse our portfolio today and get inspired for your next project.

View Our Work

Elevating Spaces, Enhancing Lives

Licensed Architectural Design

Get the licensed architectural design services required to develop a build-ready design. Before putting pen to paper, our professionals go the extra mile to understand your needs, motivations, and practical goals. We then leverage these insights to craft a design that goes beyond the surface, one that addresses function and experience as much as form.

You’ll receive all of the documentation and coordination needed to prepare your project for the construction phase. In addition to due diligence, design, consultant coordination, and permitting, we’ll also work closely with your contractor to see that your design is built with complete success.

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Licensed General Contracting

Need licensed general contracting services to build per your architect’s plans? Our skilled construction team is here to help you prepare for construction and get the work done with outstanding quality. As contractors who understand the value of design, we’ll work with you and your architect to ensure that construction stays true to your vision, down to the smallest details.

This includes pre-construction pricing to confirm that your design can be built to your standards and expectations. Our experts can prepare detailed, itemized bids, giving you the power to compare costs and make adjustments as necessary.

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Design-Build

When you want one team to handle your project in its entirety, Design-Build is the solution you need. We specialize in integrating architectural design with contracting services for a streamlined process and improved teamwork. Our experts excel in synchronized in-house collaboration, ensuring consistent communication and unified project objectives. We align your design with your budget and ensure the final build meets your vision precisely.

Opt for our Design-Build services for efficient delivery, clear updates, and exceptional customer service, all leading to superior outcomes more swiftly.

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Owner's Agent And Project Management

Get the personalized assistance you need in managing your project. Our owner’s agent and project management consulting services help you ensure that every stage of your project is managed by a professional, dependable expert capable of keeping everything on track.

We understand that the architectural design and construction process can be stressful and time-consuming for those who are not familiar with it. Our goal is to alleviate your stress, advocate for your interests, and provide you with one go-to authority who can keep you informed of your project status at all times.

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Feasibility Studies

Are you unsure of what type of build or renovation your property can support? Do you need to explore the potential costs of a project you have in mind? Is expert input needed before you decide to buy a particular piece of real estate? Also known as our Project Action Plans, our feasibility studies can provide the answers you need.

We help you gather information and determine possibilities by performing a thorough analysis of the property in question. You’ll be able to learn what options are available to you, as well as estimated costs. While this Due Diligence is an essential building block of all standard projects we work on, you may also combine it with other standalone services such as Conceptual Design to form a complete review of your project’s feasibility.

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Concept Development

Need help fleshing out your vision for your home? Our team can help you fully develop your design concept to accurately reflect your personal style and way of living. You’ll get a clear picture of what to aim for, providing the perfect springboard for final architectural design work.

Going through intensive concept exploration and planning allows you to correctly pinpoint the right architectural style and identify what your home’s design should accomplish. By implementing our extensive experience creating residences for clients with a wide variety of lifestyles, we’ll help you visualize a home that is wholly consistent with your aesthetics, habits, and values.

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Interior Design

Everything you need to plan and outfit your interior is provided by our team. We handle all of the initial budgeting, selection, approvals, purchasing, stocking, and detailing of all finishes and fixtures.You’ll work closely with our design team and Amina, our in-house Interior Designer, will walk you through the process of selections such as tile, countertops, flooring, and more.

We can even help with choosing furniture and decor. Prior to this, you’ll be guided through design inspiration sessions that explore your tastes and give you a chance to get creative. Through this fun, collaborative process, you’ll be able to envision an interior that perfectly reflects your personal style.

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Landscape Design

Your property is more than just your home. We ensure that your landscape design is perfectly suited to your architecture, accenting the right features, adding functionality, and adhering to City codes. Via our strategic partnership with our professional Landscape Designer, we will work closely with you to determine optimal hardscape design, planting selections, exterior lighting, and irrigation.

Once the landscape design is complete, she will create drawings with all of the exact specifications for our installers. Site visits will be performed to coordinate all installations and ensure the work is true to the design.

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WE DO OUR RESEARCH!

Due Diligence

The goal of this phase is to gather the information needed to design and construct the project.

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During this initial phase, LETTER FOUR will evaluate both the project’s goals and constraints. This includes existing conditions, project timelines, and city requirements as they relate to the Client’s description of budget and project needs and desires.

LET'S GET CREATIVE.

Conceptual Design

This phase involves the creation of proposed floor plans and interior and exterior features.

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We create hand sketches to scale to review with you for comment and approval before completing the project phase.When working with a retail brand we will prepare imagery from complementary and competitive brands, and prepare material and color palettes that work with the brand graphics, aesthetics, and brand mission. It is during this phase that we develop the big idea: What is the overall character and vision for the project and how does it relate to the site and comply with code requirements?

PRICE CHECK!

Preliminary Pricing

We prepare preliminary pricing for each requested option and relative to the project master plan and phasing where applicable.

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Pricing is limited to the building structure(s) and does not include site work or landscaping. The pricing provided is based upon a per square foot cost for affected and new square footage areas only. The preliminary pricing for each option will be an assumed cost range based off of historical data from our past and current projects.

WE WORK IN 3D.

Schematic Design

This phase involves modeling and drafting the approved hand sketches prepared in the Conceptual Design phase.

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If needed for budgeting, we will sign on consults, such as a preferred structural engineer to determine the structural scope of work. We present our clients with 3D model views alongside floor plans, site plans, exterior elevations, etc. in order to secure Client approval of the design documentation before starting the next phase.

PLAN CHECK HERE WE COME!

Design Development

This stage is the start of the more technical part of the project. We begin by developing the project documentation to the level necessary to coordinate with required engineers and secure Client approval.

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We prepare the basic project drawings and documentation required to submit for plan check with the department of Building and Safety. Specific drawings and documentation for individual agency approvals will be prepared as part of the Building Permitting project phase.

LET'S GET TECHNICAL.

Construction Documents

During the Construction Documents phase we complete the bulk of our fixed fee services.

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We will develop the construction drawing set and project documentation that it needed in order to build the project. This includes additional drawings like lighting plans, power plans, and additional details.For the vast majority of our projects we will finalize our construction bid, and Permitting and Interior Design phases as concurrently as well.

STAMP OF APPROVAL.

Permitting + Approvals

This stage involves hourly work to aid in securing the required agency approvals on the Client’s behalf.

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This phase involves modeling and drafting the approved hand sketches prepared in the Conceptual Design phase.

THE FUN STUFF!

Interior Design

At LETTER FOUR our Interior Design phase is typically not a matter of picking furniture and window treatments, but rather focused on selecting finishes and fixtures like tile, countertops, flooring, decorative lighting, and plumbing fixtures.

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We have developed a way of compiling inspiration imagery, communicating with our clients, and budgeting and tracking selections needed, purchased, received and delivered online with shared logins for full transparency. We love helping our client’s projects come to life!

A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE FROM START TO FINISH

Construction Admin

This stage is crucial as it is during this phase that our design team works with the field to interpret drawings and make decisions with a design eye.

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We make sure that every detail is completed beautifully and as-designed. When we act as architect-only this phase involves the administration of the building contract with our client’s chosen contractor and includes the review of change orders and keeping the project on schedule. Time spent by architectural and administrative staff is charged hourly as some clients prefer to be more hands-on.

Licensed
Architectural Design

Transform your vision into a reality. Our expert architectural planning and design team works with you to develop a comprehensive plan incorporating your unique needs and preferences while ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations.

Design Build

From conceptualization to completion, we provide a single point of contact and handle everything, including architectural design, engineering, permitting, and construction. We ensure the design is buildable, efficiently managing time and cost, delivering high-quality results, and minimizing disruptions.

Licensed General
Contracting

Enhance the value and functionality of your home with our licensed general remodeling contractors in Los Angeles. Our skilled craftsmen will transform your space with precision and attention to detail, whether a full remodel or a small renovation project.

Owner’s Agent and
Project Management

Oversee your project with confidence. We’ll act on your behalf to ensure the build or renovation is delivered on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction. We handle everything from bidding and procurement to quality control and close-out.

Feasibility Studies

Determine the potential of your project with our comprehensive feasibility studies. We assess various factors, including site conditions, zoning restrictions, budget, and timeline, to determine the viability of your project. This allows you to make informed decisions and plan your project effectively.

Concept
Development

Explore different design options, establish goals and objectives, and develop a detailed plan that aligns with your vision and budget. Our licensed architects and contractors offer sound guidance throughout your project, prioritizing functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. 

Interior Design

Create a cohesive design that reflects your style and meets your functional needs. Our interior design team can help you select the perfect color palettes, furniture, lighting, and accessories to bring your vision to life. We pay attention to every detail to ensure that your space is both beautiful and functional.

Landscape Design

Enhance your outdoor space with a custom design that complements your home's architecture and personal style. We take care of everything from hardscape and softscape design to lighting and irrigation, ensuring a seamless and beautiful finish.