Custom homes for the way the Sierra actually lives.
A boutique architecture studio in Truckee. Two or three projects a year. Twenty-five years of work, featured in Architectural Digest, Mountain Living, and Tahoe Quarterly.
Featured in
The studio
One architect. Two or three projects a year. Every detail by the same hand.
designSense Architecture is the work of Brendan Riley, a Truckee-based architect with twenty-five years of practice across the Sierra and the Bay Area. The roster stays small on purpose. Every interview, every plan study, every site walk is Brendan.
The work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Mountain Living, and a stack of Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards. The bigger story is what clients describe: a long, careful interview, three real plan options, and an architect who's still on the phone during construction.
He is a trusted partner on complex, design-driven residential projects, and I would recommend him without hesitation.
Selected work
Featured custom homes across the Tahoe region.
Each home is designed for its specific lot, owner, and climate. Most live in Truckee — Lahontan, Martis Camp, Tahoe Donner — with select work across the Reno area.
On the work
His architectural style is something special. A unique blend of mid-century modern and Tahoe modern that feels both timeless and grounded in nature.
Where we work
Neighborhood-specific design across the Sierra and the high desert.
Familiarity with HOA review, lot orientation, climate, and approval processes specific to each community. Start from the neighborhood you're targeting.
The process
A long, careful interview. Three real plan options. One architect, all the way through.
Most architecture firms hand you off after concept design. Brendan doesn't. The engagement is built around three phases — discovery, design, construction support — and the same architect runs all three.
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01
Discovery
A long conversation about how you live, how you want to live, and the lot. Detailed enough that clients regularly call it the most thoughtful interview they've ever experienced.
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02
Design
Three stunning, distinct floor plans, each thoughtfully designed. Choose your favorite. Refinement to construction documents follows.
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03
Construction
Permits, engineers, contractor coordination. Available through the build, with answers fast enough that small questions don't turn into delays.
Closing notes
What clients say after they move in.
Thank me later.
Brendan is truly top tier.
Currently taking new commissions
Tell us about your lot.
Send a few photos, the parcel address, and a paragraph about what you're imagining. The first conversation is exploratory and free.