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designSense

In their words

Verbatim, from people who've actually built with Brendan.

Direct excerpts. Nothing paraphrased. Clients, owner's reps, builders, and interior designers across the Tahoe region and beyond.

Thank me later.
Tanya Gill · Custom home client
Brendan is firmly among the strongest.
Kaveh Mansoor · Owner's Representative, Luxury Tahoe Homes
Brendan is truly top tier.
Matt Gomez · Construction Peer, Sonoma Estate
Brendan is amazing.
Michael Gordon · Custom home client, Lahontan
He's the best!!!
Anne Gambino
Brendan is a phenomenal architect.
Casey T
His architectural style is something special. A unique blend of mid-century modern and Tahoe modern that feels both timeless and grounded in nature.
Tanya Gill · Custom home client
He is a trusted partner on complex, design-driven residential projects, and I would recommend him without hesitation.
Kaveh Mansoor · Owner's Representative, Luxury Tahoe Homes
I will recommend DesignSense to anyone looking to design their dream home.
Michael Gordon
...we couldn't be happier with the results.
K Raz

More from each reviewer

The full archive, grouped by reviewer.

Tanya Gill

Custom home client

  • Brendan seamlessly refined it into our dream home.
  • What really sets Brendan apart is his ability to design in harmony with the environment.
  • All the windows somehow capture all the views and all the light, whether it's full moon or a sunset.
  • It just feels good to be at home.
  • The process began with one of the most detailed and thoughtful interviews we've ever experienced.
  • He then presented us with three stunning and distinct floor plans, each thoughtfully designed.
  • Brendan took the time to understand not just how we live, but how we want to live...
  • Brendan Riley is a true professional who is approachable, and genuinely invested in his clients.
  • When people come over to our house, they ALWAYS ask 'who was the architect?'

Kaveh Mansoor

Owner's Representative, Luxury Tahoe Homes

  • I've collaborated with numerous architects, both within the Lake Tahoe market and from outside the region, and Brendan is firmly among the strongest.
  • In a field where strong design is only part of the equation, Brendan distinguishes himself through both his talent and his reliability.
  • Brendan also brings a calm, professional demeanor that elevates the entire team dynamic.

Michael Gordon

  • We interviewed many architects to design our custom home in the Lahontan community in Truckee. It was an easy choice going with Brendan.
  • Brendan's creativity is beyond measure.

Anne Gambino

  • Brendan designed an amazing house in the Lahontan community.
  • He took our vision and budget and made it happen.
  • The process was effortless.

Casey T

  • He is meticulous about every detail, engaging you in every part of the process so that nothing is a surprise.
  • Everyone involved in the home build process - the contractors, landscapers, designers - all love to work with him because he is hardworking, smart, and ethical.

Matt Gomez

  • I worked with Brendan on a new estate in Sonoma and can't speak highly enough about the quality of his drawings, his attentiveness to both our construction needs and the owner's vision.

Colette Fonseca

Interior designer, multi-project collaborator

  • His process is so streamlined and thoughtful...
  • Not only is he a terrific and thoughtful architect but he is also a kind and compassionate person.

K Raz

Builder + custom home client

  • He handled the complexities with such skill that we rarely felt the usual stress that comes with building a one-of-a-kind home.

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