Interview with EDR Design Build

We recently had the opportunity to connect with EDR Design Build, a relatively new player in the construction industry based in Los Altos with an impressive portfolio of built work throughout the Bay Area. In our conversation, we explored their innovative approaches and strategies for adapting to the rapidly evolving construction landscape, particularly in the context of the current economy.

Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in the construction industry?

Sarmad was born into the world of construction, following in the footsteps of his contractor father. He earned a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley and went on to work as a Senior Project Manager at Webcor, where he built an impressive portfolio that includes the Moscone Center in San Francisco, SurveyMonkey in San Mateo, and the Four Seasons Residences in both Beverly Hills and San Francisco. Sarmad is now the Co-Owner & the CEO of the company! 

As for me, Eddie, I’m a serial entrepreneur with experience in several industries. My background is project management, sales, logistic and system building. About a decade ago, I transitioned into construction sales and project management with a focus on high-end residential projects. I quickly fell in love with the idea of revolutionizing this industry and have since dedicated myself to creating a seamless, almost hands-off experience for homeowners by streamlining and enhancing the residential construction process. 

What geographical areas do you serve, and what size projects are ideal for you regarding square feet and/or budget?

We proudly serve most of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, as well as Pleasanton and Fremont. Our ideal projects include new builds, additions, complete remodels, and ADUs. These are our specialties, and we’ve perfected the systems to handle them with ease. When it comes to pricing, most of our work is custom, so we tailor our estimates to each project. You’ll find our prices to be competitive, offering great value for the high-quality work we deliver. 

What types of residential projects do you typically work on, and what do you enjoy most about them?

We do Additions and complete remodeling /reconfiguration of the house. We mostly enjoy seeing the clients happiness once they see the new chapter of the life. Construction is much more than a career, its a life mission to build someones future. 

How would you describe your approach to working with clients during a project? 

We treat every client like family, as if we were working on our own family’s home. Communication and setting expectations are incredibly important to us. We keep our clients informed and educated every step of the way, ensuring that every decision they make is thoughtful and well-founded. 

What sets your company apart from other contractors in the Bay Area? 

The combination of our warm, caring approach with our high level of efficiency, professionalism, and process orientation sets us apart. Our communication and procurement systems ensure a fast, high-quality project, providing our clients with peace of mind throughout the entire process.

How have recent changes in material costs and labor availability impacted overall construction expenses for residential projects in the Bay Area? 

We’ve been gearing up for this moment for a while! We’ve built strong, lasting relationships with our subs and employees, ensuring we pay well and take great care of our team. We’ve made fantastic hires and partnered with top-notch vendors to keep lead times on track. 2024 has been our most successful year yet, and we’re just getting started!

Interest rates are expected by many to be lowered in the coming months.  How do you foresee this impacting your work in both the near and long term?   

As more people turn to us, we’re excited to stay true to our strengths. We’re committed to maintaining the same high standards and won’t stretch ourselves thin. Our focus remains on delivering outstanding work and running a strong, efficient operation. With growing demand, we’re ready to take on larger projects that showcase our expertise and continue to exceed expectations.

What unique challenges do residential projects in the San Francisco compared vs. other Bay Area locations, and how does your company address them?

We made the decision to step back from working in San Francisco because we believe the city's strict regulations pose challenges for both contractors and homeowners. The process has become quite complex, with separate inspections for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, which increases the amount of coordination required. Additionally, the city has implemented a tax on contractors' gross receipts, and logistical issues like parking difficulties and concerns about vehicle break-ins further complicate the situation. 

Can you share a memorable project that you’ve worked on and what made it special? 

We remodeled a 4,000 square foot home from 1906 in Hillsborough, where we restored 100-year-old trim. The house was rich in history and had such unique spaces. We successfully recreated that same timeless vibe with a fresh, new feel. The clients were thrilled with the result. It was challenging, but it was incredibly rewarding to keep that history alive. 

Can you share a brief example of a complex problem you encountered on a recent project and how you solved it?

We’re currently building a house in Campbell, and one of the walls was grandfathered in as non-conforming. The city approved our plans, but once we began construction, we discovered that the wall lacked a foundation. The city considered this a repair alteration and asked us to push the wall back. However, we collaborated with an engineer and the architect to find a solution, ultimately bringing the wall into compliance. 

What recent innovations or technologies have you incorporated into your residential projects, and how have they benefited your clients?

We use a CRM to ensure that clients receive all communications, including schedules for finish materials and delivery updates. We leverage AI to streamline field processes, create project timelines, and track data from previous correspondence. Additionally, we use logs to facilitate seamless communication among our team in the field.