Design, permit, and build with one expert team.
Your new home
in 4 simple steps
Explore our Otto Models
Start with a pre-designed plan to save 5 months on permitting and 40% on design costs.
Why Build with Otto?
Design-Focused
Design-Build
Most builders don't have architects on staff. We do, from MIT, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Rice. That changes the quality of the homes we deliver, and the decisions we make at every stage, from feasibility through finish selection.
One team, one point of accountability.
Design, permitting, and construction live under one roof. The same team that shapes your home is also responsible for getting it permitted and built. No handoffs between separate firms, no finger-pointing when something goes wrong.
Clarity before commitment.
You'll understand scope, structure, and pricing before construction starts. Our clients come into the process worried about hidden costs and lost control. We work hard to eliminate both, with informed budgeting and transparent decision-making from day one.
Built on 80+ projects across 14 jurisdictions.
We've completed projects in hillside zones, coastal zones, historic neighborhoods, and post-fire recovery areas. We work routinely with LADBS, LA County, LADWP, SCE, and planning departments across Southern California. Complex residential construction is what we do, every day.
Ready to rebuild with confidence?
Have a specific vision?
We build custom, too.
If a pre-designed model isn't right for your lot, we can apply our proven system to a fully custom design.
Whether you have existing drawings or need a bespoke design, we adapt our process to you.
You get the same cohesive team, clear pricing, and reliable build quality—tailored to your unique vision.
Frequently asked questions
What parts of an Otto pre-designed plan can I tailor?
We offer plenty of architect-vetted finishes & fixtures to choose from, as well as opportunities to modify key areas like bathrooms and built-in closets.
What fire resistant features are in Otto's pre-designed plans?
We only use unvented roofs, Class A fire rated exterior assemblies and materials, and metal-clad windows and doors with tempered glass. See more features on each project page!
How long does like-for-like permitting take in Altadena?
In our experience, typical like-for-like fire rebuilds in Altadena take approximately 4-6 weeks.
How long does construction take?
Depending on the size of project, construction can take 8 to 14 months. Our construction process consists of 15 phases, each requiring their own level of trade expertise and city sign-offs. In the event that we encounter delays or changes to the scope of work, we'll keep you posted on how that will impact the overall project timeline.
