ZEITGEIST SONOMA

architecture + interior design

We are Zeitgeist Sonoma, a full-service architecture and interior design firm specializing in custom, upscale homes and boutique commercial spaces.

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We distinguish ourselves by our ability to address your project in an unusually comprehensive way. The diverse training and backgrounds that we bring to a project results in a fully integrated design, uniting the aesthetics of the interior and exterior from the flow of a space to the feel of the hardware. We also integrate your vision, lifestyle, functional needs, and work patterns -- and the result is a smart, sophisticated, comprehensive solution that will fit you like your favorite pair of jeans.

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We strive to not only create beautiful, refined designs, but also to provide an enjoyable, expedient, and cost-effective process. We are highly experienced in guiding our clients through every step of the construction process, from designing and permitting to furnishing custom residences.

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We opened our doors in 2001, and over the years we are proud to have taken part in hundreds of projects in Sonoma County and the San Francisco Bay Area. We are a locally-owned business and we live and work alongside you in Santa Rosa, California. Sonoma County is our home; we are committed to being a part of the rebuilding of this community and are proud of the resiliency we have witnessed firsthand. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for any and all questions about rebuilding.

OUR DESIGNERS

Wichmann Zeitgeist Sonoma, Inc., is a CA S Corporation.

OUR PROCESS

Our design process proceeds in phases to ensure your project is developed in a thorough and efficient manner.  These thoughtful steps ensure your project remains consistent with your vision, functional needs, and budget. 

DEFINE

This phase relies on information gathered through discussion with you, the client, and includes the vision and scope of work, site analysis, consideration of budget, and research of applicable codes and permits. We work closely with you to establish a written program, which becomes the road map for the project. At the conclusion of this phase, we have a clear understanding of the project parameters and your desires and needs.

DEVELOP

This phase consists of converting your written program into three-dimensional form. This early schematic design considers adjacencies and configuration of spaces, scale, and site orientation. It concludes with a defined floor plan, and in some cases additional drawings to communicate the design. Preliminary concept sheets showing materials, details, and aesthetic inspirations, as well as sketches, renderings, and concept models may also be provided as design tools throughout this phase. We conclude this phase with requesting cost estimates from contractors to confirm the design is within your budget parameters.

DESIGN + DOCUMENT

In this phase, concepts and ideas are refined and finalized. Building systems, including the structural design, lighting plans, and mechanical systems, are selected. Feature items such as fireplaces, cabinetry, built-in furnishings, and stairs are designed. Lighting and plumbing, tile and stone, and all fixtures and finishes are identified. The design is translated into the technical drawings needed for acquiring a building permit to begin construction.

CONSTRUCTION

We are happy to assist you in vetting contractors and manufacturers to execute the design. Once construction has begun, we are available for regular site inspections to verify the work is being done according to the drawings and specifications. We remain your advocate throughout the building process.

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TESTIMONIALS

For additional testimonials and client comments, please visit us on Houzz and Facebook

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Working with Zeitgeist Sonoma has been a dream. Jessica and Efraim were so easy to work with, so professional, and executed our dream house perfectly. Our contractor told us he has never seen plans go off without a hitch the way theirs did. Jessica took the time to get to know our personal style and presented options beautifully. I've heard so many people complain about the stress of remodeling or building a new home... Well we never felt a moment of stress with this team. Our home is so stylish and beautiful, and doesn't look like every other house. Everyone who comes over is so impressed, and we've referred Zeitgeist Sonoma to many!

- Natalie G., Sebastopol, California

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I am a general contractor and have been working with Zeitgeist Sonoma since 2010. Jessica and Efraim have been a pleasure to work with on every project. They have a keen eye for design and are able to create the best version of their client's vision. They have been consistently professional, responsive, and enthusiastic--each project more beautiful than the last.

- Tom Snyder, Snyder Construction Company

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From the start Zeitgeist has led us through our vacation home remodel with the utmost professionalism. Their work is smart and contemporary with a timeless design that continues to please. The incorporation of architect and interior decorator provides an integrated feel with no detail overlooked. We highly recommend Zeitgeist Sonoma.

- Lynn V., Guerneville, California

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Jessica has been an amazing partner at helping enhance the design of our winery and distillery. Her talent to capture who we are and what we are doing has been spot on. She listens, is patient, on time and on budget. Thanks for all your great work Jessica!

- Jim S., Sonoma Wine Company

We approached Zeitgeist for help renovating our 1920's farmhouse. The project was a tricky one involving adding on and modernizing while retaining the original farmhouse character we loved. Zeitgeist provided excellent support through the whole process, from working with and problem-solving challenging space restrictions, to creating solutions on the fly as new opportunities arrived during the build process. The help and guidance we got from Zeitgeist was wonderful and we are so pleased with our new old home.

- Buffy S., Graton, California

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Efraim and Jessica transformed our outdated master bedroom, master bathroom, and office space into a serene and contemporary retreat that flows beautifully with the architectural design of our home. They worked within our budget and provided creative solutions for the bathroom and office space that are as functional as they are beautiful. We love the results! As an added bonus, Jessica and Efraim are great people and it is a pleasure to work with them. We recommend them highly.

- Lisa S., Santa Rosa, California

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The owners of Zeitgeist are true professionals. They have integrity and demonstrate great respect of your time, budget and desires. They are truthful up-front and help you plan the most efficient way to meet your goals and work within your budget. They are a joy to work with and I could not have completed my design work as effectively and efficiently without them!

- A. Silverstein, Sebastopol, California

From our first meeting with Efraim and Jessica, the experience of designing our custom home was made easy and enjoyable by the professional, creative and caring team that is Zeitgeist. With a flair for classical elegance and knowledge of modern conveniences, they offer the perfect blend of style and function which was exactly what we needed to build our dream home.

​​- Jason and Shannon B., Healdsburg, California

​It has been a pleasure to work with Zeitgeist. Their business has the exceptional combination of reliability, creativity and personality. We especially appreciated their numerous innovative solutions to our design problems and resolutions of issues other design professionals had been unable to solve. Zeitgeist provided us with excellent service, and we are looking forward to working with them on other architectural and design projects.

- Marilyn and Trent C., Santa Rosa, California

Working with Jessica has transformed my office and interaction with patients.  I was stuck behind my desk and didn't know how to move things in my office to work better.  Jessica came in for an initial consultation and gave me all sorts of great ideas. She had movers who were very careful and came in to try out different floor plans and styles. I can say that Jessica is the best designer I have ever worked with.  She had a real eye for transforming my workspace into a warmer, more patient friendly working environment. Getting me out from behind the desk has transformed the office, and has been a great patient/family retention tool as well.
- John L., MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Santa Rosa, California

Zeitgeist was instrumental in turning what would have been an ordinary house into a gem. Through the details they recommended, our home was transformed into a most unique yet cohesive whole. They worked as our agent, negotiating with our contractor in both financial matters and in diligently following up until the desired end result was achieved. They were respectful of our budget and kept us abreast of any surprises along the way. We are grateful not only for the creativity they brought to our home, but for the assistance and support they lent through this challenging process of building a new home.

- Richard and Joyce S., Healdsburg, California