ZEITGEIST SONOMA
architecture + interior design
We are Zeitgeist Sonoma, an architecture and interior design firm specializing in custom, upscale homes and boutique commercial spaces.
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.
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.
OUR DESIGNERS
JESSICA KAHN WICHMANN
PRINCIPAL, INTERIOR DESIGNER
University of Colorado, Boulder. BFA in Art History and Photography
Drexel University, Philadelphia. MS in Interior Design
Jessica’s education provides a solid foundation and training for her visual acuity. Her extensive U.S. and global travels have exposed her to a broad range of architectural and living styles, expanding her innate sense of possibility. Jessica readily translates her clients' living patterns and functional needs into design solutions. The result is a transformed space offering beautiful form and excellent function. Devoted to instilling a love of the creative process as well as the finished product, Jessica brings her ingenuity to each design project. She enjoys raising her children, traveling, reading cookbooks, and yoga.
EFRAIM WICHMANN
PRINCIPAL, DESIGNER
Temple University, Philadelphia. Bachelor of Architecture
Efraim grew up in Germany. He moved to the United States in 1990. His exposure to European design principles has served as a solid foundation for his creativity. Focusing on high-end residential and boutique commercial interior design, Efraim is hands-on and accessible throughout the design process. He is a diligent space maker, always challenging convention and bringing fresh, uncompromised design to his projects resulting in total works of art. Efraim is not a licensed architect. He enjoys his children, mountain biking, kayaking, and sailing.
KAYLA PASTOR
PARTNER, ARCHITECT
UC Berkeley, Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
License Number C-37694
Kayla has been with Zeitgeist since January 2015 and is a Sonoma County native. As an architect, she enjoys designing spaces that are not only sustainable and efficient, but also delightful to inhabit. Kayla assists with project management and brings a host of software skills to Zeitgeist. Whether it be building a digital 3D model of a project or putting together a crisp presentation, she cheerfully exceeds expectations. She also enjoys drawing, graphic design, music, cycling, traveling, and pursuing new ways to live sustainably.
AYELET ARBEL
DRAFTER, OUTREACH COORDINATOR
San Jose State University, BA in Creative Arts and Graphic Design
Ayelet brings 15+ years of design experience to Zeitgeist. A precise drafter with a keen eye for details and aesthetics, she is devoted to environmental conservation and living lightly on the planet. She enjoys exercising, animals, organic farming, and electric vehicles.
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.
PRESS
Press Democrat, January 18, 2019
Press Democrat, May 4, 2014
Press Democrat, October 19, 2013
TESTIMONIALS
For additional testimonials and client comments, please visit us on Houzz and Facebook
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
- Tom Snyder, Snyder Construction Company
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
- Jim S., Sonoma Wine Company
- Buffy S., Graton, California
- Lisa S., Santa Rosa, California
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
