About

True North Building Design is a residential design firm based in Humboldt County, California. We work with clients on projects of all scales — from large custom homes and remodels, to small additions and ADUs.

Design Philosophy & Goals

Contextual appropriateness. We believe every project should feel rooted in its place and be designed appropriately for its local region and climate.

Timeless. We aim to create homes that remain functional and beautiful for decades. Rather than following fleeting trends, we prioritize lasting proportions, durable materials, and clear, purposeful design.

Holistic thinking. We integrate natural light, cross-ventilation, efficient layouts, and strong indoor–outdoor connections to support wellbeing and everyday living.

Wildfire-conscious residential design: We actively pursue continuing education related to resilient residential construction, wildfire-conscious design, and California code requirements.

Thorough planning. Permitting and plan review can be complex. We guide clients through each step of the plan-check process, coordinating documentation and addressing code requirements to help secure timely approvals and a smooth build.