About Otto
Otto started in 2019 with a single idea: make it easy to build beautiful ADUs. ADUs turned out to be a perfect proving ground. They're small, complex, and brutally unforgiving of bad process.
Since then, we’ve completed 80+ projects across 14 Southern California jurisdictions and built an operating system for residential construction. Today, we apply that same system to fire rebuilds in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, custom homes across LA County, and ADUs throughout the region.
We hold an active California GC license (#1081287) and employ our own architects, so design and construction stay coordinated from first sketch to final walkthrough. Our work has been recognized with industry awards, and we’re frequent contributors to the Los Angeles Times’ coverage. We bring the tools, experience, and taste to make complex projects feel simple and well managed.
Otto is named after Sean’s late rescue dog, who spent his days lying in the sun. The name fits, because at the end of the day, we’re not just building structures; we’re building places that feel like home.
Why Fire Rebuilds Matter
Fire rebuilds are deeply emotional projects. People aren't just rebuilding structures. They're rebuilding stability, memories, and a sense of home after overwhelming loss. Bringing organization, clarity, and a proven process into those situations is the most meaningful work we do.
Recently, our Craftsman Altadena Rebuild was awarded the 2026 AIA Pasadena Foothills award for Best Delivery Model and Best Historic Design.
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.
“I am very impressed with the level of detail in the design and I’m so grateful we found you”
Diana K.
“Great experience working with Otto ... my ADU is even better than I imagined, and it was on budget and on time."
Emily B.
"The Otto team was absolutely amazing! 10 out of 10! I have nothing but great things to say about the entire process."
Melissa D.