Otto Build

1 Pick your plan

Choose an Otto model to save 5 months on permitting and 40% on design costs. If a pre-designed model isn't right for your lot, we can apply our proven system to a fully custom design.

1 Pick your plan

Choose an Otto model to save 5 months on permitting and 40% on design costs. If a pre-designed model isn't right for your lot, we can apply our proven system to a fully custom design.

2 Do a site visit

Otto identifies anything that could could impact cost and construction time so you can have peace of mind.

2 Do a site visit

Otto identifies anything that could could impact cost and construction time so you can have peace of mind.

3 Review the proposal

No vague estimates or missing details. You get a full scope of work and transparent pricing. Enjoy refined detailing without the boutique price tag.

3 Review the proposal

No vague estimates or missing details. You get a full scope of work and transparent pricing. Enjoy refined detailing without the boutique price tag.

4 Tailor your design ...

Personalize the layout and style with our curated fit & finish options.

4 Tailor your design ...

Personalize the layout and style with our curated fit & finish options.

5 ... while we get permits

We manage all paperwork, engineering, and city coordination. You get the permit without lifting a finger.

5 ... while we get permits

We manage all paperwork, engineering, and city coordination. You get the permit without lifting a finger.

6 Watch it get built

Our cohesive team manages the build. No handoffs, no finger-pointing—just clear updates as your home takes shape. Depending on the size of project, this phase can take 8 to 14 months.

7 Landscape it

As a finishing touch, add our Custom Landscaping service to seamlessly integrate your new Otto home into your backyard.

7 Landscape it

As a finishing touch, add our Custom Landscaping service to seamlessly integrate your new Otto home into your backyard.

8 Move into your home!

Start making memories the moment you walk in. We stay available to ensure your transition is seamless.

8 Move into your home!

Start making memories the moment you walk in. We stay available to ensure your transition is seamless.

Ready to build yours?

Frequently asked questions

Explore our answers to common questions and concerns.

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.

Meet the team

Sean

Sean is the founder of Otto. He trained as an architect at UC Berkeley and MIT, with residential practice experience in Tokyo and San Francisco. He founded Otto in 2019 to bring design, permitting, and construction under one roof, and now leads strategy and client relationships across Otto's rebuild, custom, and ADU work.

Sean

Alex

Alex leads design and architecture at Otto, working directly with homeowners to translate vision into permit-ready drawings. He oversees the architectural team and the design review process on every project, ensuring the vision developed with clients is the home that actually gets built.

Alex

George

George runs permitting and pre-construction at Otto, navigating LA County, LADBS, Coastal Zone, and hillside reviews. He spent 10+ years in architecture before joining the team, with deep experience across multifamily, infill, and complex residential approvals.

George

Chris

Chris leads the construction phase at Otto. With 7+ years experience managing high profile multi-family projects across LA, Chris has a wealth of knowledge to draw on as he ensures design integrity and construction quality.

Chris

What our clients say

“I am very impressed with the level of detail in the design and I’m so grateful we found you”

Diana K.

“I am very impressed with the level of detail in the design and I’m so grateful we found you”

Diana K.

“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.

“Great experience working with Otto ... my ADU is even better than I imagined, and it was on budget and on time."

Emily B.

“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.

"The Otto team was absolutely amazing! 10 out of 10! I have nothing but great things to say about the entire process."

Melissa D.

"The Otto team was absolutely amazing! 10 out of 10! I have nothing but great things to say about the entire process."

Melissa D.

Design, permit, and build,with one expert team.

1

Pick your plan

Choose an Otto model to save 5 months on permitting and 40% on design costs. If a pre-designed model isn't right for your lot, we can apply our proven system to a fully custom design.

1

Pick your plan

Choose an Otto model to save 5 months on permitting and 40% on design costs. If a pre-designed model isn't right for your lot, we can apply our proven system to a fully custom design.

2

Do a site visit

Otto identifies anything that could could impact cost and construction time so you can have peace of mind.

2

Do a site visit

Otto identifies anything that could could impact cost and construction time so you can have peace of mind.

3

Review the proposal

No vague estimates or missing details. You get a full scope of work and transparent pricing. Enjoy refined detailing without the boutique price tag.

3

Review the proposal

No vague estimates or missing details. You get a full scope of work and transparent pricing. Enjoy refined detailing without the boutique price tag.

4

Tailor your design ...

Personalize the layout and style with our curated fit & finish options.

4

Tailor your design ...

Personalize the layout and style with our curated fit & finish options.

5

... while we get permits

We manage all paperwork, engineering, and city coordination. You get the permit without lifting a finger.

5

... while we get permits

We manage all paperwork, engineering, and city coordination. You get the permit without lifting a finger.

6

Watch it get built

Our cohesive team manages the build. No handoffs, no finger-pointing—just clear updates as your home takes shape. Depending on the size of project, this phase can take 8 to 14 months.

7

Landscape it

As a finishing touch, add our Custom Landscaping service to seamlessly integrate your new Otto home into your backyard.

7

Landscape it

As a finishing touch, add our Custom Landscaping service to seamlessly integrate your new Otto home into your backyard.

8

Move into your home!

Start making memories the moment you walk in. We stay available to ensure your transition is seamless.

8

Move into your home!

Start making memories the moment you walk in. We stay available to ensure your transition is seamless.

Ready to build yours?

Ready to build yours?

Frequently asked questions

Explore our answers to common questions and concerns.

Meet the team

Sean

Sean

Alex

Alex

George

George

Chris

Chris

What our clients say

Design, permit, and build,
with one expert team.