Letter Four is a Los Angeles design-build firm founded by an architect and a contractor, which means design and construction actually work together here, under one roof, every day. We build spaces where people live and thrive.
Interior design from a team that also builds it.
Six curated design styles. Three service levels. Drawn from proven Letter Four projects, ready to be specified down to the fixture in your home.
CA Architect #C30146
Lauren Adams, Principal Architect
CA Contractor #B1028949
Jeremy Baker, Principal Builder
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One Style. One perfect fit.
Start by choosing a design direction. Each style is fully specified for kitchens, baths, lighting, exteriors, and the rooms in between.
Where minimalism meets Mediterranean. An elegant evolution of California's architectural heritage. Refined Mediterranean character with modern restraint.
Simple meets sumptuous. Clean lines softened with organic textures, natural tones, and earthy materials. A modern aesthetic that still feels lived-in.
Timeless style, personal touch. The romance of California's architectural legacy. Hand-crafted elements, rich textures, and the kind of warmth that takes a century to earn.
Wine-country poise. Beach-cruiser ease. Cool hues, airy materials, and a quiet rhythm. Soothing, serene living for the West Coast pace.
Iconic design, expertly curated. The visionary spirit of the 20th century. Bold colors, retro details, and the optimism that made the era unforgettable.
Curated chaos, beautifully composed. A blend of eras, cultures, and materials. For homes meant to reflect a person, not a trend.
Exceptional design, made radically simple.
Every package pulls from the proven combinations our team has built before. The selections work together. The decisions are already pressure-tested.The Action Plan is where real projects begin for homeowners in Los Angeles who are serious about building, remodeling or rebuilding. Whether you're planning a custom home, a major remodel or a new home construction project, this is how we start. Starting here, before you start the technical drawing phases and construction is pivotal to a successful project.
1 — Less decision fatigue.
Thousands of finishes narrowed to combinations that hang together. You choose a style, not five hundred individual items, and your designer fills in the rest.We review your site, permits and project constraints so nothing comes as a surprise down the road.
2 — Designs that have been built.
Each package is curated from real Letter Four projects. The fixtures, finishes, and palettes have already been specified, ordered, installed, and lived in.We explore design options that actually work for your site, your lifestyle and your budget.
3 — Flexible enough for your home.
Swap items within the same quality tier, customize at the level that fits your project, and keep the cohesion that comes from a tested palette.
Pick your level of hands-on or hands-off.
Same curated designs. Same trade access. Three ways to bring the package home, depending on how much you want to manage yourself.
Self-implementation. The complete design package. Mood boards, palettes, physical samples, and a downloadable spec list with vendor sourcing. You handle ordering and installation with your contractor, at your own pace.
• PDF mood boards and material palettes
• Physical material samples
• Downloadable spec list and vendor sourcing
• Contractor-ready spec sheets
Designer-supported. Foundation plus a dedicated designer in your corner. A Notion-based project hub, contractor-ready specs, and a quantity calculator. You still manage ordering, but you are not doing it alone.
• Everything in Foundation
• Notion-based project hub
• Quantity calculator for room dimensions
• Occasional designer check-ins
• Basic selection customization
• Access to L4 trade discounts
Full-service, white-glove. Comprehensive design support, team-led sourcing, and end-to-end management. We order, track deliveries, coordinate vendors, and handle approvals while keeping you involved on the creative calls that matter.
• Everything in Studio
• Full design support
• L4 manages orders and tracking
• Vendor correspondence handled
• Trade discounts averaging 25 percent
Fully specified, floor to fixture.
Every package covers the surfaces and selections that define how a home looks, lives, and lasts. Specified by the team, sourced through our trade network.
Bathrooms.
Vanities, countertops, floor and wall tile, plumbing fixtures, hardware, mirrors, lighting
Kitchens.
Each package is curated from real Letter Four projects. The fixtures, finishes, and palettes have already been specified, ordered, installed, and lived in.We explore design options that actually work for your site, your lifestyle and your budget.
Lighting.
Pendants, sconces, flush mounts, and statement fixtures throughout
Flooring and tile.
Specified for every room in scope, with vendor and finish details
Exterior finishes.
Paint, stucco, door and window treatments, hardware, lighting, hardscape
Material samples.
Physical samples of paint, tile, fabric, and finishes delivered to your home
See which package fits your home.
A 30-minute discovery call with our interiors team. You leave with:Every package covers the surfaces and selections that define how a home looks, lives, and lasts. Specified by the team, sourced through our trade network.
• A style direction read based on your home and taste
• Scope guidance for the rooms you want addressed
• A recommendation on Foundation, Studio, or Signature
Common questions, real answers.
Q: What is the Action Plan and what’s included?
The Action Plan is the first step in every project. It establishes your vision, budget, and path forward.
It includes zoning/code analysis, conceptual floor plans, 3D views, a preliminary all-in budget, a project timeline, and coordination of any surveys or consultants.
Q: Will surveys and consultant fees be included in the Action Plan?
No. We coordinate them and you pay separately for their services, if needed.
This ensures you only invest in the studies your site truly requires.
Q: Does Letter Four use outside consultants during the Action Plan?
Yes — if your site requires it.
Specialists like surveyors, arborists, or soils engineers may be brought in to address unique challenges.
Q: How is Letter Four different from an expeditor or entitlement consultant?
We handle standard due diligence.
If your project needs discretionary approvals or zoning variances, we’ll recommend an entitlement consultant or expeditor who can navigate those specialized processes.
Q: How much does it cost to design and build a custom home in Los Angeles?
Most of our projects range from $650+ per square foot, depending on site and design.
Soft costs (design, engineering, permits) typically add 10–30% of construction costs. For example, a 3,500 square foot custom home in Pacific Palisades:
We provide three pricing checkpoints during our CLEAR 4-Step Process to keep your budget on track.
Q: What factors can increase the cost of building a custom home in Los Angeles?
Site conditions, location, and permitting requirements are the biggest drivers of higher costs.
For example:
This is why it’s best to review your property with an experienced design-build team. At Letter Four, we help you anticipate these costs early through our Action Plan so there are no surprises down the line.
Q: Why doesn’t Letter Four provide a flat per-square-foot estimate like some firms?
Because no two projects are alike.
Flat numbers often ignore site conditions, finishes, or structural requirements. Our approach is custom-tailored for accuracy.
Q: Is the Action Plan fee credited if I move forward?
Not exactly. It is not credited, but when you continue on with us, the Action Plan fee is calculated in the total cost of your project.
Q: How are Letter Four’s fees structured?
We use a mix of fixed and hourly fees:
All costs are transparent and itemized in your Preliminary Pricing Estimate.
Q: Do you charge for expenses like mileage or printing?
Rarely.
We work digitally to minimize costs, but if job-related travel or printing is required, it’s billed at cost.
Can you provide a sample budget breakdown?
Yes — we’re happy to review one from a similar past project with you.
Q: What happens after the Action Plan?
We move into full design-build services, starting with schematic design and progressing through construction drawings and permitting.
This includes architectural design, consultant coordination, interior design, and preparing all documentation for construction.
Q: What’s included in Letter Four’s interior design services?
We help with all permanent finishes (tile, lighting, cabinetry, etc.) and can also assist with furnishings.
Interior design is included in our scope and billed hourly, so you can scale our support to your needs.
Q: When does the interior design team get involved?
Typically in the Design Development phase, continuing through construction for seamless coordination.
Q: How long does it take to get permits for a custom home in Los Angeles?
Simple projects may receive permits in 3–4 months; complex ones can take a year or more.
Factors include HOA approvals, design review boards, Coastal Commission, stormwater requirements, and LADWP or grading permits. Our Project Planning Pack outlines what to expect.
Q: What factors can affect how long it takes to design and build my custom home?
Timelines vary, but the biggest factors are site conditions, scope changes, required approvals, and how quickly decisions are made.
Quick decision-making keeps momentum steady, while mid-project changes can add weeks or even months. Complex sites with slopes or challenging soils often take longer to engineer and permit. Special approvals — such as HOAs, the Coastal Commission, or Historic Review boards — can extend timelines by 2–6 months. Even seasonality matters: starting in spring or summer usually allows for faster progress than beginning in the winter.
At Letter Four, we build these considerations into your project roadmap from the start, so you know what to expect and can plan with confidence.
Q: Is Letter Four’s construction contract fixed-price?
Yes — we finalize a fixed price once permits are approved, based on detailed designs.
Q: How is the contractor’s fee shown?
As a separate line item — no hidden markups or buried profits.
Q: How involved will I be during construction?
Very.
You’ll receive weekly updates, bi-weekly site meetings, and 24/7 access to your project portal.
Q: Who ensures design quality during construction?
We do.
Our in-house architecture and construction teams collaborate to protect your design intent.
Q: How soon can construction start on my project?
On average, it takes 6–10 months from project start to be “permit ready.”
After approvals, construction typically begins within 7–15 days.
Q: Do you offer warranties after construction?
Yes.
We provide a one-year warranty on workmanship, manufacturer warranties, and a detailed home manual.
Q: Does Letter Four offer self-certification for fire rebuilds?
Yes — we’re Los Angeles County–approved for Self-Certification, which can potentially save you months in permitting.
See LA County’s approved list here.
Q: When is soil testing required for a rebuild?
It depends on your site.
Lots with slope, expansive soils, or fire damage often require a geotechnical report. We’ll guide you through whether or not it’s needed for your rebuild.
If you have more questions — big or small — just ask. We’re happy to talk through any part of the process and make sure you feel confident and informed from day one.
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (323) 275-1140
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