Tahoe Truckee | Residential Design · Land Use Planning · Permit Plans
We
Design
for real people, real life, real purpose.
A Different Kind of Design Studio
Thoughtful residential design rooted in experience, place, and purpose.
We Design More Than Buildings
We design where life unfolds.
Thoughtful Design. Practical Wisdom. Exceptional Value.
No Design Theater. Just Good Decisions.
Experience You Can Build On
45+ years in the AEC industry. 150+ projects completed. $30M+ in built environments.
Let’s Start With a Conversation
We offer experience, not ego.
Straight talk, not talkitecture.
We believe good residential design should be accessible to real people with real lives, real priorities, and real budgets.
We ask better questions, listen carefully, and help shape what you’re asking for into something thoughtful, buildable, and worth the investment.
No endless “what if” sessions wasting your time and budget. We collaborate with you, develop solutions, and keep the project moving.
For us, there are no small projects. There are only projects with purpose.
Whatever your project requirements, we meet the work with thoughtful, compelling design and practical guidance.
If that’s the kind of design partner you’re looking for, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started.
We are
Thoughtful design.
No nonsense.
MASTRIDICASA is a Tahoe–Truckee residential design studio for homeowners who value thoughtful design, practical wisdom, and clear communication.
We design custom homes, remodels, additions, accessory dwelling units, feasibility studies, and permit-ready construction documents for clients who want more than drawings. They want a steady hand, an honest opinion, and a design partner who understands how homes actually get built.
We are not here to impose a signature style, inflate complexity, or design for our portfolio. We are here to help you create a home that belongs to you, belongs to the land, and works in real life.
Select to Learn more about our design services:
MASTRIDICASA provides residential design services for custom homes, remodels, additions, ADUs, and accessory structures throughout the Tahoe–Truckee region.
Some clients need early planning and feasibility guidance. Others need a deeper design process with concept development, detailed construction documents, consultant coordination, and continued involvement as the project moves toward construction. The goal is continuity: fewer gaps, fewer assumptions, and better decisions from the first study to the final plan set.
We tailor the scope to the project, but the standard does not change: thoughtful design, practical wisdom, clear communication, and documents that help the work move forward.
Services include:
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Custom Home Design
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Remodels and Renovations
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Additions
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Accessory Dwelling Units
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Accessory Structures
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Feasibility and Planning
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Permit-Ready Construction Documents
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MASTRIDICASA provides commercial design support for tenant improvements, renovations, expansions, and business spaces that need to work well, look right, and move clearly through the permit process.
A good commercial space has to support daily operations, reflect the character of the business, meet code and accessibility requirements, and create a better experience for clients, customers, and staff.
We help business owners think through layout, flow, customer experience, work areas, accessibility, egress, life-safety requirements, security exhibits, and the practical details that shape how the space functions.
Services include:
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Tenant Improvements
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Commercial Renovations
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Business Expansions
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Office Layouts
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Retail Space Planning
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Accessibility Coordination
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Egress and Life-Safety Planning
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Security Exhibits
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MASTRIDICASA's land-use planning services helps clients understand the rules, constraints, and opportunities that shape a project before design decisions get expensive.
In the Tahoe–Truckee region, planning is not a formality. Zoning, setbacks, site coverage, height limits, slope, access, utilities, wildfire requirements, HOA guidelines, and TRPA regulations can all affect what is possible on a property.
We study the land, the rules, and the agency path early so the project can begin with facts instead of assumptions.
The goal is to understand what the property can support, what the regulations require, and how to move forward with fewer surprises.
Services include:
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Feasibility Studies
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Site Analysis
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Land Use Planning
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Zoning Research
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TRPA Planning Support
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Coverage and Setback Review
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Jurisdictional Guidelines
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Agency Coordination
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Project Viability Review
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Homes, remodels, ADUs, and design studies shaped by people, place, and practical wisdom
Selected Work
Some projects are built. Some are in development.
All of them begin with better questions.
Over the last 20 years involved in buying, improving, renovating and selling residential real estate, I have worked with many designers, planners, architects, engineers and general contractors.
With each hire there are really 3 things you hope to get:
1. Professionalism - getting things done well, on time and within expectations of their profession
2. Expertise - superior knowledge and skills in what they do, and
3. Empathy - an appreciation of the ideas, and desires of the customer and using that understanding in doing work
Doug is really the ONLY person I can think of who would score a ’10’ in each category. His professionalism, attitude, expertise, knowledge, and most importantly, proactive appreciation of what we were looking for in our home remodel project is really unparalleled.
I would recommend MASTRIDICASA for any design, planning and architecture job without hesitation, and above anyone else.
D. Sinha
Working with MASTRIDICASA has been an enlightening and inspiring journey. From the outset, their deep understanding of architectural principles and their uncanny ability to balance aesthetics with functionality set them apart.
MASTRIDICASA's creative process consistently brings forth innovative and thoughtful design ideas that capture the essence of each project's unique needs and aspirations. Every design project MASTRIDICASA undertakes becomes a true testament to their mastery of space, light, and materials. The quality of their work is reflected not just in their stunning designs, but also in the meticulous attention to detail they exhibit during construction supervision.
MASTRIDICASA has an excellent communication skillset, they listen attentively to clients' requirements and translate those needs into designs that exceed all expectations. Their integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence shine through in every project they handle.
We wholeheartedly recommend MASTRIDICASA to anyone looking for an designer who can deliver outstanding design and impeccable service. They truly redefine the boundaries of residential design."
Daniel Irish
I have been a design professional for over 30 years and have worked alongside many architects, builders, and tradesmen in the field. When it was finally time for me to embark on a custom home of my own, I was connected with Doug, the owner of MASTRIDICASA and knew he was the perfect fit. He listened to what was important to me, took all the important factors of our property into consideration, and translated it all into an amazing design. Doug is very easy to work with and made the process a pleasure. I could not recommend him more.
MASTRIDICASA will make your dreams come true!
Sarah F
I've had the privilege of working with Doug on a couple projects now and I have to say, each one has been an incredible experience. Doug really knows his stuff, and you can see it in his designs and the way he goes about his work and interacts with his clients and subcontractors. He's also willing to work collaboratively on his designs which is like a breath of fresh air. As a structural engineer, when I get to work with someone who is willing to listen to suggestions, not only does it make my job so much easier, but more importantly it allows for a great design that looks incredible, thanks to Doug, but also has the added benefit of easier and cheaper to construct.
This in my opinion makes MASTRIDICASA a great residential design firm and one who delivers a final product that goes above and beyond what the client expected. I look forward to working with MASTRIDICASA on many projects in the future.
Rowland Perez
CFBR Structural Group
I chose MASTRIDICASA to design my ADU in Truckee and I couldn't be happier with the process. Doug is professional but has a casual and easygoing style that makes the design process enjoyable. He always answers his phone which seems incredibly rare in this field. It's great to find someone quick to respond to small questions and changes. He worked easily with my special circumstances and challenges throughout the project. In the end we finished on time and under budget.
Thanks Doug!
Tim A
As the owner of CMJR Construction, I cannot recommend Doug and his services enough! He is incredibly talented, thorough, and responsive. We have relied on Doug and his expertise to guide us through many large, intricate projects that would have otherwise left us scratching our heads on how to proceed. His renderings are stunning and we are always eager to show our clients what he comes up with! Being able to provide our customers with visuals of the final product of their project is priceless. We would highly recommend MASTRIDICASA for all of your residential design needs!
Eric Scott
We met Doug on one of our more challenging remodel/additions. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to communicate with him. We had many obstacles on this project and Doug was always available to assist in finding the solution. He even offered to join us in a meeting with the planning division where he helped us solve a zoning issue.
His design work and drafting is impeccable, quickly executed and of course, accurate! We plan to use MASTRIDICASA whenever possible.
Sam Bueckert
530 Builders
Doug is awesome to work with-period. As an interior designer, it's important to me to work within the industry with professionals who respect each others' work and have an excellent command of the trade skills they bring to the table. Doug accomplishes this and then some. He's easy to work with, accessible, knowledgeable, and most important, creates a top notch deliverable. His effortless interaction with the other industry professionals working on our project made things run as smoothly as possible. I'd recommend MASTRIDICASA 100% of the time.
Janet F Tight
As a five star General Contractor with over $16 million in projects under my belt I can tell you that MASTRIDICASA is a breath of fresh air! Doug is competent, reliable, and honest. Doug is one of the most serious, and sincere Drafters / Designers I’ve ever worked with. Typically after submitting initial plans to the city for permitting they are returned with multiple corrections. Doesn’t happen with Doug! Saving us money and time, to be sure. The list goes on but here is one important characteristic of Doug - he’s a sensitive listener which in turn encourages design creativity. I highly recommend MASTRIDICASA for your next project.
Mark D
MASTRIDICASA Architecture + Design is hands down one of my favorite teams to work with. Doug’s in-depth knowledge of construction best practices and building codes makes him the best in Tahoe.
What I’ve found unique about Doug is that he delivers consistent hidden gem insights into the homebuilding process, which makes him so wonderful to work with.
It’s an absolute pleasure working with MASTRIDICASA, and I look forward to working with them in the future.
I love Gray's Crossing W6
There’s a real clarity of purpose and rigor of process to it. You have this way in your work of uniting beauty and form with strategy and intelligence.
You’re doing great work.
N. Rados
I had an amazing experience working with Doug and his company in completing an expansion project at my house. Doug was incredibly helpful and attentive, ensuring all my needs were met. The level of customer service was truly top-notch. He and his company exceeded my expectations. Working with him was one of the best decisions I made.
Brian Schwarz
REVIEWS
Clients
They’ll Tell You What It’s Like to Work With MASTRIDICASA
Our clients do not fit in one box.
Some are homeowners planning a focused remodel with a careful budget.
Some are owner-builders bringing a future home to life one decision at a time.
Some are families creating a long-term retreat in the Tahoe mountains.
Others are builders and contractors who need clear drawings, fast communication, and documents that help keep the work moving.
The scale changes. The mindset is what matters.
We work best with people who value thoughtful design, straight talk, practical guidance, and a process built around trust, clarity, and real decisions.
Real people, real projects
A room is never
just a room
it is a mood
you step into
Experience
Place
People
A good home is more than walls, windows, and rooflines. It is the place where daily life unfolds.
We design around the people who will live there, the land that will hold it, and the experience the home should create over time.
That means listening carefully, studying the site, and shaping spaces that support quiet moments, daily routines, gathering, privacy, connection, function, and beauty.
The goal is not just a building that looks right from the outside. The goal is a home that feels right from within.
We design more than buildings
designing for people, place, and experience.
People
Place
Experience
Small by Design. Serious by Experience.
Studio
MASTRIDICASA is intentionally small.
That is not a limitation. It is how we stay close to the work, the client, and the decisions that shape the project. You are not passed through layers of staff or handed off to someone unfamiliar with your goals.
We bring decades of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction experience to all of our design work, but our real value is judgment: knowing what to question, what to simplify, what to protect, and when to push back.
Our work is rooted in listening, site-specific thinking, constructability, fiscal responsibility, and clear documentation. We help clients make good decisions early, balancing design intent with budget, buildability, and the realities of the site.
The result is a more personal, more practical approach to residential design — thoughtful work without the design theater.
A home is personal.
So is the design process.
Let's shape something exceptional.
together.