Trends in construction and architecture continue to progress and change as we move forward into the new normal. Architects have developed various designs that help keep people moving and spaces functional. Construction companies have also adapted to this changing landscape. Luckily, Santa Barbara is filled with experienced professional and licensed builders.

To help you find the best contractor for your project, we’ve compiled the best commercial contractors in Santa Barbara, California. Each contractor on the list was chosen for their project expertise, the awards and press features they have received, and their extensive experience in the industry. 

Durazo Construction Services

2200 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite B, Oxnard, CA 93035 

Since 1982, Ventura and neighboring counties have trusted Durazo Construction Services (DCS) to build some of its businesses and offices. The company is founded by Art Durazo Sr. whose profound expertise in construction spans 40 years. His commitment to quality construction and efficient service has built the firm’s name among clients and peers in the industry. 

The company has developed its services to provide clients with top-notch commercial, retail, medical, and restaurant construction. Its portfolio is a collection of projects in and around Santa Barbara. One of the firm’s notable projects is the Alvarado Medical Plaza in San Diego. It features over 52,000-square-feet of medical office with access to Interstate 8, a trolley station, and public transportation.  

Ashton & Hope Construction

133 De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 

Ashton & Hope Construction opened its doors in 2000 offering Santa Barbara commercial & residential construction, design/build, and restoration services. Kyle Ashton leads the firm’s team of licensed builders with over 70 years of combined industry experience. Under his management, the firm has grown its clientele and service reach. The team actively collaborates with clients and industry partners and that consistently leads to successful projects.  

But excellent work rarely goes unnoticed as in the case of Ashton & Hope Construction. Proving that its designs and construction meet the highest quality, most of its commercial projects come from repeat clients. Its projects display modern, unique, innovative business layouts that permit businesses to grow and expand.

NU-Line Partners

3715 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003 

NU-Line Partners is a full-service construction firm serving Ventura and nearby cities with high-caliber work. The firm is led by generations of builders knowledgeable in turning concepts and visions into reality. Nicholas Tomasello currently leads NU-Line’s team of licensed builders with a diverse background in design and construction. Thanks to its complex understanding of commercial construction, NU-Line can provide clients a durable project that suits their needs.

One of NU-Line’s recent projects is the Negley Law office in Ventura. The commercial office features over 5,000 square feet and includes an executive conference room, a break room, remodeled restrooms, and a prestigious lobby. Its conference room features floor-to-ceiling frameless glass walls separating it from the rest of the office. Inside, a custom-built walnut bookshelf displays vintage law books. The overall construction layout and design of the office reflect the firm’s commitment to professional law service. 

H.W. Holmes Inc.

406 Constitution Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93012 

H.W. Holmes opened its doors in 1996 providing Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara with commercial general construction services. Hoyt Wayne Holmes founded the company and refined a process that makes quality and client satisfaction a priority. The firm’s team of seasoned builders is dedicated to building projects delivered on time and within budget. Because of its exceptional service, previous clients have praised the firm’s efficiency and attention to detail.

The company’s portfolio showcases projects from office tenant improvement to commercial remodeling/build-outs. The Newbury Park Bicycle Shop is one of H.W. Holmes’s retail projects. The new shop features a diverse range of bicycles, equipment, and apparel. Its modern design and open space perfectly display the store’s wide selection of products.   

Apex General Contractors

1250 N Olive Street, Suite A, Ventura, CA 93001 

With more than 40 years of combined experience in building complex spaces, Apex General Contractors is one of the city’s leading commercial builders. Founder Kelly Michon built his construction expertise in New Orleans where he was born. As a child, he was exposed to construction job sites, where he developed his passion for the trade. Michon has since gathered a team of skilled builders with deep expertise and plenty of experience. 

Apex General Contractors has worked with several well-known brands over the years. Some of its clients include YMCA, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Solar World Industries, and BMW North America. Its portfolio includes small- and large-scale projects for commercial, retail, and medical projects. One of its commercial projects is the RE/MAX corporate building. It features a spacious office complete with working spaces and conference rooms.

Construction Consulting Services

3600 S Harbor Boulevard, Suite 3520, Oxnard, CA 93035 

Construction Consulting Services is a licensed and trusted B-1 General Builder of high-end residential and commercial projects in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura, and Malibu. The full-service firm is led by Chuck Rowland whose commitment to excellence has brought together a team of skilled craftspeople. For over 30 years, the team has worked on several projects from custom residential homes to commercial industrial structures. Its excellence in construction and ability to deliver high-quality and cost-efficient projects has built its reputation in the construction industry. A few of its affiliations include the National Association of Home Builders, the US Green Building Council-LEED AP, and the California Building Industry Association.

CCS is dedicated to blending innovative methods with traditional construction processes. To ensure a seamless construction, the team openly collaborates and coordinates each step of the construction process. Over the years, the firm has completed several commercial projects for brands including GMC, Ford, Volkswagen, the US Navy, the Bank of Beverly Hills, Amgen, Baxter, and Unilab Corporation. Another project under the commercial sector is the Toyota Auto Dealership in Thousand Oaks. Construction Consulting Services performed project management and tenant improvement for the 18,000-square-foot dealership.

Frank Schipper Construction

610 E Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Frank Schipper Construction has been serving Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo with unmatched construction work since 1982. Its construction expertise spans a wide range of industries, everything from museums to recreation facilities. The firm is under the management of Paul Wieckowski whose leadership has led to the firm’s award-winning works. In the last few years, the firm has been recognized with Santa Barbara Contractors Association Awards, the Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards, and Association of General Contractors Awards. 

The firm’s services include preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and project delivery methods. Take, for example, this Santa Barbara Plaza for the S&P Investments built in collaboration with Paul Poirier & Associates. The team performed structural updates, full demolition of the previous façade, reconfigured the parking lot, and added a fire sprinkler system to the tenant’s shop. The full renovation took effect in two phases, both provided on schedule.  

Staples Construction

1501 Eastman Avenue, Ventura, CA 93003 

Since its inception in 1995, Staples Construction has brought to life some of Ventura’s memorable structures. David Staples is the skilled builder at the helm of the firm. Under his leadership, the firm has refined its processes and broadened its client reach. Its team is focused on building its reputation on reliable service and high-caliber work delivered on time and within budget. The firm is affiliated with the USGBC, Ventura County Economic Development Association, Santa Barbara Contractors Association, and the Building Trades Association. 

Looking through its portfolio, the firm’s expertise with commercial and mixed-use projects is apparent. Some of its clients in the sector include California State University, Casa Pacifica, Hampton by Hilton, and Rasmussen & Associates. Featured is the firm’s largest project for the Sacramento County airports. The firm completed over 84 projects in multiple locations all over California. Staples Construction performed terminal modernization, tenant improvements, HVAC system replacement, baggage handling, lighting, mold remediation, runway work, and Homeland Security upgrades. 

Young Construction

9 Ashley Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Young Construction is an award-winning commercial contractor in Santa Barbara led by brothers David and Bob Young. The team has been serving clients with high-quality projects for more than 36 years. Its team of LEED Accredited and licensed builders creates solution-centered and cost-efficient projects. Its exceptional work has been featured in several magazines including Architectural Digest, Luxe, California Homes, and Sunset Magazine.    

Young Construction’s portfolio is divided into residential and commercial projects. The firm has been recognized with Commercial Property Awards, Gold Nugget Grand Awards, and Best Builder of the Year awards. This ALG major remodel is a good example of what the firm is capable of. The team transformed the space from an athletic club to a functional and modern corporate office center. 

Oltmans Construction

270 Conejo Ridge Avenue, Suite #210, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 

Oltmans Construction is one of Santa Barbara’s longest-serving contractors: it offers specialized sustainable, concrete, and tilt-up construction. Founder J.O. Oltmans built the firm’s processes over 80 years ago, and the firm continues to be guided by his vision today. The firm now runs under the leadership of Chairman Emeritus Joseph O. Oltmans II. Its impeccable work has been recognized by the 2021 CRE Awards and the 2020 Concrete Tilt-up Achievement Awards. The firm has also been featured in LA Business Journal, Solar Builder Magazine, and ENR. 

Oltmans Construction’s portfolio is an impressive collection of meticulous work. A perfect illustration of this is the Bloomfield Medical Office Building in Santa Fe Springs. Oltmans Construction worked in collaboration with the owner PIH Health, Inc. and architect Burghard Design Group – Architects, Inc. to complete the medical facility. It features three stories and 35,000 square feet of cutting-edge medical facilities. The ground floor of the steel building is clad in granite; the second and third floors are clad in prefinished metal panels and ribbon windows.