Lake Forest is renowned for its beautiful outdoor living, with parks, lakes, and recreational areas that attract visitors from far and wide. Embracing this appreciation for nature, local businesses strive to incorporate patios, roof decks, lounges, and window views into commercial environments, highlighting the balance between productivity and relaxation.

The best commercial contractors in the area provide custom services that highlight this emphasis on wellbeing, and our editors have curated this list with consideration of the firms’ experience, accolades, and portfolio.

Bayley Construction

8005 SE 28th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040 

Bayley Construction was founded in 1963, and Ron Bayley and Steve Grasso currently lead this expert team of over 180 people. Many of the employees have been with the firm for over 20 years, and they maintain a dedication to quality that has cemented the company’s reputation for long-range customer satisfaction. In addition to commercial clients, the firm has completed projects for the industrial, life sciences, and technology sectors, earning the company accolades such as 2020 Retail Development of the Year and a feature in the Puget Sound Business Journal. Pictured below is the firm’s exceptional project for the Lake Forest Sports Park. The facility houses numerous amenities for recreational activities while also providing a scenic connection to its surroundings. The team’s work also extends well beyond California, with services available in both Washington and Arizona. 

Smith and Severson Builders

21072 Bake Pkwy., Suite 106, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Smith and Severson’s dedication to the community is evident in its notable efforts for the UC Irvine Oncology Center. The project involved over 9,000 square feet of finished floorplan, including 797 design-build rooms for chemotherapy, OSHPD III mechanical systems, plumbing, and electrical units, and LED lighting, and is only one of the many complex facilities the company has successfully led under the guidance of principal David Smith. Tailoring commercial projects to the exact needs of its clientele has earned the team Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) recognition, and in 2017, the Orange County Business Journal ranked Smith and Severenson as one of the region’s fastest-growing private companies. Notable clients include the Crowne Plaza, Viola University, IKEA, and Verifi.

DBaC, Inc.

101 Shipyard Way, Suite A, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Since its inception in 1991, DBaC, Inc., has specialized in creating buildings ready for present but geared for the future. The firm is led by John M. Curci, who has a degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and brings exceptional depth in the medical, office, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. For the Bixby Land Company, featured below, the firm worked alongside subcontractors to deliver a creative, modern office floorplan with cost-effective features and sustainable processes. Amenities such as a lounge area and roof deck also abound, bringing employee comfort and productivity to the forefront. Other notable DBaC customers include the Enthusiasts Network, which handles brands such as Automobile, Motor Trend, and Surfer, and the company provides services to clients across Orange County.

Esplanade Builders

23820 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90505

As president of Esplanade Builders, Christian Sorenson has over two decades of experience in leading projects such as tenant improvements, build-outs, remodels, and facility renovations. During the firm’s 18 years in business, Esplanade has accumulated a premier client list that includes s FedEx,  Far Out Toys, and Farmers Insurance. Pictured below is the company’s exceptional work for the Thomas James Financial office. The floorplan consists of an extremely open-concept office space, with modern lighting and furniture and a large break room that includes a kitchen and a dining area. The firm completed this project in 2019, with Tim Imber and Michael Petrich as the project’s leaders.

Platinum X Construction

15791 Rockfield Blvd., Suite C, Irvine, CA 92618

Platinum X Construction has been in business for nearly two decades. Under the leadership of president Jake Finch, the company oversees projects that range from retail, commercial spaces, and restaurants to healthcare and fitness centers. Notable clients pepper the portfolio, including franchises like Jamba Juice, Luna Grill, Burger Boss, and Pita Pita. Pictured below is the team’s work for Ono Poke. The color schemes of white, black, and red provide a classic modern interior that complements Ono Poke’s branding. In addition, small dining chairs and tables offer more floor space for customers and utilize the footprint effectively. 

Williams Construction Services

23682 Birtcher Dr., Lake Forest, CA 92630 

Patrick Williams founded William Construction Services in 1991, and the company has gone on to manage an array of projects for property-management specialists, medical offices, retail spaces, and building owners. The firm’s clients include JMAC Lending, Swim Spot, MeridianLink, and Myodetox. Featured below is the firm’s impressive effort for Orange Theory Fitness. The building’s exterior has striking appeal that emphasizes the color schemes and complements the brand’s image. On the inside, those same color schemes add modern accents to the lighting, equipment, and walls. The center is a prime example of the team’s successful blending of custom design and modern functionality.