Last updated on July 16th, 2024 at 07:26 am

Oakland, California is a bustling city well known for its strong local community. While it may be neighbors to the infamous San Francisco, west coasters will remind you that Oakland is not a destination to be ignored. It is one of the most important places for business in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the area continues to grow, people from nearby cities are flocking to Oakland for the smaller city feel and ability to get involved in up and coming business endeavors. 

This article lists eight of the best office builders in Oakland, California. These impressive firms were evaluated based on their strong portfolios, long history of happy clients, and awards and recognition. Any of these builders would be a great choice for both new and old Oakland residents looking to revamp their offices. 


Pankow Builders

1111 Broadway Ste 200, Oakland, CA 94607

Pankow Builders has been in the industry since 1963, serving California as a design-build firm. With over 60 years of expertise, the firm remains committed to delivering exceptional projects and extensive services. All projects begin with a strong foundation of communication and collaboration amongst clients and builders to gain a clear understanding of clients’ visions. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, the firm’s integrated and hands-on approach allows it to deliver high-quality projects that reflect client needs. Its team of experts utilizes creative techniques and cost-efficient solutions to offer more options and add value to each project. The firm focuses on building solid relationships with its clients, stakeholders, and trade partners to ensure smooth, seamless project delivery and an enjoyable process. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Center Twenty-One complex, which features 675,000 square feet of Class A office space. The old tower and the new building are connected by a stunning ten-story atrium that lets in light from the sky, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The firm focuses on delivering environment-friendly techniques and sustainable practices to save resources and cut down on running costs.


Plant Construction

300 Newhall St, San Francisco, CA 94124

Since its establishment in 1947, Plant Construction has helped clients across California with their unique construction needs. With over 70 years in the industry, the firm continues to prioritize the safety and health of its workers, subcontractors, and the public. As a result, it has shaped its processes to ensure worker safety and a seamless project delivery. The firm focuses on the preconstruction phase, taking the time to understand each client’s vision and turn it into a reality. Its impressive portfolio is a testament to this, featuring many high-quality projects delivered on schedule and within budget. Whether a simple tenant improvement project or a full-scale new construction, the firm’s personalized and collaborative approach ensures successful results that offer the best value possible. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Kaiser Center, a high-rise business office and retail building with three basement levels and 28 floors. The building is part of a 7.2-acre city block with a 1,405-space parking garage, a rooftop garden, and a 128,872-square-foot building called “The Mall.” The project’s scope included base building work, landlord’s work, tenant improvement work, and seismic work.


DPR Construction

945 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111

DPR exists to “build great things.” Operating in Sacramento since 1990, DPR is a self-performing contractor focused on highly complex and technical projects. The firm’s core markets include advanced technology, commercial, healthcare, higher education, and life sciences. From small tenant improvements to large-scale multi-million-dollar complexes; DPR focuses on fulfilling customer needs and providing the highest possible value.

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Emery Station East in Emeryville, California. The four-level building has 235,000 square feet of speculative lab and office space. Some amenities include a cafe, meeting rooms, a fitness center, and retail spaces. The building is on top of a 170,000-square-foot parking garage with two stories.


McGuire and Hester

9009 Railroad Ave, Oakland, CA 94603

McGuire and Hester is a general construction firm focusing on communication, collaboration, and solid relationships. Since its creation in 1926, the firm has remained committed to helping clients achieve their goals and needs for the space. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, its integrated, personalized, and hands-on approach allows it to work closely with its clients and understand their ideas and vision. Its expert designers and builders offer high-quality craftsmanship, creative and cost-efficient techniques, and the best materials and technologies. Its one-stop-shop solution allows it to handle every part of the project from start to finish. From pre construction planning, adding value at coordination/design meetings, constructability reviews, site logistics, planning to pull scheduling, and continuous budgeting, the firm guides its clients throughout the process. It helps them make sound decisions for their projects.

This featured project perfectly exemplifies the firm’s quality and professionalism. Park Point is a group of three office buildings in Milpitas, located in the middle of the 237 route. A new park and recreation area will meet the people who live at Park Point with new landscaping, furniture, and fun things to do. 


Swenson Builders

777 N 1st St 5th F, San Jose, CA 95112

Swenson Builders has been delivering exceptional projects in California for over 43 years. Since its inception in 1980, the firm has offered years of experience and expertise, leading to an impressive portfolio that features creative design, quality improvements, and efficient building practices. It has earned a solid track record of satisfied clients who testify to the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. The firm’s single-source solution allows it to meticulously handle every part of the project from start to finish, whether it is a ground-up construction or a large-scale repair. Its highly skilled and qualified team remains committed to delivering experience, integrity, and professionalism in every project it undertakes. The firm focuses on communication and collaboration with its clients to determine what services they need, such as finance, in-house architecture and design, leasing, ownership, and management. 

Over the years, the firm has gained massive recognition through several awards and features. One of the firm’s notable projects are these two “class A” office buildings totaling 162,600 square feet, which are part of the Seaport Plaza project. The firm built this project from scratch on top of a 65,000-square-foot lot.


Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company

275 Battery St Ste 300, San Francisco, CA 94111

With an impressive 112 years in the industry, Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company has completed countless high-quality projects in California and the neighboring areas. Since its establishment in 1911, the firm has consistently grown and expanded its services to meet each client’s needs and goals for the space. It has continuously strived for learning and improvement by combining its years of knowledge with the newest tools and methods. The firm’s expert designers and builders are committed to delivering successful results that reflect their needs, exceed expectations, and offer the best value possible. As a result, the firm has earned a long list of satisfied clients who testify to its quality and professionalism. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is Santa Clara Square, which features office spaces with a smart set of on-site services that promote a conducive working environment for employees. This ultimate lifestyle community offers a lot of things to do and explore, with its proximity to many restaurants, shops, and luxury apartments.


Clark Pacific

40600 County Rd 18C, Woodland, CA 95776

Clark Pacific has been at the forefront of the building industry for the past 60 years, developing new ideas and flexible solutions to help clients with their construction needs. Since its inception in 1963, the firm has developed an impressive portfolio and  solid track record of satisfied clients, serving as a testament to its quality and professionalism. The firm has a team of skilled and hardworking engineers and plant and field workers who work hard to deliver exceptional results that offer the best value for its client’s hard-earned investments. Its integrated, personalized, and hands-on approach allows it to work closely with each client and meticulously manage each project. As a result, the firm has earned its well-deserved reputation as a reliable and trustworthy contractor serving California. 

The Elihu M. Harris State Office Building is one of the firm’s most notable projects. Its urban style is the finishing touch on a government center with new offices for running the city. The 22-story tower rises from two-sized bases to fit in with nearby buildings. Deeply set windows surrounded by concrete pillars show the area’s architectural style. The bottom of the building is made of dark stone, and the tops of the columns are made of granite. 


Ironwood Commercial Builders

3953 Industrial Way Ste E, Concord, CA 94520

Ironwood Commercial Builder has been a well-known general builder and specialty contractor since its creation in 2006. Over the years, the firm has remained committed to delivering high-quality projects that guarantee satisfaction and exceed expectations. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, the firm offers the capabilities of a big company while maintaining a personalized and hands-on approach of a small one. Its one-stop solution allows it to handle every part of the project and ensure it is delivered on schedule and within budget. The firm’s hardworking team pays close attention to every project detail to ensure successful results and the best value for its client’s hard-earned investment. Regarding high-quality general contracting services, the Ironwood team has decades of experience with everything from paving maintenance to high-profile military barrack restoration, office updates, design-build business tenant improvements, and building from the ground up.

Ironwood Commercial Builders was the main subcontractor for building this three-level office building from the ground up. The project’s scope included fireproofing, frame, drywall, acoustic ceilings, insulations, and TVM foil. 

Author

  • Blaine Comeione

    Blaine has served as Editor at General Contractors Magazine for six years, drawing from over ten years of experience in construction and real estate. His comprehensive understanding spans commercial construction, architecture, and home builds, cultivated through diverse roles in the industry. With four years at BuildZoom and a background as a licensed real estate agent, Blaine possesses a unique perspective that enriches his editorial work. His dedication to delivering informative content is underscored by his extensive tenure in the field, ensuring that readers receive valuable insights into the dynamic world of construction and home design. Expertise: Commercial Construction, Commercial Remodeling, Home Design and Build Key Highlights: Over 6 years of experience writing and editing in the construction space, Editor at General Contractors Magazine, Previous experience at BuildZoom and Keller Williams Realty Education: Ohio University, Bachelor of Science in Human and Consumer Science - Minor in Business, 120+ Hours of New Jersey Real Estate Education, 120+ Hours of Arizona Real Estate Education