The Art of Collaboration: How Lane McNab Interiors Partners with Elite Bay Area Builders and Architects
One truth has guided me through both my opera career and my work as a Berkeley interior designer: the most beautiful performances, whether on stage or remodeling a San Francisco Victorian, are never solo acts. Just as opera requires a symphony of talented professionals working in harmony, creating exceptional luxury interiors in the Bay Area demands a carefully curated team of high-end builders, architects and craftspeople who understand both the region's unique architectural heritage and our clients' sophisticated expectations.
My background in construction management, combined with years of working on complex Bay Area luxury home renovations — from Berkeley Craftsman restorations to Palo Alto Spanish revivals —has taught me that the difference between a good renovation and an extraordinary transformation often comes down to one thing: the quality of your collaborative partners.
The Qualities I Prioritize in Collaborative Partners
When vetting potential partners, I have several non-negotiables that stem from my construction background and my commitment to delivering exceptional results. First and foremost, I look for craftspeople who understand that details matter. Whether it's the way they install a custom niche or approach millwork fabrication, I need partners who share my belief that every element — no matter how small — contributes to the overall composition of a space.
Quality of communication ranks equally high on my list. In luxury projects, we're often working with complex timelines, custom elements, and clients who have high expectations. I need builders and architects who can clearly articulate challenges, proactively propose solutions, and maintain open lines of communication throughout the process. The best partnerships I've formed are with professionals who view problem-solving as a collaborative opportunity rather than a roadblock.
Ultimately, I seek partners who understand the unique demands of the Bay Area market. From navigating Oakland's complex permitting process to respecting the architectural integrity of a Berkeley Craftsman home, local expertise isn't just helpful it's essential. The professionals I work with regularly understand that we're not just creating beautiful spaces; we're serving as stewards of the Bay Area's rich architectural heritage.
Jetton Construction crew installing a metal seam roof on the Oakland Hills home build.
Our Trusted Network: Builders Who Elevate Every Project
Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with several exceptional builders who consistently deliver the level of craftsmanship our clients deserve. Jetton Construction stands out for their meticulous attention to detail, particularly when it comes to complex custom millwork. Whether we’re restoring historic elements or designing new architectural features, I know I can count on their team to bring even the most challenging concepts to life.
My longest-standing relationship is with PCH Construction, and working together multiple times has dramatically improved our project outcomes. Over time, we’ve developed a shorthand for communicating complex details, and they intuitively understand the level of precision our work demands. That kind of rapport can’t be rushed, and it consistently elevates the outcome.
PCH Construction, MurphyMcKenna, McCutcheon and Alward Construction each bring distinct strengths, but they share one thing in common: a commitment to precision and craftsmanship. These teams understand that luxury isn’t about speed: it’s about care, detail, and enduring quality. These teams work with the same level of care and precision we bring to our designs. They understand that when someone invests in a luxury renovation, they're not just buying materials and labor—they're investing in craftsmanship that will stand the test of time.
The Palo Alto Craftsman project showcases Haller Architecture’s thoughtful design, featuring reclaimed white oak beams sourced from 19th-century American structures.
Architectural Synergy: Creating Cohesive Visions
The architects I collaborate with —Rugg Wallis, Haller Architecture, and Debbas Architecture — share my deep respect for the Bay Area's architectural heritage while embracing thoughtful innovation. What makes these partnerships particularly effective is how our design sensibilities complement each other.
In our Palo Alto Craftsman renovation, Haller Architecture's vision for integrating reclaimed white oak beams sourced from American structures built in the early 1800s, aligned seamlessly with Peninsula Custom Homes' ability to execute the complex installation. The result feels like those beams have supported that kitchen ceiling for over a century, when in reality, they were carefully sourced and installed to honor the home's craftsman heritage while creating a modern family gathering space.
Collaborations like this go far beyond coordination. The best results happen when we're all working toward the same goal: creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional while respecting the home's original character. The results speak for themselves.
Historic Oakland Refresh project featuring original woodwork and updated finishes.
Problem-Solving Through Partnership
Challenges are inevitable in any renovation, but with the right team, they often become the turning points that elevate a project. In our Historic Oakland Refresh the homeowners felt the richly detailed woodwork — though stunning — had begun to feel heavy and dark. Rather than compromise the home’s architectural integrity, our architect proposed a subtle intervention, our craftspeople executed delicate millwork refinements, and together we arrived at a solution: wrapping the frieze in a textured grasscloth wallpaper. The result honored the home’s character while softening the room's feel and resolving a persistent lighting issue.
Similarly, in the Palo Alto Craftsman renovation project, permitting complexities arose that required careful navigation through city requirements. Our contractor worked diligently with the team to ensure we found a path forward that satisfied all stakeholders. What could have become a major setback was resolved through persistent collaboration and expertise, thanks to the trust and synergy we've built with our longtime partners.
These moments are a reminder: great design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s the result of strong relationships, open communication, and a shared commitment to both beauty and integrity.
Advocating for the Vision—Together
The most successful collaborations happen when every partner — designer, builder, and architect remains focused on a single shared goal: delivering a final result that matches or exceeds the original vision. That vision is often the product of months of creativity, planning and refinement between our studio and the client. When we’re all aligned in service of that, decisions aren’t made in silos.
That’s why we only work with builders and architects who respect that process and want to protect it alongside us. The professionals we collaborate with don’t treat design as an obstacle or something to work around. They understand that the designer’s role is to advocate for the vision we’ve created with the client, and they respect that advocacy rather than bypassing it for speed or convenience.
There’s no ego, no blame-shifting, and no shortcuts. Just mutual respect, clear communication, and a deep commitment to delivering something exceptional. That level of integrity, experience, and project management is non-negotiable. It’s what makes the difference between a project that’s simply completed and one that’s truly complete.
A view of the Claremont Hills Modern Craftsman project designed by Debbas Architecture. The image highlights the home's harmonious blend of modern lines and Craftsman details, showcasing natural materials and refined architectural balance.
The Client Benefit: Peace of Mind Through Proven Relationships
For our clients, working with our established network of partners provides invaluable peace of mind. They know that everyone on their project team has been thoroughly vetted and has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. More importantly, our clients benefit from the efficiency and communication that comes from teams that have worked together before.
When potential clients ask me what sets Lane McNab Interiors apart, I often point to our partnerships. We bring sophisticated design sensibilities and a deep knowledge of historical architecture, but what truly elevates our work is our ability to coordinate expert teams who execute our shared vision seamlessly.
Looking Forward: The Future of Collaborative Design
As the Bay Area design landscape evolves, the values I look for in partners remain the same: exceptional craftsmanship, clear communication, and a shared vision for creating spaces that stand the test of time. Whether restoring a Spanish Revival or reimagining a mid-century modern, every successful project begins with a team that treats design as a collaborative art.
I’m grateful to work alongside professionals who elevate every project and excited to keep building homes, and partnerships, that reflect the best of what we do.
