From the initial consultation, Joseph's unique background as an architect, artist, and general contractor provided invaluable. Within minutes of his arrival, Joseph provided a plan for a kitchen addition that was far superior to any of the ideas I had brainstormed for over a year or the other proposals I had received. Throughout the project, Joseph provided unparalleled communication and collaboration. Due to his experience in design and construction, he was able to efficiently adapt the plans and design to changing requirements. Furthermore, because of his illustrious background in art, he included truly stunning creative and unique elements that made me feel that he cared for my project and home. The final result far exceeded any of my expectations. I am so grateful that Joseph worked his magic on my home, and I wholeheartedly recommend Joseph and Duende Design and Construction for any and every home remodel. read more

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We've used Joseph and Duende for many remodeling projects, the most recent being our backyard patio/deck. We really wanted a space to hang out outdoors that included a hot tub and hangout area with shading, but didn't just want it to look like every other pergola/gazebo. So Joseph came up with a great design that was modern and original. We worked with him to tweak the design to meet all our needs, and he coordinated with the Hot Tub company to ensure a perfect install right next to the deck. The whole space has retractable roman shades that are great for when it's sunny out, and we can watch the TV while sitting on the deck or while in the hot tub due to the floating wall it was installed on. Now we have a great outdoor entertaining and hangout space that we use all the time. read more

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We used Duende design for our backyard remodel, front trellis design and sun sail install. For our back yard we did a ground level deck install with bench seating and planters. I wish I had Before pictures because the transformation was really impressive. We got an outdoor pool table for the area (photos are with table top cover on) and I am pleased to say that when they delivered the pool table they commented on how level the deck was. Joseph helped us with the design while still incorporating our ideas and vision. I had met with other contractors who either had a completely different vision from us or were not willing or able to elaborate on our vision with ideas of there own. I think the pictures speak more than any words I can type with regards to the quality and craftsmanship of the work and effort that Joseph and his team put towards making our backyard remodel a success. read more

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After several recommendations from coworkers we hired Joseph to help us figure out how to open up the kitchen in our 1920's flipped craftsman house. We thought we had one or two good options before our initial meeting but Joseph's keen design eye and experience led us down a slightly different path. After getting his input we decided to do an arched opening to the dining room (matching the other arches in the house), replace the counter tops and relocate some of the upper cabinets to make a bar. All of the work needed to be done in 2-3 weeks time because our existing place was in the process of being sold. His crew began work right after we signed the agreement. We were impressed how professional, efficient, and clean they were throughout the process. His crew communicated with us almost on a daily basis and they were very respectful not to damage our existing floors, cabinets, walls. We ran into a snag part way through in that our countertop slabs were mismatched... but Joseph rectified that situation for us. In the end our kitchen was finished before we had to move in the house and the results were spectacular! Everyone who comes over loves the openness and the light that now carries throughout the house. Kudos to Duende!! I would highly recommend them in the future!! read more

Part of what makes something as challenging as a remodel successful is planning and communication. On top of that is the artistic vision which comes with experience and the artistic side is a natural gift. Joseph and team have all the key elements to make your project real, your dream. Kid you not, these guys are fantastic, trust worthy and amiable. Bottom line they care as much as you, if not more than you do about the goals in your mind. They will help see it though. I'm very impressed with the dedication to getting the job done. Go ahead, challenge them, they will make it happen. read more

J A Henseler - The new master bath! Long story and beautiful! - General Contractors Near Me - San Diego, California

Duende design is the best of the best, highly recommended, and very knowledgeable. Quick response and awesome customer service.!

Joseph Hensler is a multi-talented designer and architect. His ideas are innovative and stimulating. He designed, and installed, beautiful stained glass windows for my house in La Jolla. The idea was to compliment my color scheme and to help block the strong sun light. The windows were disgned freehand and are stunningly beautiful. They flow and change with each element of light. Thank you, Joseph for this elegant and unique addition to my home. Mary Rayes read more

Joseph and his team have provide great quality with a good price and appropriate sense for reliability and Eco mindedness all with an artistic touch. From small jobs to big, they've always come through in a timely manner, and most importantly walked us through every step in the process ensuring that our expectations were met and any anomalies were well thought through and orated to us appropriately like any good client/contractor team should. He was even there to help clean up a few mess from earlier underperforming contractors. read more

Joseph and his crew were excellent to work with! My husband and I did an addition to our home and everything went very smooth. They were great at communicating, making recommendations, and unlike may contractors they finished ahead of schedule!! The quote we received at the beginning of the project did not change, therefore we did not have any unexpected expenses. The quality of the work was exceptional and we are very happy with the end result. I would definitely recommend Duende!! read more

Creative, insightfull, very professional yet practical architectural design and construction firm. Joseph and his team were worth the wait. Remodeling a condo while occupied takes special planning and flexibility. The workmanship is superb and the finished unit a beautiful work of art. Highly recommended... No one does this better. Everyone is very satisfied and pleasantly reminded of a great experience every day, just living in this wonderful modernized space. read more

We just finished the remodel of my kitchen and it's beautiful! Joseph and his crew were all professional and meticulous, and everything was done on time and within budget. I bought a very out-dated condo in January, and the kitchen was a nightmare of mold, darkness, and embossed wallpaper (even on the ceiling - I'm not kidding). I've never done a remodel before and was anxious because I didn't know exactly what I wanted (except that I wanted the mold, darkness and embossed wallpaper to go away). The great thing about working with Joseph was that he helped me figure it out - the whole process was very collaborative. He is really thoughtful and helpful when decisions and choices have to be made (especially the expensive ones), and he is very organized. That helped me feel calm and relaxed all the way through this project. Oh ya - plus he's like this stained glass artist and he tricked out the kitchen's four pendant lights with stained glass! What could have been stressful ended up being fun and I got exactly what I wanted. Yay kitchen remodel! read more

We used Joseph and his team to make substantial changes to our home that I just would not entrust to any run of the mill contractor. We needed to add a full bedroom and bathroom to the ground floor without making radical changes to the layout and account for the needs of elderly parents that would be living in with us. Joseph is a hands on kind of person, took on a lot of the workload when needed. He is detail oriented, meticulous and timely. We got all the work done on schedule and to our satisfaction. He is a great person and easy to work with. We had some odds and ends to take care of as well, that he very politely took care off as well. I will be using him again moving forward. I wish I could post photos, but the home looks like it was intended as such by the original builders. Good job! read more

I could not have chosen a better partner than Joseph and his team in helping me through the process of construction. From setting a realistic budget and timeline, to his seemingly never ending patience, he and his team produced a finished product of exceptional quality that I am happy to call home. Joseph and team delivered on all their commitments. Full stop. Flexibility in adjusting to changing plans was paramount to this project and his team were champs in this regard all around. I am unable to commiserate with friends who have struggled with absentee contractors/subs or who complain about a difficult permit process. Communication was continuous and always productive. With excellent guidance, planning, and coordination with the city, he and his team ensured that submissions were completed as planned, resulting in approvals achieved with no hassles (including an application that needed to go through the San Diego Historical Society). "Unanticipated" events were almost non-existent demonstrating a wealth of experience and knowledge about how to renovate old homes. Joseph added more than a "hammer and nails", with an artistic and creative eye, such that even the doorsare as much works of art as functional. But just as important, Joseph's non-pressure suggestions for additions to improve the planned design were in balance with suggestions on opportunities to reclaim and save. This was reflected in no change orders to the original scoped work (except where I requested those extras you only think about once the walls are down and you realize the opportunity to change things is now :)). Building a home is a team effort, and Joseph was equally collaborative with other professionals who contributed to putting together my home. I have been fortunate to have had good contractors with every remodel I've attempted, and have learned that being able to trust your contractor (that they have your best interests in mind) is paramount over any fancy portfolio they can produce. This experience was exceptional on all accounts, and I can not imagine having done my first full house renovation with anyone else. read more

With Duende Design + Construction, you are not just getting a builder, but a builder with a designer's eye. Joseph has a background in architecture, so he brings more to the job than the ability to get the project built. He worked with us to realize the full design vision within our project budget. We were very pleased with the workmanship and quality of the delivered product! read more

I found Joseph through Yelp & very happy I trusted the other reviews. My home was built in 1950 and needed lots of remodeling. I wanted Duende to remodel my kitchen & make an "enclosed patio" room my master bedroom/bathroom. We tore down walls, redid plumbing & electricity, replaced floors, etc. There was a lot to do. Time, money & quality is usually what's most important. I feel I got the project done within my time line, spent what I expected to spend & received a quality remodel. Through the remodel, I was 6 months prego, therefore, they really had a deadline of completing the work within 3 months. I needed a finished home to come home to. PROS -Jebb: Best electrician ever! The most enjoyable, low-maintenance guy. He is very detailed, experienced and respectful. He walked through the house to understand exactly what I wanted, made recommendations on what is normal, what the city will approve and little tips along the way. I ended up redoing my entire house, and will never want to use anyone else but him for future projects. -Responsiveness: No matter what the call or email was about, Joseph responded to me so quickly. I panicked, complained, and needed answers throughout the project and Joseph was impressively great about communicating with me. That is a great representation of his character and the company. He wanted me happy and did what it took to make things right. No matter what the topic was, he handled me very well and always managed to get done what needed to get done. -Project Plans/City Inspections: Duende prepared plans for me and a big reason I was comfortable with Joseph from the beginning is that he has worked with the city and submitting plans for approvals. I knew my remodeling needed city approvals and Joseph knew exactly what the city would be looking for. I've heard horror stories of the city coming to approve your project and they come after you for other portions of your home. We got great approvers and didn't have this problem. Every inspection was smooth as can be. -Jack: Amazing tiler. Jack takes pride in his work and it shows. He is very detailed and thorough and treats your home like his own. I was very impressed at the work he did and will want to always use him on any tiling/stone job I have. He is dedicated to what he does, he comes early and leaves late. His work may take time but he does exactly what you want and right the first time. -John (Home Depot): I did Home Depot cabinets for my kitchen. When I went to Home Depot, I started to work with John. Another one that really takes pride in his work and treats your project like it's his own home. He went above and beyond what he needed to do and it really paid off and helped in the end. Cabinets look gorgeous, exactly what I wanted. Joseph's team installed everything and went very smooth. One thing that I thought was helpful from home depot is the design. They layout everything through a computer program and really helps you visualize your project. -Flooring through McQuaid: Joseph recommended using Lumber Liquidators, which is who I wanted to use also. Through them we found McQuaid. What nice guys. They really know their stuff and go above and beyond for customers to make you feel like they want your business. My problem was time. I had limited selection because I needed material within one to two weeks. So I ended up with flooring that I'm not 100% in love with. The installation went so smooth, very quick and brought in a team of guys. Took about 2-3 days total for a 1500 sq foot home. Beautiful work and very clean, respectful workers. When I moved in, I noticed a few, more than usual, squeaky areas. My house is old, so i knew it could have been my foundation or old flooring, but asked McQuaid to come back out. The owner (father) came out to see the areas I was referring to and sent his team back out to take a look and fix it at no cost. I was very happy with that level of support. They did what they could to fix the squeaking, but unfortunately, we think it is the foundation. I was at least happy they came to try and fix the problem. I would certainly use them again. They are very responsive and treat you like family. -Clean Up: Joseph's guys are very clean and I was happy to know that when I came by the house, it didn't look like a mess. My house is on a corner lot and I didn't want my neighbors to be annoyed by all the mess. They always cleaned up, made piles and I appreciated that. CONS -Project Management: Due to my timeline being 3 months, one of the biggest challenges was knowing who will be at the house and when, to do what. Project went slow at first and by then end we were overlapping guys coming in. Not the norm. -Material Availability: Really wanted to have material on site way in advance but it was hard to know measurements and quantities. Therefore I was limited options due to delay. Did a lot of online shopping for cost. -Plan for the unexpected: Ended up redoing plumbing and electric read more

Our experience with Duende was great! Joseph was very easy to talk to and work with. He is a great listener and performed on our every request. I especially liked that he worked with me on the design of the kitchen. We did not hire an interior designer however Joseph was very patient and willing to work with me on the layout and design all the way though the process. Our kitchen turned out better than we ever expected! Joseph custom build a huge sliding chalkboard door for us that covers the pantry, which is a very cool and unique element that we love! We could not have done this with without Joseph and his team. All of his workers were very kind and respectful and a joy to be around. They all made the process of remodeling our kitchen as painless as possible and even helped baby proof the work area for our 1 1/2 year old. I would absolutely hire this company again for our next remodel. read more