From Historic Renovations to Modern Icons.
From the very beginning, we have focused on bringing our very best to build the very best...in our work, teams, relationships and construction. As an employee-owned business, only the best in design, function, craftsmanship and sustainability will do.
The company’s genesis sparked when one Dan hired another Dan for a single-day job—cutting in a skylight. That job turned into three, which then turned into something far longer-lasting. The two Dans began collaborating on remodels in San Francisco’s Noe Valley, with each bringing different instincts, energy and styles to the table.
MatPel Builders officially formed in 1986, and the Dans took on their first transformative renovation. A condemned home in Noe Valley became the proving ground for their craftsmanship and problem-solving. They lifted the structure off its failing foundation and reimagined it from the ground up. The result was a statement: MatPel was building its future.
Project by project, the company’s reputation grew. One second-story addition became a gateway to more ambitious, design-driven work. From Noe Valley to Pacific Heights, we earned acclaim restoring historic San Francisco homes, Victorians and Edwardians filled with character and complexity. Word-of-mouth and returning clients brought steady growth.
A union-trained carpenter with deep technical roots, Kirk brought leadership and consistency to our team. He mentored younger builders, upheld quality across job sites and helped scale delivery during critical years. His steady presence became a core thread in MatPel’s craft culture, and was felt in every detail.
A pivotal project on the NorCal coast marked our entrance into new construction. At the same time, we had a chance meeting with two modernist architects whose bold style aligned with our rising capabilities. That led to a kitchen remodel, which made the cover of a major design publication, and initiated a lasting shift toward contemporary architecture.
As an early adopter to Modernism, our ability to build with precision, clarity and restraint attracted a growing list of forward-thinking architects. Our first projects challenged us technically, and refined us professionally. Our work stood out not for scale, but for execution. MatPel was now respected among builders and designers alike.
As projects grew, so did the need for infrastructure. A key hire helped the company implement formal bidding systems, digital layouts and financial oversight. Around this time, MatPel purchased its first commercial building, and transformed it into a hybrid cabinet shop and office. It was more than workspace. It was a signal: this company was here to stay.
Modern projects became the norm during this time period, not the exception. Ground-ups increased. Architect referrals multiplied. MatPel was recognized as one of the only residential builders that could deliver precision at scale. We weren’t flashy. We weren’t loud. We just showed up, built beautifully and kept raising the bar.
The early 2000s brought an influx of clients from the emerging tech world. Designs got bolder, and expectations sharper. When the market turned, MatPel kept its footing by tightening operations, protecting its team and staying close to its architectural roots.
By the mid-2000s, MatPel was working with a new wave of design-literate, detail-obsessed homeowners across the Bay Area. Projects pushed the limits of what was possible in custom residential work. The company scaled its teams accordingly, growing steadily while refusing to sacrifice its standards.
While much of the industry faltered, MatPel held its ground. Strategic decisions, longstanding relationships and an internal culture of trust helped carry the company. We emerged leaner, smarter and more focused than ever before.
From 2010 to 2020, MatPel solidified its reputation as one of the region’s premier builders of modern residential architecture. Revenue multiplied. Projects became more complex. But the company’s foundation—craftsmanship, humility, relationships—never wavered. Operations matured. Systems tightened. And, our work remained exceptional.
A respected MatPel superintendent returned to his hometown of Jackson Hole, and quickly realized there was demand for modern building. And, that few local builders could deliver such at MatPel’s level. With full trust in his leadership and deep ties to the community, we launched our first satellite office. Wyoming has since become a thriving extension of our business.
In 2023, MatPel became a 100% employee-owned company. The Dans believed in creating a legacy plan that exemplified the value the team had built together. Now, every employee is an owner. Every employee has a stake in our success. Our future is shared.
MatPel operates across California and Wyoming, with more growth on the horizon. Over 100 employee-owners work together to deliver some of the most technically demanding homes in the region. Our projects are marked by clean execution, collaborative energy and lasting beauty.
MatPel Builders steps into the future with a refined branding suite that includes a new naming convention, logo, brand positioning and website. These represent more than just updates, but a purposeful and consolidated effort to propel our brand and business forward.
