Adobe Associates

Business Details

44 Years

experience

Civil Engineering and Land Surveying Experts in Santa Rosa

Since 1982, Adobe Associates has been a trusted partner for clients seeking to maximize the value of their projects through expert civil engineering, land surveying, and land planning services. As a family-owned business built on honesty and integrity, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver practical, accurate design solutions. Our team specializes in navigating complex regulatory processes, ensuring projects move forward efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

With deep roots in the North Bay community, we prioritize long-term relationships with clients, local agencies, and consultants, many of which have endured since our founding. Our commitment to education and transparency empowers clients to make informed decisions, while our focus on sustainable practices reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship and community impact.

Services

Civil Engineering Land Surveying Land Planning Permit Processing Wastewater Design Regulatory Compliance Stormwater Management Septic System Design Sustainable Development Construction Review

Details

Year established: 1982

Highlights and features

We offer over 40 years of experience in civil engineering and land surveying.
Our family-owned business prioritizes honesty, integrity, and dependability.
We provide thorough project scope assessments to identify potential challenges.
Our team maintains strong relationships with local agencies for smoother permitting.
We are committed to community impact through sustainable design practices.

What people say

Consistent resource for land survey work Great partner for complex projects Timely and thorough evaluations Expertise in regulatory processes Commitment to community impact

Website

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Services

Civil Engineering

Our civil engineering services focus on maximizing project value through strategic design solutions. We specialize in grading plans, drainage systems, and infrastructure development for residential and commercial clients. With over four decades of experience, we combine technical expertise with proactive problem-solving to address challenges like regulatory compliance and cost efficiency. Our team ensures projects meet local codes while prioritizing sustainability and long-term functionality.

Land Surveying

Adobe Associates provides precise land surveying using advanced technology to support informed decision-making. Our services include boundary determination, topographic mapping, and construction layout. We emphasize understanding client needs to deliver tailored solutions that prevent costly delays. Our surveyors work closely with engineers to ensure data accuracy and project alignment with regulatory requirements.

Wastewater Design

We specialize in wastewater management solutions for residential and commercial properties. Our services include septic system design, perc testing, and compliance with local regulations. Adobe Associates' team has decades of experience in rural land development, ensuring systems meet environmental standards while optimizing land use. We guide clients through permitting and provide sustainable designs for long-term reliability.

Permit Processing

Navigating the permit process is simplified with our expertise in local agency requirements. We handle applications for grading, zoning, and environmental permits, reducing delays and ensuring compliance. Our team maintains strong relationships with jurisdictions across Northern California, streamlining approvals for projects ranging from small developments to large-scale infrastructure.

Land Planning

Our land planning services balance environmental, economic, and regulatory factors to maximize project viability. We create feasibility studies, site designs, and low-impact development strategies tailored to client goals. Adobe Associates emphasizes early-stage assessments to identify opportunities and constraints, ensuring efficient use of land while meeting sustainability objectives and community needs.

People

Paul Brown

Founder

Paul Brown founded Adobe Associates in 1982 as a two-person surveying office. His vision for ethical service and technical excellence laid the foundation for the firm's growth into a full-service civil engineering leader.

Dave Brown

CFO

Dave Brown, co-founder and CFO, has been instrumental in building Adobe Associates' reputation for client relationships and regulatory expertise since 1985. He emphasizes the importance of long-term partnerships in the engineering industry.

Steve Brown

Wastewater Department Lead

Steve Brown directs Adobe Associates' wastewater division, leveraging decades of experience in septic system design and rural land development. His expertise ensures clients receive practical solutions for complex wastewater challenges.

Casey McDonald

Project Manager

Casey McDonald, recipient of the 2023 Future Leader of the Year award, manages projects with a focus on innovative design and client collaboration. Her leadership reflects Adobe Associates' commitment to emerging talent and excellence.

Aaron Smith

Civil Engineer

Aaron Smith specializes in educating clients about civil engineering processes to align project goals with practical solutions. His approach emphasizes transparency and maximizing project value through informed decision-making.

Questions

What services does Adobe Associates offer?

We provide civil engineering, land surveying, land planning, wastewater design, and permit processing services for residential and commercial projects.

When should I engage a civil engineer for my project?

Early involvement is crucial for assessing land suitability, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective design solutions before construction begins.

How does Adobe Associates handle permit processing?

We streamline the permitting process by preparing applications, coordinating with local agencies, and ensuring compliance with zoning and environmental regulations.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties, including cities like Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, and Petaluma.

Do you specialize in sustainable design practices?

Yes, we integrate low-impact development, stormwater management, and green building practices into our projects to promote environmental stewardship.

Reviews (4)

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Michael Last

Dec 17, 2020 Report

Worst company that I have ever dealt with on any level. And this is not just any level this is a very expensive company. From the beginning I was promised a price the end price came in almost double. The work on my property was sloppy and excessive. They came out with a backhoe and dug holes all over my property nowhere near the intended use site left a mess behind each and every hole Greg Schram is the single least professional person I have ever dealt with. Unreturned emails, unreturned phone calls complete lack of communication.

In addition to the price being almost double what I was quoted the job was finished three months after the promised finish time pushing my project back a year and costing me thousands of dollars. My advice to anyone thinking of using Adobe would be to go to Plan B immediately. Additionally if you have the misfortune of hooking up with Greg Schram you're not gonna be happy

Gram W.

Oct 01, 2018 Report

I'd like to say "give these guys a call" but there is no point. I needed a lot survey done and a friend recommended this company to me. I gave them a call and the secretary answered. She said the project manager was on vacation but she would take my info and he would call me back the following Monday. I waited a week or two with no returned call. I then called again and the project manager was in but on the other line so the secretary routed me to his voicemail. I left a message with my name and phone number and explained what I needed done, I think his name was Jeff. Again no call was ever returned.

Mary Lou M.

Jan 17, 2016 Report

I highly recommend this company. We have had the need and opportunity to use their services several times. We were preparing to do some work on our property and had them survey to locate our property lines. We were unable to find the markers ourselves but had an idea of where they should be. They were knowledgeable, professional and friendly. And they got the job done. They have also done the assessment, percolation tests, and survey for a septic system for a neighbor to their satisfaction.

Raymond F.

Oct 14, 2015 Report

James Jensen of Adobe Associates was recommended to us by our contractor for an expert opinion towards a rainwater drainage project at our residence. The interaction and setting up an appointment via Adobe Associates was pleasant. I could not have been more pleased by his knowledgeable assessment and friendly disposition. He clearly knew what he was talking about and explained his recommendations in terms a nonengineer such as myself could easily understand. I would not hesitate to use his services again.