An efficient, creative and team based firm

Communication

Transparency through communication and relationship

We Build Your Dream

We make this process easy and fun


An efficient, creative and team based firm

Communication

Transparency through communication and relationship

We Build Your Dream

We make this process easy and fun

ARCHITECTURE • CONSTRUCTION • MANAGEMENT

The Akeena Group is a collaborative design-build company dedicated to delivering holistic and sustainable building solutions. Based in beautiful Downtown Ventura, we are a woman owned, EDWOSB and 8(a) certified company, licensed as both an Architect and General Contractor in the State of California. Our company was created as a unique model in the design and construction field offering a full-service approach & simplifying the process of design and development for a harmonious manifestation of your project. We provide services that range from consultation & initial project design through completion of construction for governmental, commercial, and residential clients.

OUR WORK

https://theakeenagroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-window-bedroom-2.jpg

https://theakeenagroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-window-bedroom-2.jpg

"I have had a wonderful experience with Laura and her Team at Akeena Group as a builder. They have been very prompt, professional and clear with all questions and direction that I have had through the building process."
Steve
"I have had a wonderful experience with Laura and her Team at Akeena Group as a builder. They have been very prompt, professional and clear with all questions and direction that I have had through the building process."
Steve
Steve
"We had the pleasure of working with Laura on some improvements to our home. Her knowledge and suggestions regarding construction were valuable.I appreciate her design as well as construction expertise. I would highly recommend her to a friend or family member. Very professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with."
Cheryl and Dennis
"We had the pleasure of working with Laura on some improvements to our home. Her knowledge and suggestions regarding construction were valuable.I appreciate her design as well as construction expertise. I would highly recommend her to a friend or family member. Very professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with."
Cheryl and Dennis
Cheryl and Dennis
"Laura Dunbar's design skills resulted in a plan that met our needs and exceeded our expectations.Her attention to detail is meticulous. She employed skilled and reliable specialists to complete the construction and followed up to make sure the job was done on time, within budget, and to our specifications."
Robin
"Laura Dunbar's design skills resulted in a plan that met our needs and exceeded our expectations.Her attention to detail is meticulous. She employed skilled and reliable specialists to complete the construction and followed up to make sure the job was done on time, within budget, and to our specifications."
Robin
Robin
"We sat down to design a floor plan. I say ‘we’ because it was a completely collaborative process. I looked forward to every design session because I felt that Laura was our partner in the project, using her expertise to bring our ideas to reality. We have complete strangers knocking at our door asking who designed our home. We are happy to tell them it was Laura Dunbar."
Brooke
"We sat down to design a floor plan. I say ‘we’ because it was a completely collaborative process. I looked forward to every design session because I felt that Laura was our partner in the project, using her expertise to bring our ideas to reality.We have complete strangers knocking at our door asking who designed our home. We are happy to tell them it was Laura Dunbar."
Brooke
Brooke
“What I appreciate is how responsive Laura is when I’ve had questions about current projects. She explains things well and gives updates throughout the process. I also like that she takes on small as well as large jobs and gives them all the same attention to detail. Laura has always been a pleasure to work with and I am sure we will use her again on future projects ”
Carolyn
“What I appreciate is how responsive Laura is when I’ve had questions about current projects. She explains things well and gives updates throughout the process. I also like that she takes on small as well as large jobs and gives them all the same attention to detail.Laura has always been a pleasure to work with and I am sure we will use her again on future projects”
Carolyn
Carolyn
“Laura is a good listener and has particularly good communication skills resulting in a highly motivated team while providing a positive building experience and ultimately a very high-quality product. She took a proactive approach early in the process when concepts, budget and specification changes can be made easily.”
Stan
“Laura is a good listener and has particularly good communication skills resulting in a highly motivated team while providing a positive building experience and ultimately a very high-quality product.She took a proactive approach early in the process when concepts, budget and specification changes can be made easily.”
Stan
Stan
"We were quickly impressed with Laura and her team and loved the concept of her 'One Stop Shop' motto. In working with the banks, we had no room for error, nor did we have time to micro-manage contractors.With a portfolio of that magnitude, it was imperative that the work be done right the first time and by making only one phone call freed me up to work on other issues at hand."
Yolanda
"We were quickly impressed with Laura and her team and loved the concept of her 'One Stop Shop' motto. In working with the banks, we had no room for error, nor did we have time to micro-manage contractors.With a portfolio of that magnitude, it was imperative that the work be done right the first time and by making only one phone call freed me up to work on other issues at hand."
Yolanda
Yolanda
"Laura can tackle anything from a new design construction, to handyman punch lists but what she is best at, I think, is coordinating with crews, solving problems (even with the city) and helping you to achieve exactly what you want, and allowing you to be as much a part of the process as you want to be.I have never heard her say, 'We can't . . . '"
Kathy
"Laura can tackle anything from a new design construction, to handyman punch lists but what she is best at, I think, is coordinating with crews, solving problems (even with the city) and helping you to achieve exactly what you want, and allowing you to be as much a part of the process as you want to be.I have never heard her say, 'We can't . . . '"
Kathy
Kathy
"I have worked with Laura on a couple projects and the product of each has always exceeded my expectations.Laura has always made the process seamless. It's been so nice to have one person coordinate everything. She is always available and easy to get in touch with.I would highly recommend this group to anybody looking to remodel their home"
Lisa
"I have worked with Laura on a couple projects and the product of each has always exceeded my expectations.Laura has always made the process seamless. It's been so nice to have one person coordinate everything. She is always available and easy to get in touch with.I would highly recommend this group to anybody looking to remodel their home"
Lisa
Lisa
“We were so pleased after our experience with Laura when we remodeled our house that when the house burned in the Thomas Fire, she was the first person I called, even before the insurance adjuster. She was the best decision we made. Laura is very easy to work with, good sense of humor and full of good suggestions. She listens and makes our preferences work. She helped us select all the details such as floors, paint, tile, quartz, etc. Laura has a great eye for color. She is very creative. She prioritizes quality amenities as well as being aware of costs resulting in getting good value in our choices. I recommend Laura highly I cannot thank her enough.”
Pat
“We were so pleased after our experience with Laura when we remodeled our house that when the house burned in the Thomas Fire, she was the first person I called, even before the insurance adjuster. She was the best decision we made.  Laura is very easy to work with, good sense of humor and full of good suggestions.  She listens and makes our preferences work.She helped us select all the details such as floors, paint, tile, quartz, etc. Laura has a great eye for color. She is very creative. She prioritizes quality amenities as well as being aware of costs resulting in getting good value in our choices. I recommend Laura highly I cannot thank her enough.”
Pat's Review
Pat

Every project has its

FUN

PURPOSE

JOY

QUESTIONS

DETAILS

STRATEGY

QWERKS

STORY

BEAUTY

CHAOS

JOURNEY

MEANING

RHYTHM

HEART

AHA!

ADVENTURE

And we are here for all of it.

TAG TEAM

Laura Kay Dunbar

Principal and Owner

Laura Dunbar | Founder & Principal

Laura is a California-licensed architect and contractor who loves nothing more than turning complex challenges into thoughtful, buildable solutions. As the founder of a woman-owned firm she has cultivated a collaborative, creative, and supportive studio culture.

With decades of experience spanning residential design, construction, rehabilitation and commercial tenant improvement projects, Laura brings a rare fluency across both design and building. She is especially inspired by clients who arrive with a need, a constraint, or a problem to solve—and believes the most rewarding projects emerge when listening leads the way. By weaving together site conditions, code requirements, and most importantly, the client needs and desires, Laura and her team create solutions that feel smart, intentional, and just a little bit magical.

When she’s not working, Laura’s usually playing with friends, hiking the Sierras, discovering the beauty of a stateside city or adventuring in some far-off country. Never still for very long!

Niyati Jani

Architectural Designer

Niyati Jani | Design Project Manager

Niyati Jani is a Design Project Manager who leads with purpose, precision, and—always—a cup of tea. Her work is guided by the ABCDEs: Analysis, Balance, Collaboration, Design Detail, and Execution with intent. A licensed architect in India with over 8 years of experience, she brings visions to life by transforming site-specific constraints into creative opportunities, and early sketches into spaces that stand. Niyati thrives on creative challenges and the journey from concept to completion. She is especially inspired by the moment when ideas take form through thoughtful design. Outside of work she finds joy and balance in painting, cooking, and dancing. Her focus and positivity are rooted in the regular practice of yoga and meditation. She also holds a deep belief in the healing power and wisdom of Mother Nature.

Lesly Calderon

Design Coordinator

Lesly Calderon | Design Coordinator

Lesly Calderon is a Design Coordinator at The Akeena Group, where she helps guide projects from concept to completion by organizing the design process, coordinating between clients and internal teams, and supporting plan development. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona and brings a thoughtful, art- and nature-inspired perspective to her work. Lesly is drawn to the creative process and enjoys how design can evoke emotion and meaning. Her favorite spot in Ventura is the harbor, where she finds inspiration in the balance of natural beauty and human-made environments.

Chloe Fox

Project Coordinator

Chloe Fox | Construction Coordinator

Chloe Fox is the Construction Coordinator at The Akeena Group, where she oversees project logistics, client communication, and coordination with subcontractors. She also manages the company’s social media and supports the team in staying organized and on track across multiple job sites. Chloe brings a mix of creativity and structure to everything she does. On her lunch breaks, you can often find her thrifting around Ventura — and outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her friends and family.

Allison Mason

Administrative Coordinator

Allison Mason | Administrative Coordinator

Allison Mason is the Administrative Coordinator at The Akeena Group, where she oversees the President’s calendar, supports business development efforts, tracks project progress, and manages both internal and external communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University Channel Islands. Inspired by the great outdoors, Allison enjoys dancing, hiking, camping, painting, and exploring new adventures with friends in her free time.

Alondra Valladolid

Office Manager

Alondra Valladolid | Office Manager

Alondra Valladolid is the Office Manager at The Akeena Group, where she leads day-to-day office operations, manages company finances, and supports both clients and project teams. From handling invoicing to coordinating HR and managing licensing, insurance, and compliance documents, she keeps the business running smoothly behind the scenes. Alondra earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Cal Poly Pomona in 2022. While she has a passion for working with children, she is equally driven by the opportunity to learn new skills and continue growing in her professional journey. Her favorite spot in downtown Ventura is Caje and she’ll be the first to admit she goes way too often. Outside of work, you can find her with her dog Taki, taking a workout class, or discovering new hobbies.

Aimee Ramos

Assistant Office Manager

Aimee Ramos | Office Assistant

Aimee Ramos- is the Office Assistant at The Akeena Group. Her day consists of lots of scanning and filing documents, editing spreadsheets, updating forms and helping the Office Manager. She also contributes to TAG's social media usually by editing videos and posts. Her favorite place in Ventura is the beach! She loves sitting in the sand, smelling the ocean with a good book in hand. She is often inspired by the arts, but specifically literature.

Faith Smith

Intern

Faith Smith

Faith Smith is a 2nd-year architecture student at California Baptist University and has been interning with The Akeena Group for three years. She is an inspiring student whose dedication, curiosity, and eagerness to learn have made her a valued part of the team. Through her internship, she is gaining hands-on experience in architectural design, further fueling her passion for the field.

Shanti

in loving memory

Riley

(playmate)

The Akeena Group is a company that embraces diversity in race, age, gender and thought. We strongly encourage community involvement and personal growth. By embracing innovation, systems, and professional development in design and construction, we all benefit as a team, as a company and as a community.

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