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

“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

“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

“Laura knew how to interpret our ideas and needs into a workable, well-designed home that we love to this day.

We are confident that she was the key that enabled us to achieve what we envisioned for our beach-front home.”

— DeLayne & Randy

“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

“Working with Laura is always a pleasure because she is consistently reliable and on time with her work.

I highly recommend Laura Dunbar for any of your contracting or
Architectural needs.”

— Tammy

“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

“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 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

“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

“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

“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

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

Frances Geoffrion

Registered Architect

Allan Santarriaga

Architectural Designer

Hannah Wilson Pickett

Project Coordinator / Executive Assistant

Chloe Fox

Project Coordinator

Chelsea Salazar

Operations Manager

Alondra Valladolid

Office Manager

Aimee Ramos

Assistant Office Manager

Shanti

in loving memory

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.

FOLLOW US

Here`s a sneak peek at one of our Midtown projects! 👀 We can`t wait to reveal the full transformation once it`s complete. Stay tuned! 🛠🛁 ...

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From our Akeena Group family to yours, wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Grateful for our amazing team, clients, and community 💜 ...

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Continuing our Architectural Icons of Ventura series with Hotel San Buena! The Hotel San Buena, located at 11 S. Ash Street, was originally built in 1920 as the Elks Lodge #1430 in the Spanish colonial revival style it served as a hub for Ventura‘s fraternal community until 2004 and it was designated a historic landmark in 2008.

Today the Ventura gem has been beautifully adapted into a boutique hotel with 32 luxurious guest suites and the transformed “Velvet Hall” event space, it perfectly blends its historic charm with contemporary elegance.

Steps from Main Street, vibrant shops, dining, and cultural spots. It’s a musty for architecture, buffs, and history lovers alike!

#ArchitecturalIconsOfVentura #HotelSanBuena #HistoricVentura #SpanishColonial
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Busy days bring big progress 🛠️👷‍♀️🏡 ...

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A pop of red brings this kitchen to life! Our client`s vision for a bold accent came to fruition in this warm and inviting remodel and additon. Paired with clean white cabinetry, sleek finishes, it`s a space full of character and charm. What color would you choose for your dream kitchen? #kitchenremodel #customdesign ...

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Our journey through Architectural Icons of Ventura continues with one of the oldest and most cherished landmarks in the city: Mission San Buena Ventura. Founded in 1782, this mission is the ninth in California’s historic chain of 21 missions established by Father Junipero Serra. it’s design reflects the traditional Spanish colonial style with adobe walls, red clay tiles, and a simple elegant tower that has become a symbol of Ventura.

Known as the ‘Mission by the Sea’ Mission San BuenaVentura has stood the test of time, serving as both a place of worship and a cornerstone of Ventura’s history. Restorations over the years have preserved its architectural beauty, blending the past with the present. As a local design-build team, we’re inspired by the craftsmanship and enduring legacy of this historic treasure. What’s your favorite memory of the Ventura Mission? Share it below! #ArchitecturalIconsOfVentura #MissionSanBuenaventura #HistoricVentura #SpanishColonial
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We are deeply grateful to the brave firefighters and first responders whose swift actions have prevented any fatalities, as well as to the support staff who are already reaching out to those in need. Having been deeply involved in the recovery from the Thomas Fire, we are acutely aware of the long journey ahead for the community.

At The Akeena Group, we are holding you all close in our thoughts and sending strength to everyone impacted by this devastating event. Stay safe, and may you find comfort in the support and resilience of the community around you. 💜
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Details from our Ventura Keys addition and renovation 🛠🏡😊 ...

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Welcome to the first post in our new series, Architectural Icons of Ventura! We’re kicking things off with one of our city’s most beloved landmarks: Ventura’s City Hall. Built in 1912, this remarkable building originally served as the Ventura County Courthouse. With its grand Beaux-Arts design, majestic columns, and intricate details, it stands as a tribute to Ventura’s commitment to preserving its unique architectural heritage.

The City Hall’s striking façade and elegant clock tower make it not just a center of government, but a true symbol of our community. Over the years, it has witnessed countless important moments in Ventura’s history, and its classic architecture continues to inspire both residents and visitors alike. We’re inspired by the history and craftsmanship of these structures that define our city’s character. Follow along as we showcase more of the architectural gems that make Ventura one-of-a-kind! #ArchitecturalIconsOfVentura #HistoricVentura #VenturaCityHall #BeauxArts”
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The team recreated this iconic scene from the Barbie movie 😂💗 ...

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Happy Halloween from The Akeena Group! This year, we brought Barbie’s world to the office! 💗🎃☮️👷‍♀️🤠🎃 ...

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Who’s excited for Halloween!?🎃 ...

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Check out this before and after from our Ventura Keys project! ...

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We had a great time last month at our subcontractor appreciation party! Thank you to everyone who came 🥳 A special thanks to @brightsparkbrewing 🍻🍕 ...

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This custom built linen cabinet with a sleek, built-in medicine organizer keeps everything tidy and easy to access. Functional design meets beautiful craftsmanship - because every detail counts! ...

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Getting into the Halloween spirit at the office 🎃👻 ...

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Exciting "moving" day at our addition project in the Keys! Furniture is back in and our client is ready to enjoy their new space 🏡 ...

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Happy Monday from our pal Rylee 💜🐾 ...

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Laura took us on a team site visit yesterday! 🏠🔨 ...

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