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

Laura Kay Dunbar

Principal and Owner

Laura is the founder of The Akeena Group and is licensed as both an Architect and General Contractor. She hallmarks the collaborative approach from the beginning of the design through the relentless coordination of construction.

Chelsea Salazar

Chelsea Salazar

Office Manager

Chelsea works hard to take care of the business and to deliver an effortless experience for our clients. She ensures all our employees and contractors are taken care of and is the go-to person for all office operations.

Aimee Ramos

Aimee Ramos

Assistant Office Manager

Aimee helps us bring our visions to life by staying on top of tasks that include dealing with lots of paperwork, organizing the office and developing client appreciation, such as sending out thank you cards and client gifts.

Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson

Assistant Project Manager

Hannah’s involvement in local start-up operations has enhanced her project management skills. Before deciding to head back to school for design with an emphasis on sustainability, she was a head chef in the restaurant industry.

Shanti

Shanti

Client Concierge

Shanti’s favorite place in her hometown of Ventura is anywhere she gets a little lovin’. You can see her walking through Downtown with one of her crew! Feel free to say hi if you see us,
Shanti is very friendly!

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

Have you ever heard of a "cricket" in construction?

Crickets, also know as saddles or saddlebacks, are ridge structures that divert water around obstacles, preventing leaks and ensuring a watertight roof. 🌧 Important for drainage and longevity, these sloped structures come in various shapes and sizes. Keep an eye out for crickets on roofs - they`re small, but their role in preventing water damage is massive! #roofingdesign #buildingbasics #cricketsinconstruction
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Where creativity meets construction 👷‍♀️ We love seeing Laura on the job site! Nothing beats having the skills of both an architect and a general contractor on-site💜💚🏡

#downtownventura #ventura #venturacounty #windowinstallation #adu #homeaddition #jadu #homerenovation #womenownedbusiness #smallbusiness #womeninarchitecture #womeninconstruction #designbuild #dreamteam #venturadesignbuild #designbuild
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At the job site with Allan, keeping our project running like a well-oiled machine!

#TheAkeenaGroup #teamwork #AkeenaAdventures #BuildingDreams #projectmanager #designbuild #venturadesignbuild #ADU #JADU
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Honored and excited to stand alongside the Saticoy MAC for Supervisor Matt LeVere’s inaugural Graffiti Removal Event. We are so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the beautification of our community. Together, we’re making a lasting impact. Thank you, Saticoy MAC, for the partnership and Supervisor LaVere for leading the way! ...

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Trick or Treat? 🎃 Who’s got the best costume in the TAG office? Cast your votes in the comments below! 🕴️👻 🕵️‍♀️🍔🧍🏼‍♀️🦖💜 ...

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🎃Laura, our very own silent film star, channeling Charlie Chaplin!🕴️🎥 #HappyHalloween #BossGoals #charliechaplin ...

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🌟October is Women’s Small Business Month!🌟

At The Akeena Group, we are proud to celebrate the incredible journey of our founder, Laura Kay Dunbar. She’s not only a visionary architect, but also a licensed contractor with over 30 years experience in the industry 📐🏗️

Laura’s unwavering dedication and expertise have not only shaped The Akeena Group but have also inspired countless individuals, proving that women can break barriers in any field.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing women entrepreneurs who make an impact on our communities. Let’s continue to uplift, support, and celebrate women-owned businesses not only this month but every day 🫶 #womenssmallbusinessmonth
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Have you spotted any of The Akeena Group signs around town? We’re proud to be women-owned and locally rooted, and we’re excited to bring your dream projects to life! 🏡🔨 Let’s design and build together 👷‍♀️💪✨ ...

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Meet our favorite finish carpenter Billy!

Billy`s attention to detail makes all the difference, this Milwaukee box captures sawdust and helps to keep the jobsite clean 👷‍♂️🛠
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Alondra’s first ASMR video unboxing some new samples ✨ #asmr #unboxing ...

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