We know you have many choices when considering an ADU. What sets us apart is the deep industry and local experience of our team. People chose to get started with us because we are thorough, honest, and realistic. Our combined experience in architecture, building inspections, and local planning and building departments will help your project progress through each stage with less hassle and more confidence.

Steve Edrington, President

Steve Edrington (CCIM, CPM) has over 25 years of experience as a broker, investor, and developer. He founded Adapt Dwellings in late 2019 after helping numerous clients with ADU feasibility studies and planning services through his real estate services company, Edrington & Associates. Prior to this, Steve managed over 50 rehabs of single-family homes, condos, and apartment units, gaining a deep working knowledge of local planning and building departments, particularly in Oakland and Alameda. As former President and Executive Director of the East Bay Rental Housing Association — as well as a member of the San Francisco Apartment Association and California Apartment Association — Steve understands the ins-and-outs of the rental housing business, bringing a highly valuable perspective to our clients.

Philip Barthman, Sr. Building Inspector

Philip joined our team with over 20 years of experience as an Alameda County Building Inspector and over 35 years as an electrician. He brings extensive experience in the inspection of residential, commercial, and industrial projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and specifications. He specializes in evaluating illegal units, unsafe dwellings, and conversions of habitable and non-habitable spaces into accessory dwelling units to help property owners understand the feasibility and complexity of their projects. His insider-knowledge of local planning and building departments is an invaluable asset to our clients.

Gracie O’Rourke, Architect

Gracie is a California-licensed architect with over 10 years of experience in architecture and interior design of multifamily residential, commercial, and hospitality-related projects. She holds a B.A. in Architecture from Miami University in Ohio. With ADUs, she loves the challenge of helping clients design their dream space within the confines of limited square footage. Gracie’s prior experience with HKS Architects, Brand + Allen, and MBH Architects — all in San Francisco — further augments our familiarity with local planning and building departments. She works directly with our clients from concept design all the way through approved plans to ensure their projects are successful.

Alexandra Oles, Director of Operations

Alexandra graduated from Las Positas Community College with an Associate in Psychology and a Bachelor in Sociology from Cal State East Bay. With over 10+ years of Real Estate experience, she has genuinely gained a passion for a multitude of sectors in the Real Estate field. Starting her career off in Title and Escrow, then transitioned to mortgages at which point she obtained her DRE and NMLS License, realizing a desire to learn more about the Real Estate field. In addition, Alexandra has personal experience being a housing provider in the Bay Area, building quite a real estate portfolio over the years. With her education, knowledge, experience, and licensing, Alexandra brings added value to our firm. She is organized, communicative, and a driven self-starter, making for the perfect Director of Operations.