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FILE_05 / FIRM

A builder
first.

Golden State ADU Builders crew framing a backyard cottage in Seattle

Golden was founded in 2012 by a fourth-generation Pacific Northwest carpenter.

We started by framing custom homes in Ballard. Today we run a dedicated ADU and additions practice with an in-house design team, a permit specialist, and a full carpentry crew.

We don't subcontract the parts that matter. Foundations, framing, and finish carpentry stay with our crew. That's how schedules hold.

By the numbers

FIRM_METRICS
ADUs delivered
Full-time staff
On-time completion
Avg. client rating
Cities served
Built since 2012
Lien claims
Founder field experience

Leadership

PEOPLE_01 / PRINCIPALS
DG

Daniel Golden

Founder & Principal Builder

Fourth-generation Pacific Northwest carpenter. WA-licensed general contractor with 22 years on residential framing and structural retrofits.

  • WA GC License
  • ICC Residential Building Inspector
  • Lead-Safe EPA RRP
MH

Maya Hartwell, AIA

Director of Design

Registered architect (WA, OR). Leads in-house design and zoning analysis. Previously project architect at Olson Kundig.

  • AIA Member
  • NCARB Certified
  • LEED AP BD+C
JR

Jordan Reyes, PE

Lead Structural Engineer

Licensed professional engineer specializing in seismic retrofits and lateral systems for Pacific Northwest residential construction.

  • WA PE Lic.
  • SEAW Member
  • ICC Certified
PL

Priya Lal

Permitting & Compliance Lead

Manages submittals across Seattle DCI, Bellevue DSD, Kirkland, Redmond, and Tacoma. Former plans examiner for the City of Seattle.

  • AICP Candidate
  • ICC Permit Tech
MO

Marcus Okafor

Field Operations Manager

Oversees the in-house carpentry crew and active job sites. 15+ years framing custom Seattle residences. OSHA 30-Hour certified.

  • OSHA 30
  • First Aid / CPR
  • Forklift Cert.
EW

Elena Whitfield

Client Experience Director

Single point of contact for every Golden client from contract to close-out. Background in luxury hospitality and project management.

  • PMP Certified

Milestones

TIMELINE_2012—2025
  1. 2012Founded in Ballard as a custom framing outfit
  2. 2015Completed first detached ADU under Seattle's pilot DADU program
  3. 2017In-house design studio opens; first AIA-licensed architect joins
  4. 2019Crossed 50 ADUs delivered across King County
  5. 2021Expanded to Pierce County; opened Tacoma satellite office
  6. 2023Crossed 100 ADUs; achieved Energy Star Builder certification
  7. 2024Awarded Master Builders Association REX Award — Best ADU
  8. 2025150+ ADUs delivered; expanded crew to 28 full-time staff

Certifications

COMPLIANCE_LOG
  • 01WA General Contractor License (GOLDNAB882L2)
  • 02Energy Star Certified Builder
  • 03EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm (RRP)
  • 04OSHA-Compliant Site Safety Program
  • 05Built Green 4-Star Certified
  • 06Passive House Trades-Trained Crew
  • 07ICC Residential Building Inspector (on staff)
  • 08BBB Accredited Business — A+

Material partners

SUPPLY_CHAIN
Marvin WindowsAndersenMilgardKohlerHardieTrexMitsubishi ElectricRinnaiSherwin-WilliamsSimpson Strong-Tie
LICENSE
GOLDNAB882L2
BOND
$25,000 WA Contractor Bond
INSURANCE
$2M GL + Workers' Comp

Want to work with us — or for us?