Design with Vision. Build with Clarity. Spend with Precision.

Vista Foundry delivers investment-smart design, drafting, engineering, and permitting for residential and light commercial projects. We help turn your vision into a build-ready, budget-aligned reality—without costly surprises.

Whether you’re designing a home, ADU, remodel, or light commercial space, we bring clarity, precision, and practical guidance to every stage.

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Meet John Fraine: Design-to-Build Cost Strategist

With 47 years of experience in residential and light commercial design, John Fraine brings deep knowledge across drafting, engineering, permitting, and construction.

Known for putting budget first, John ensures that every design decision is grounded in structural feasibility and financial clarity. Whether you're building new or revising plans mid-project, John helps you move forward with confidence.

Learn More About John →

Design Smarter. Build Better. Let Budget Lead the Way.

Most projects go over budget because cost considerations are an afterthought. At Vista Foundry, budget leads the process from day one—guiding each decision through design, engineering, and permitting with strategy and precision.

How We Help:

  • 3D Design, Drafting, & Engineering

    Build-ready designs rooted in structural soundness, creative vision, and real-world cost alignment.

  • Permitting & Legalization

    Navigate local requirements and streamline approvals with expert guidance—and cost clarity.

  • Project Viability & Budget Strategy

    Assess feasibility early, set a realistic plan, and avoid costly surprises later on.

  • Project Jumpstart & Team Selection

    Define scope, align expectations, and bring in the right people—at the right price.

→ Get Expert Design & Budget Insights – Schedule Your Free Consultation

Stalled or Set Back? Let’s Get You Back on Track—Strategically.

When things go sideways, we help you recalibrate with refined design, structural strategy, permitting support, and clear cost realignment. We make complex recoveries simple, grounded, and cost-smart.

How We Help:

  • Design Revisions & Scope Realignment

    Adjust plans to meet new constraints without compromising quality or compliance.

  • Permitting & Code Resolution

    Handle approvals, legalization, and permitting setbacks with ease and clarity.

  • Cost Consulting & Funding Strategy

    Align rebuild goals with actual funding—whether from insurance, investors, or reserves.

  • Team Coordination & Project Oversight

    Get the right experts on board and your timeline back on track.

→ Get Your Project Moving Again – Book a Call Today

Why Choose Vista Foundry?

Design to Budget. Draft with Precision. Permit with Confidence.

Unmatched Experience in Residential & Light Commercial Design

With 47 years of experience across design, drafting, engineering, permitting, and construction, John Fraine offers the expertise needed to navigate complex projects with clarity and confidence.

Design with Cost Precision

We blend beautiful, investment-smart design with proven cost-control strategies—ensuring every decision supports your budget, timeline, and long-term goals.

Client Advocacy & Transparency

Your vision and financial priorities come first. We safeguard your investment, prevent unnecessary expenses, and make the process clear, efficient, and collaborative from start to finish.

Tailored Solutions for Every Project Stage

Whether you’re starting fresh, refining plans, or recovering from setbacks, our process adapts to your unique needs—keeping your project aligned, efficient, and on track.

book a free consultation

Let’s design smarter, build better, and maximize your investment. Schedule a Consultation Today

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

John’s firm did two major projects for us in Tiburon and San Francisco, CA. His unique Value Engineering (costing) process helped us “stop the dominoes from falling”, as he puts it, making sure we hit our target budget. His costing systems guided the design process all along, which made both projects big wins for us.

Laurence G.
Establishing and keeping a budget

Since our first project together 20 years ago, John and his team have been invaluable. John’s incredible breadth of knowledge and tactful guidance have helped me avoid many problems and pitfalls. I simply could not have done it without him.

Vic C.
Project Development Strategies

My project hit some serious snags resulting in a complete work stoppage. With no idea what to do next and many sleepless nights, I engaged John for assistance. He quickly identified the issues, provided new ways to think about the project and put together a plan to get us back on track. His process was straightforward and he used 3D technology to eliminate guesswork and save considerable time and money. I actually started sleeping again and the project was a success!

Allan L.
Going from crash to completion

John's breadth and depth of knowledge is incredible, as is his capacity for identifying all the most important factors and giving us timely advice in our decisions. I especially appreciate how he helped us prioritize projects based on investment value. Thank you, John!

Ford P.
Investment advice for home renovations

John has helped me buy many properties in CA, NC, and GA. His ability to spot opportunities, name the challenges, and guide me through the many reports was far beyond any help I ever received from an architect, contractor or home inspector. I walk away with a detailed spreadsheet of must-do, should-do, and nice-to-have repairs and improvements. His knowledge and expertise is unparalleled–I know I can count on him.

Amy P.
Investment property purchase decisions

John tirelessly seeks out ways to provide efficiency, transparency and advocacy for our clients. I work with the systems he designs and roll out the software he develops. As the primary end user for all those years, I can tell you–they just work.

Shawn B.
Working the systems for 30 years

Ready to Design Smarter & Build with Confidence?

Schedule a free 45-minute consultation with Vista Foundry founder John Fraine. You'll get expert guidance on design, engineering, permitting, and budgeting—plus practical next steps tailored to your project.

Let’s turn your vision into a buildable, budget-aligned plan.

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