Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Land Surveyors in San Francisco Bay Area
Founded in 1927, Kister, Savio & Rei has evolved from a land surveying practice into one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most respected multi-disciplined surveying firms. Our seasoned professionals collaborate with clients across public and private sectors, delivering precise specifications on time and within budget while maintaining unparalleled attention to detail. With 75% of our business representing repeat clients, including Chevron Richmond Refinery, the University of California, and local public agencies, we leverage 98 years of technical expertise and local knowledge to address diverse projects. Our team holds critical certifications, including TWIC Cards, DISA drug testing, and specialized training for industrial clients.As signatories to Operating Engineers Union Local #3 and members of leading industry associations, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Our legacy, built by founders Donald E. Kister, Charles J. Savio, and Michael P. Rei, continues under Patrick M. Rei, who acquired the company in 2000. We pride ourselves on responsiveness, quality work, and a commitment to community impact through our technical expertise. Our services span civil engineering, land planning, and advanced surveying technologies like laser scanning and GPS. While we will close permanently on November 1, 2025, we remain dedicated to delivering excellence for all projects until then.
Services
Land Surveying
Civil Engineering
Land Planning
Property Boundary Surveys
Construction Staking
Laser Scanning
Topographic Surveys
GPS Surveys
ALTA Surveys
Industrial Plant Surveying
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- We offer 98 years of combined experience in Bay Area land surveying.
- Our team holds specialized certifications for industrial clients like Chevron and Tesoro.
- 75% of our business comes from repeat clients, including major public agencies.
- We utilize advanced technologies like laser scanning and GPS for precision results.
- Our professionals serve on industry boards and maintain union affiliations for quality assurance.
Associations and certifications
- Operating Engineers Union Local #3
- ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies)
- CLSA (California Land Surveyors Association)
- California & Nevada Civil Engineers & Land Surveyors Association
- ISNetworld
What people say
Timely results
Accurate surveys
Deep expertise
Client-focused approach
Reliable partners
Services
Land Surveying
We provide comprehensive land surveying for property boundaries, construction projects, and industrial facilities. Our services ensure precise measurements and compliance with local regulations, leveraging advanced tools like GPS and laser scanning. Clients benefit from our 98 years of experience and specialized certifications for complex projects.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services support infrastructure and development projects with technical expertise in design and implementation. We collaborate with architects and public agencies to deliver solutions tailored to site-specific challenges. Our team ensures projects meet regulatory standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Construction Staking
We offer construction staking services to guide accurate project execution, from initial design to final implementation. Using advanced technology, we provide precise layout markings for buildings, roads, and utilities. Clients rely on our expertise to minimize errors and delays during construction phases.
Laser Scanning
Our laser scanning technology captures detailed 3D data for topographic surveys and industrial plant mapping. This service enables efficient planning and analysis with millimeter-level accuracy. Clients use this data for BIM integration, asset management, and complex project visualization.
ALTA Surveys
We conduct ALTA/NSPS surveys to meet national standards for commercial property transactions. These detailed surveys identify boundary, easement, and improvement details critical for title insurance. Clients benefit from our precision and adherence to industry best practices for risk mitigation.
People
Donald E. Kister
Founder
Founded the company in 1927 and became California's first surveyor on the State Board of Registration. His legacy established the firm's commitment to technical excellence and community service.
Charles J. Savio
Co-Founder
Licensed Land Surveyor and co-founder of Kister and Savio Associated in 1955. He pioneered apprenticeship programs as the first President of Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
Michael P. Rei
Co-Founder
Registered Civil Engineer who joined in 1963 to expand services to civil engineering and land planning. His leadership shaped the firm's multidisciplinary approach across Northern California.
Patrick M. Rei
Owner
Licensed Land Surveyor who acquired the company in 2000. He continues the family legacy while serving on industry boards and maintaining the firm's reputation for quality and innovation.
Questions
What services does Kister Savio & Rei offer?
We provide land surveying, civil engineering, land planning, construction staking, laser scanning, and ALTA surveys for industrial, residential, and public sector clients.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including Richmond, Berkeley, Pinole, El Cerrito, and San Pablo.
Are your surveyors certified?
Yes, all surveyors hold TWIC Cards, DISA drug testing certifications, and specialized training for Chevron, Tesoro, and Phillips 66 projects.
Will you be operating after 2025?
We will close permanently on November 1, 2025, but remain committed to completing all projects before this date.
What industries do you work with?
We serve diverse sectors including oil refineries, school districts, public agencies, architects, developers, and residents across the Bay Area.
Reviews (6)
Whistle B.
Dec 18, 2021
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This is high quality company. If they can't help you, they will help you in other ways such as referrals. They helped me twice in the other ways. I thankful with many kind hearted staffs and their generosity with their time in helping people. Thank you very much. GOD bless all of you and family.
Chloe A.
Jun 18, 2021
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I can't say enough kind words about this place. The owner, Pat, is both thorough and very kind. They helped me out of a tough spot and pushed me ahead of other, better paying clients just because they knew I was in a difficult situation. Wonderful firm.
Frank Kotlier
Jan 11, 2021
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Kister Savio & Rei did a great job surveying our lot and Trisha (in the office) was a pleasure to work with. The pricing was fair and the onsite survey team that came to our house was very knowledgeable, friendly and happy to answer our questions and explain things. We were surprised to discover that one corner of our property boundary turned out to be on the other side of a neighbor's fence. The surveyor explained this to us and gave us options as to where we would like that survey marker placed.
We opted to have that marker offset from the actual corner of our property so that the marker would be on our side of the fence. We're happy we choose Kister Savio & Rei to do our surveying and appreciate getting the map that shows all the details of our property.
We opted to have that marker offset from the actual corner of our property so that the marker would be on our side of the fence. We're happy we choose Kister Savio & Rei to do our surveying and appreciate getting the map that shows all the details of our property.
T. J.
Aug 07, 2020
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This company has been in my neighborhood for years. So when it came time to get a survey done of my property it was pretty much a no brainer to go here (I did however call around and get another 2 estimates). I had a topographical and property line survey done. Two employees from KSR cane out and spent at least 3.5 hours doing my survey. They also explained about a few of the markers left on the property. I received a digital copy of my survey at completion. But being old school asked for a paper copy and was handed two. Thank Tricia for all your help.
Carlos Augusto Z.
Apr 24, 2020
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Great company, very efficient and personal, I know Matt for quite a few years now. Matt is quite knowledgeable and will go the extra mile.
Dennis Wright
Feb 19, 2020
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I was having and issue over the property line with my neighbor that lives behind me so I needed a survey. I Called 3 different survey companies to get quotes and Kister Savio &Rei was the best price by far compared to the other companies. They came out a week later after signing the contract, Trish the office manager said she will get me in even though they where booked up solid on other jobs cause she understood the stress I was dealing with over the property line dispute.
The crew showed up right on time in the morning answered all my questions that I had and were very professional. As it turns out I had a lot more property behind my house then the neighbor thought so I highly recommend hire this company to get your property survey.
The crew showed up right on time in the morning answered all my questions that I had and were very professional. As it turns out I had a lot more property behind my house then the neighbor thought so I highly recommend hire this company to get your property survey.
