Business Details
44 Years
experience
Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Experts Since 1982
Since 1982, Adobe Associates has been a trusted partner in civil engineering and land surveying, dedicated to maximizing the value of client projects through expertise and integrity. Our family-owned business combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver practical solutions for residential, commercial, and public projects. We specialize in navigating complex regulatory processes, ensuring projects move forward efficiently while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and community impact. Our team's deep local knowledge and relationships with agencies streamline permitting and approvals.With a focus on honesty, transparency, and dependability, we provide tailored services including land planning, wastewater design, and stormwater management. Our clients benefit from proactive problem-solving and a client-first approach that prioritizes clear communication and long-term partnerships. Recognized as a leader in the North Bay region, we continue to innovate while staying rooted in the values that built our reputation.
Services
Civil Engineering
Land Surveying
Land Planning
Permit Processing
Regulatory Projects
Wastewater Design
Stormwater Management
Septic System Design
Land Development
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in Northern California's regulatory landscape
- Our family-owned business operates with honesty and personalized service
- Expertise in streamlining complex permitting processes with local agencies
- Comprehensive services covering engineering, surveying, and wastewater design
- Recognized as a top firm for technical excellence and client satisfaction
What people say
Consistent resource
Great partner
Knowledgeable team
Reliable solutions
Regulatory experts
Services
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services focus on maximizing project value through strategic design and regulatory expertise. We help clients avoid costly delays by identifying potential issues early and providing practical solutions. With experience in infrastructure, zoning, and environmental compliance, we guide projects from concept to completion while maintaining strict adherence to local regulations and sustainability standards.
Land Surveying
Our land surveying services combine advanced technology with deep local knowledge to deliver precise measurements and actionable insights. We go beyond basic surveying by analyzing land characteristics to inform development decisions, ensuring clients understand both physical constraints and opportunities for their property throughout Northern California.
Wastewater Design
Specializing in wastewater management, we design efficient septic systems for residential and commercial properties. Our team conducts thorough site evaluations and regulatory reviews to create solutions that meet environmental standards while optimizing land use potential across Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties.
Permit Processing
We streamline complex permitting processes through established relationships with local agencies. Our experts navigate zoning requirements, environmental regulations, and approval workflows to minimize delays, ensuring compliance while maintaining project timelines for developments of all scales.
Land Planning
Our land planning services balance environmental, regulatory, and economic factors to create viable development strategies. We help clients overcome roadblocks through creative solutions that maximize land value while addressing community needs and maintaining strict compliance with local ordinances.
People
Paul Brown
Founder
Paul Brown founded Adobe Associates in 1982 as a two-person surveying office. His vision for client-focused engineering and commitment to quality laid the foundation for the firm's 40-year reputation of excellence and integrity.
Dave Brown
CFO
Dave Brown, co-founder and CFO, has built lasting relationships with clients and agencies since 1982. His financial leadership and understanding of the relationship-driven nature of engineering services have been crucial to the firm's sustained growth.
Steve Brown
Project Director
Steve Brown leads wastewater department development and complex project execution. With expertise in regulatory compliance and land development, he ensures technical excellence while maintaining the firm's founding principles of honesty and dependability.
Merrill Van Fleet
Wastewater Specialist
Merrill Van Fleet established Adobe's wastewater department in the 1990s. His technical expertise in septic system design and environmental compliance makes him a key resource for clients navigating complex wastewater regulations in Northern California.
Aaron Smith
Senior Engineer
Aaron Smith brings specialized knowledge in civil engineering processes and client education. His approach focuses on transparent communication and proactive problem-solving to help clients achieve their development goals efficiently.
Questions
What civil engineering services do you specialize in?
We specialize in land development, infrastructure design, zoning compliance, and regulatory permitting for residential, commercial, and public projects.
How do you handle complex permitting processes?
Our team leverages 40+ years of local agency relationships and regulatory expertise to streamline permitting while maintaining full compliance with all requirements.
Can you design septic systems for wineries?
Yes, we have extensive experience designing wastewater systems for wineries and other commercial properties throughout Northern California's wine country.
Do you work on affordable housing projects?
Yes, we provide engineering and surveying services for affordable housing developments, including regulatory compliance and site design.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Sonoma, Napa, Marin, and surrounding counties with civil engineering, surveying, and permitting services.
How do you handle stormwater management?
Our stormwater solutions combine technical expertise with environmental responsibility, including SWPPP development and LID-compliant designs.
Reviews (4)
Michael Last
Dec 17, 2020
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Worst company that I have ever dealt with on any level. And this is not just any level this is a very expensive company. From the beginning I was promised a price the end price came in almost double. The work on my property was sloppy and excessive. They came out with a backhoe and dug holes all over my property nowhere near the intended use site left a mess behind each and every hole Greg Schram is the single least professional person I have ever dealt with. Unreturned emails, unreturned phone calls complete lack of communication.
In addition to the price being almost double what I was quoted the job was finished three months after the promised finish time pushing my project back a year and costing me thousands of dollars. My advice to anyone thinking of using Adobe would be to go to Plan B immediately. Additionally if you have the misfortune of hooking up with Greg Schram you're not gonna be happy
In addition to the price being almost double what I was quoted the job was finished three months after the promised finish time pushing my project back a year and costing me thousands of dollars. My advice to anyone thinking of using Adobe would be to go to Plan B immediately. Additionally if you have the misfortune of hooking up with Greg Schram you're not gonna be happy
Gram W.
Oct 01, 2018
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I'd like to say "give these guys a call" but there is no point. I needed a lot survey done and a friend recommended this company to me. I gave them a call and the secretary answered. She said the project manager was on vacation but she would take my info and he would call me back the following Monday. I waited a week or two with no returned call. I then called again and the project manager was in but on the other line so the secretary routed me to his voicemail. I left a message with my name and phone number and explained what I needed done, I think his name was Jeff. Again no call was ever returned.
Mary Lou M.
Jan 17, 2016
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I highly recommend this company. We have had the need and opportunity to use their services several times. We were preparing to do some work on our property and had them survey to locate our property lines. We were unable to find the markers ourselves but had an idea of where they should be. They were knowledgeable, professional and friendly. And they got the job done. They have also done the assessment, percolation tests, and survey for a septic system for a neighbor to their satisfaction.
Raymond F.
Oct 14, 2015
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James Jensen of Adobe Associates was recommended to us by our contractor for an expert opinion towards a rainwater drainage project at our residence. The interaction and setting up an appointment via Adobe Associates was pleasant. I could not have been more pleased by his knowledgeable assessment and friendly disposition. He clearly knew what he was talking about and explained his recommendations in terms a nonengineer such as myself could easily understand. I would not hesitate to use his services again.
