Berkeley Craftsmen

Berkeley Craftsmen General Contractors, Inc. is committed to creating beautiful spaces and developing strong ties in our community with clients, design professionals, and other building consultants. In our 15 years of business, we have continued to expand, while never forgetting to bring quality workmanship, honesty, trust, and integrity to our projects. We devote much of our time to ensuring that our clients receive service based on a deep respect for the individual and a commitment to nothing short of the finest craftsmanship.

We are a company that strives to give back to the community. Our contributions include charity and support for local businesses, support for green building practices, re-using and recycling office and building materials, and creating opportunities for team members that promote professional growth.

Berkeley Craftsmen was an Ironworks company started in the 1900's. Ken Butler bought the business in 1943 and made handrails for many buildings in the area until closing in 1985.

Mark and Michael Butler, his grandsons, took the pride of workmanship and quality of the original Berkeley Craftsmen and started remodeling homes, offices and retail stores in 1995. Over the years, the company has expanded to include a staff of over 14 people providing high quality construction and management.

Our goal is to make projects run smoothly and efficiently. For this reason, the largest part of the expansion has been in management. We have staff available to make projects flow smoothly from the start to the finish. A project manager and lead are assigned to your project so that no hitches impede the progress of work at your house or business.

Berkeley Craftsmen are proud members of the National Association of Remodeling Industry and our remodels have been featured in the Tri Valley Herald and The Oakland Tribune. In 2005 Berkeley Craftsmen won the BAHA (Berkeley Architectural Historical Association) Historical Renovation Award.

Email Berkeley Craftsmen staff by clicking on their names below.

Michael Butler
Michael has worked in construction since he was a boy, remodeling houses for his father's development company. Early remodels taught him about quality on a tight budget and timeline. During college, he worked renovating apartments in San Francisco with his brother Mark. After completing a degree in Anthropology, he and Mark founded Berkeley Craftsmen Builders to continue work that he finds most satisfying and enjoyable. Michael has three children, Hannah age 11, Madeline age 5, and Aaron age 2.

Mark Butler
Mark has worked with Michael from start. Mark strives to maintain positive client relationships while supervising tight construction schedules. Mark received a BA in Fine Art from CCA in Oakland. In his time away from the office, he shows his work at Ericson Gallery in downtown Healdsburg. Mark has a son, Finnegan, who is 5.

Ceara Brencic
Ceara is a project manager with over seven years experience in construction management. She has a Bachelors degree in Architecture and a Minor in Construction Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obisbo. Her past projects include commercial work ranging from parking garages to a Cathedral as well as residential ground up construction. She has a son Anthony age 3.

Jacob Ely
A superintendent with Berkeley Craftsmen, Jacob has a background in strawbale construction and a variety of natural building techniques. He is also skilled in structural and architectural concrete. Jacob is a graduate of UC Berkeley and has lived in Oakland for 10 years. He has two cats.