Experience / References

The following information has been added to the site to demonstrate the level of experience and types of projects BDS has been responsible for over the last three (3) decades.

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Bruce A. Bolinger, PBD, CGBP

Bruce A. Bolinger, PBD, CGBP


AIBD - Certified Professional Building Designer -

#101021321

 

ICC - Certified Combination Dwelling Inspector -

#10033421-C6


ICC - Certified Building Inspector -

#10033421-R5


ICC - Certified Residential Combination Inspector -

#10033421-B5

 

Build It Green - Certified Green Building Professional

MEET bRUCE bolinger
Your contact person at Bolinger Design Services

As principal of Bolinger Design Services, I have developed a gifted team of design professionals who have outstanding design skills in their respective fields, professional commitment and long-term project experience required for a project's success.

Bruce attended the College of Education, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, BS Degree 1972 and Indiana University, Graduate School of Design for Executive Courses in Residential Design, 1978. Bruce has practiced residential building design and building inspection in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than three (3) decades.

 

Bruce spent ten (10) years gaining experience and background with United States Steel Corporation, Gary Works, Gary, Indiana - Engineering Department - serving in the New Facilities Design and Plant Rehabilitation Department, Specifications Development and the Construction Inspection Division. 

 

In 1983 Bruce established Bolinger Design Services (BDS) as a full service residential building design, engineering and building inspection firm dedicated to providing quality services to meet the individual requirements of the homeowner, contractor and residential developer. As residential design and energy requirements approach the California 2020 "Net Zero Energy" consumption, as well as the California Green Building Standards, BDS has the background, knowledge, details and continuing education to support the new requirements now and in the future.

 

With an avid passion for archaeology and historical buildings, Bruce combines his knowledge of current design techniques and building code requirements to provide a unique approach to residential design and planning with the expressed intent of blending the redesigned or newly designed dwelling and or new structures with the existing neighborhood and community. 

 

One of Bruce's specilities is gut-renovations (Victorian or Historical Structures) where original details need to be preserved or restored, while the foundation, structural frame and lateral load resistance features have been upgraded to meet current building code and energy requirements. This is the type of project Bruce considers to be one of his best accomplishments as he feels he has saved an exisitng structure, increased it's energy efficiency, continued the dwellings life cycle and provided continued affordable housing without complete demolition of a vital structure.

 

Bruce is the recipient of several prestigious awards, the most recent being city of Alameda Historical Preservation Society's Award of Excellence, his second consecutive Award from the city of Alameda and seventh of his career.

HUD Projects

HUD projects are housing programs and developments supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help ensure safe, stable, and affordable living options. These projects may include public housing, privately owned apartments that receive federal funding to lower rent costs, or rental assistance programs like Section 8. HUD also supports community development efforts that improve neighborhoods and expand housing access. The overall goal is to provide individuals and families with affordable homes and strengthen the communities they live in.

821 Filbert Street, Oakland, California

  • Convert (10) offices to New Cultural Center (4,000 s/f)
  • Convert Apartments to New Healthy Start Facility (3,500 s/f)
  • Convert Apartments to New Offices (4,500 s/f)

818 Adaline Street, Oakland, CA

  • Convert Apartments to Cultural Center & Offices  

1617 Fillmore Street, Berkeley, CA

  • Convert apartments to new offices & community room
  • Upgrade two (2) existing Apartments to ADA Handicap Accessable Units  

1001 Sunnyvale Avenue, San Francisco, CA

  • Upgrade Police Facilities with New Bulletproof 
  • Guard Stations

city projects

City projects are community improvement efforts planned and funded by local governments to benefit residents and enhance public spaces. These can include road and sidewalk repairs, park and recreation upgrades, new building or infrastructure development, and public safety improvements. City projects are designed to support growth, improve quality of life, and ensure neighborhoods remain functional and welcoming. They reflect a city’s priorities and commitment to the well-being of its community.

37101 Newark Blvd, Newark, Ca

  • 2,800 s/f Improvement Plans for Second Chance Facility
  • 5,000 s/f Improvement Plans for Fire Station #3 Essential Facilities Design
  • 2,600 s/f Improvement Plans for Police & Fire Communication Center Rehabilitation 

14200 Chapman Road, San Leandro, Ca

  • Design Manager's Office - Tony Lema Golf Course
  • Veterans of War Memorial

621 Magnolia Avenue, Millbrae, Ca

  • Fire & Police Communications Center
  • Essential Facilities Design

Tenant Improvement Plans

Tenant improvement plans are customized renovations or build-outs made within a leased commercial space to meet the specific needs of the tenant. These plans can include changes like adding offices, updating flooring or lighting, modifying layouts, or installing specialized equipment. The work is typically guided by architectural drawings and agreed upon by both the tenant and landlord. The goal is to create a functional, efficient environment that supports the tenant’s business operations while aligning with the building’s standards.

7015 Thornton Avenue, Newark, CA

  • 6,000 s/f Improvement Plans for Production & Retail Facility
  • 1,500 s/f Addition to Production Facility

5768 Newark Blvd., Newark, CA

  • 35,000 s/f Improvement Plans for a Child Play Facility

Channel 2, Oakland, CA

  • 2,575 s/f Improvement Plans for a Camera and Sound Studio with Editing Facilities

6222 thornton Avenue, Newark, CA

  • 625 s/f Improvement Plans for Office Addition
  • 3,600 s/f Two Story Office Building

Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont, CA

  • 15,000 s/f Day Care Center
  • 2,000 s/f Insurance Office 900 s/f Yogurt & Ice cream Shop
  • 2,100 s/f Hair Stylist
  • 3,000 s/f Real Estate Office

1507 Middle Harbor Road, Oakland, CA

  • 10,500 s/f Maintenance Facility Rehabilitation

4857 Peralta Avenue, Fremont, CA

  • 3,600 s/f Improvement Plan to Upgarde Facilities
  • 1,200 s/f Improvement Plans

Single & Two-Story Additions

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Davidson

1245 Lerida Way

Pacifica, Ca 


Robert & Kathleen Simons

51 college Avenue

Los Gatos, Ca


Dr. & Mrs. Dale Townsend

28700 Fox Hollow Drive

Hayward, Ca 


Robert Grover

37543 Mission Blvd

Fremont, Ca  

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Gilliat

1245 Lerida Way

Pacifica, Ca


Keith & Linda Hidalgo

51 college Avenue

Los Gatos, Ca


Mr. & Mrs. Phil Holland

28700 Fox Hollow Drive

Hayward, Ca


Micheal Matagamo

37543 Mission Blvd

Fremont, Ca

Custom Homes

Custom homes are individually designed residences built to match the specific preferences, lifestyle, and vision of the homeowner. Instead of choosing from preset floor plans, the owner works directly with architects and builders to select layouts, materials, finishes, and unique features. This process allows for personalized details and greater control over how the space looks and functions. The result is a one-of-a-kind home tailored to the owner’s needs and style.

Investmark, Inc (Fremont Bank)

39150 Fremont Blvd

Fremont, Ca


Mr & Mrs. David Canada

553 Oak Avenue

San Bruno, Ca

Mr & Mrs Lawrence Lane

22497 Woodrow Avenue

Hayward, Ca



Gerardo & Able Jaurqui

8141 Wells Avenue

Newark, Ca

Historic Architectural & Structural Rehabilitations

Historic Architectural & Structural Rehabilitations involve restoring and preserving older buildings so they retain their original character while meeting modern safety and usability standards. This work may include repairing structural elements, restoring decorative features, and carefully updating systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The goal is to respect the building’s history and craftsmanship while ensuring it remains functional, safe, and relevant for current use. These projects help protect cultural heritage and keep historic spaces active in the community.

Dr. Danice Friend

(Best Home 1889) (5 Bldgs.)

1315 Clarke Street

San Leandro, Ca

 

Bruce Gilliat

(Smith Home 1878)

2067 San Jose Aveune

Alameda, Ca

 

Kenny Lu

(Lee Home 1877)

2369 East 23rd Street

Oakland, Ca

Jeannie Graham

(Bruton House 1880)

1240 Saint Charles

Alameda, Ca


Chris Foley

(Benson Home 1888)

632 W. 10th Avenue

Redwood City, Ca


John Christon

(Henderson Home 1864)

121 -24th Avenue

Oakland, Ca

Residential Architect