My name is Ramon Zarate. I’m a San Diego-based designer & General Contractor, and the founder of Zarate Design & Build.

Growing up, I always loved inventing, building, and fixing things. As a child I loved to tinker, take things apart, and modify toys to make them work better or look cooler.

This creative thirst led me to focus my interest in furniture design & fine woodworking. I was fortunate to study under visionary artist / designer David Fobes, and completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at San Diego State University under renowned furniture artist Wendy Maruyama. The pursuit of the love of a young lady (who is now my beautiful wife) brought me to Madrid, Spain, where I enrolled at the European Institute of Design and focused on Industrial and product design.

The culmination of all these experiences and years working in the trades inspired me to create Zarate D&B, a full service design & build studio that focuses on kitchen / bath design & remodels, cabinetry installation, finish carpentry, custom woodworks, and general building.

I am passionate about delivering top quality results and facilitating the process of construction for my clients. I strive to create a synergy between precision and the artisan’s touch to transform spaces into timeless works of fine craftsmanship with clean lines and visual simplicity.