Commitment to project planning and coordination + Dedication to accessibility

Specializing in owner representation, preconstruction management, CASp Services and ADA compliance.

About Design Build Advisors

ADA Compliance

As a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) in Southern California with extensive construction experience, Theresa simplifies the ADA compliance process from start to finish. She works collaboratively with your design team during the planning phase and partners closely with your general contractor during construction to ensure proper implementation—helping you avoid costly delays or corrections. Her hands-on approach and deep understanding of accessibility codes will guide your project through legal requirements and meet the highest standards of inclusivity.

Preconstruction Management

Whether local or remote, Theresa provides comprehensive project oversight from initial planning and design through construction kick-off. By leading preconstruction meetings, she fosters clear communication between the design team and developer, ensuring all parties are aligned during the design and permitting stage. Her proactive coordination helps deliver a project that’s fully prepared for execution—on time, on budget, and with fewer surprises along the way. With Theresa at the helm, clients can feel confident that every detail is being managed with precision and care.

Owner Representation

Our Owner Representation services ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the construction process. Acting as your advocate, we oversee planning, design, budgeting, and early feasibility assessment and planning to keep your project on track and aligned with your goals. We bring clarity to complex decisions, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and proactively identify and resolve potential issues before they impact your timeline or budget.

What it’s like Working with DBA

  • In the 35 years of being in this industry, I can honestly say that Theresa is one of the best Project Managers I've worked with. Her attention to detail, forward thinking approach and pride in the work done, are unmatched. Theresa genuinely listens to others for a better, more efficient, cost-effective way to do things - all the while delivering the highest quality project.

    Brian McClusky, Architect

  • Theresa did a fantastic job of managing tight-timeframe relocation of a sormwater retention basin at our project in Coachella, CA - A critical-path item for two other projects going on at the same site. Her budgeting, management and communication were excellent. It was a pleasure to work with her and I hope we have an opportunity to do so again.

    John Buckel, Client

  • Theresa managed the Town and Country affordable housing renovation project. She was involved early on in the design and development and worked closely wih the architect to ensure the details met the building code requirements and Owners requests and intent. Her communication was through...and our project turned out beautifully and well ahead of schedule.

    Colin Miller, VP San Diego Housing Commission

  • I have known Theresa several years and have worked closely with her on a few projects. She is the ultimate professional and understands all aspects of residential development and construction. Theresa is a real team leader and knows how to execute to deliver on time and within budget. She is super easy to work with is well liked and respected by all whom she comes in contact with.

    Bob Cummings, MirKa Investments

  • It was a great pleasure to work with Theresa and watch her problem solving and mentoring her team. She is extremely detail driven and willing to put in the time to get things done on time, on budget with high quality and workmanship. Subcontractors and consultants constantly remark at how great she was to work with and admire her willingness to listen without compromising her key goals, quality and correctness.

    Janice Patterson, Emmerson Construction

  • Theresa understands the entire development process from start to finish and is keenly aware of the relationship between all trades and consultants. She works in a collaborative manner and regularly engages the necessary trades/designers in a holistic approach to address potential issues that may affect permitting or constructability of the project. Her proactive approach has saved both time and money on every project that we have worked on together.

    John Patterson, GMP Landscape Architecture

A woman and her dog sitting outdoors on a sofa with a green grassy background.

  • Certified in 2022, A CASp is an expert in the field of construction-related accessibility. Certified Access Specialists are certified by the California Division of State Architect and qualified to inspect constructed facilities and issue certificates of inspection.

  • Certified in 2025, Widely recognized and respected standard for identifying women owned businesses.

  • She acquired her first contractors license in 1999

Logo of Building Industry Association of San Diego County featuring stylized houses in blue, green, and teal above the text 'bia' in orange, with additional text in blue and green.

Meet Theresa DeMarco, CASp

Theresa DeMarco is a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Prior to starting her business, she worked at Emmerson Construction (Chelsea Investment Corp.) in Project Management. Her expertise spans working with owners, design consultants, and general contractors on a wide range of multi-family and commercial projects for both new construction and renovations. As a licensed general contractor and a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), Theresa brings a unique perspective to ADA compliance, ensuring that accessibility standards are met with precision and care. Her deep understanding of the industry’s complexities allows her to navigate the challenges of project planning and management with confidence and skill.

Currently, as an independent project consultant, Theresa focuses on project development that incorporates accessibility requirements. She began her career in New York, working on commercial projects, before moving to California, where she has been specializing in residential construction and publicly funded housing. Theresa’s diverse experience and leadership has consistently guided teams through the complexities of the design and construction phases, creating beautiful projects that meet ADA standards.

Member Organizations

Logo of the International Code Council featuring a stylized globe with curved lines and the letters 'ICC' beside it, in green and white.
Certified Access Specialist Institute logo with EST 2010 and icons representing accessibility options.

Our Projects

  • A modern building with large glass doors and windows, black metal supports, and a wooden slatted structure above the entrance, surrounded by a small lawn, trees, and a dirt pathway.

    Town and Country Renovation

  • A modern house with solar panels on the roof, multiple windows, and a well-maintained lawn and garden under a blue sky with some clouds.

    Torrey Vale

  • A modern multi-story apartment building with balconies, palm trees, and a busy street with cars and pedestrians in a warm, sunny setting.

    Pueblo Viejo Villas

  • Two children, a boy and a girl, playing near a beige slide and climbing structure on a playground, with apartment buildings in the background on a sunny day.

    Juniper at the Preserve

  • Modern multi-story apartment building with landscaped yard, benches, trees, and walkway during daytime.

    Villa Storia

  • Multi-story residential apartment complex with a swimming pool, flagpole with American flag, and landscaped grounds.

    Salerno at Cypress Village

A woman in a wheelchair working on a phone and reviewing documents at her desk, with a computer monitor displaying charts and graphs in an office setting.

Our Mission

Design Build Advisors bridges the gap between accessibility and design to create inclusive, welcoming spaces.

We have a passion for helping our clients design and build projects that are functional and accessible to everyone.

Three construction workers in safety gear standing inside a building under construction, with metal framing and exposed pipes in the background.

Our Vision

Our vision is to lead the design and construction industry in creating inclusive, accessible spaces that inspire and empower everyone. We envision a world where the built environment not only meets the highest standards of design and ADA compliance but also enhances the lives of all who use them, thereby creating community where accessibility is the norm.

Construction workers in safety vests and helmets standing near a red cement truck on a building site in front of a multi-story beige apartment building under construction.

Our History

Design Build Advisors, a WBENC-certified firm established in 2014 by Theresa DeMarco, CASp, provides expertise in preconstruction management, owner representation, and ADA compliance. Our mission is to streamline the design process and deliver integrated services that create lasting value for our clients and the communities we serve.

Our Office

While based in Carlsbad, CA, we work seamlessly across regions, making our services accessible to clients anywhere.