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Cat in a Hammock

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Elite Local Masters: Home Specialists to Fit Your Style

The Akeena Group

394 E Main St. #201

Ventura, CA 93001 

805.846.6241 | TheAkeenaGroup.com

Founded in 2013 by Laura Kay Dunbar, a licensed architect and general contractor with more than 30 years of experience.
Services: Design-Build Architecture & Construction, Construction Management, Custom Homes, Residential Remodeling, Additions, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Commercial Projects and Project Management 

What is your primary trade specialty? 

The Akeena Group specializes in custom homes, residential remodels, additions, and ADUs through an integrated design-build approach. By bringing architecture and construction together under one roof, we provide a collaborative process that guides clients from initial concept through completion. We create thoughtful, personalized spaces designed to support the way people live today and into the future, including aging-in-place renovations, accessible design solutions, and custom ADUs through Bungalows by The Akeena Group, our specialized division dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed accessory dwelling units. 

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold? 

The Akeena Group is uniquely positioned as both a licensed architecture firm and licensed general contractor in California, allowing us to manage both the design and construction of a project under one roof. We are also a certified woman-owned business with EDWOSB and SBA 8(a) certifications. 

What makes The Akeena Group different from a traditional architecture firm or general contractor? 

Unlike the traditional approach of hiring separate designers and contractors, The Akeena Group brings architecture and construction together under one roof. Our integrated design-build process encourages collaboration from day one, resulting in clearer communication, more informed budgeting and a smoother experience from initial concept through construction. As a woman-owned and women-led firm, we bring a collaborative, thoughtful approach to every project, with a focus on creating spaces that are thoughtfully designed and expertly built. 

What does your communication process look like once a project begins 

Clear communication is at the heart of every project. Clients receive regular updates throughout both the design and construction phases, while our team works closely with consultants, subcontractors and local agencies to keep projects moving forward. We believe transparency, responsiveness and collaboration are just as important as exceptional design. 

What trends are you seeing in homeowners today? 

Homeowners are looking for spaces that are more intentional, adaptable and built for long-term living. We're seeing continued interest in ADUs for multigenerational living and rental income, along with renovations that improve functionality, energy efficiency and indoor-outdoor living. Rather than simply adding square footage, many homeowners are investing in spaces that better support the way they live today while adding lasting value for the future. 

What is your typical booking lead time, and how can clients get started?

Lead times vary depending on project scope, complexity and local permitting timelines throughout Ventura and the surrounding counties. The best way to get started is by scheduling an initial consultation via phone or email, where we can discuss your goals, evaluate your project and outline the next steps.

Aldik Home

7651 Sepulveda Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91405
818.988.5970 | AldikHome.com

Established in 1963 as a family-owned business with more than 60 years of experience in luxury home furnishings, outdoor living, artificial botanicals and seasonal décor.

Products & Services: Luxury Outdoor Furniture, Designer Home Furnishings, Artificial Plants & Trees, Custom Floral Arrangements, High-End Holiday Décor, Home Accessories, Outdoor Décor, Commercial Holiday Displays, Delivery, and Professional Decorating Services

What makes Aldik Home different from other home furnishing and décor retailers?
For more than six decades, Aldik Home has been a destination for thoughtfully curated luxury home furnishings, outdoor furniture, lifelike artificial plants and seasonal décor. We focus on exceptional quality, timeless style and personalized customer service, helping homeowners and design professionals create beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces.

What types of products do you specialize in?
Our showroom features an extensive selection of premium outdoor furniture, patio dining collections, lounge seating, umbrellas, fire tables, designer home accessories, artificial trees and plants, custom floral arrangements and one of Southern California's most recognized collections of luxury holiday décor and Christmas displays.

How do you help customers choose the right products for their home?
Our experienced design consultants work one-on-one with every customer to understand their style, space and functional needs. Whether furnishing an outdoor patio, selecting statement greenery or decorating for the holidays, we provide personalized recommendations to help bring each client's vision to life.

Do you offer delivery or decorating services?
Yes. We offer delivery on many of our products and provide professional decorating services for seasonal displays, holiday installations and commercial environments. Our team coordinates every detail to ensure a seamless experience from purchase through installation.

What can customers expect when shopping at Aldik Home?
Customers can expect a welcoming showroom filled with carefully selected luxury furnishings and décor, knowledgeable staff and individualized service. We believe shopping for your home should be inspiring, enjoyable and supported by expert guidance every step of the way.

Whether you're updating an outdoor living space, refreshing your home's interior or preparing for the holiday season, we're here to help you find pieces you'll enjoy for years to come.

Angelus Block Co., Inc.

4575 E Vineyard Ave.

Oxnard, CA 93036

805.485.1137 | AngelusBlock.com

Serving Ventura County, Thousand Oaks and the entire Southern California region from seven regional plants, Angelus Block has been family owned and operated for 80 years, since its founding in 1946.
Services: Manufacturing and commercial/residential distribution of Architectural Concrete Masonry Units (CMU), Interlocking Concrete Pavers, Permeable Pavers, Decorative Site Walls, Segmental Retaining Wall Blocks and Preblended Mortars/Cements

What is your primary trade specialty?

We are Southern California's largest manufacturer and regional supplier of concrete blocks, paving stones and masonry materials. We specialize in high-volume supply for major commercial builds, municipal hardscapes and residential landscape transformations.

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold?

We are a long-standing, multi-generational industry leader. Our products are manufactured to the ASTM standard for each product we make. We are pioneers in sustainable manufacturing, producing low-carbon concrete options like our CarbonKind™ CMU lines complete with official Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

How do you calculate your project estimates, and are they guaranteed?

We work closely with an expansive contractor and building materials dealer network. Pricing is calculated based on exact product volume, material finishes (such as burnished, slumpstone or split face) and freight logistics. Material quotes are itemized cleanly with clear policies, often featuring flexible return terms without unexpected restock fees.

What does your communication process look like once a project begins?

Angelus consistently maintains some of the highest inventory levels in the industry. We offer real-time product availability tracking and rapid, highly coordinated commercial flatbed delivery directly to jobsites.

What specific warranties or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?

We back our products and certify that they meet or exceed the ASTM standard for each product we manufacture. Architects, engineers and landscape professionals trust our brand because our masonry block systems are engineered specifically for high-performance durability and resilience.

What is your typical booking lead time, and how can clients get started?

Standard stocked pavers and precision blocks are available for immediate pickup or delivery. Custom finishes, specialized variegation or glazed masonry colors require a structured special-order queue. Contractors and homeowners can visit our Oxnard showroom, call 805.485.1137 or browse structural specifications at AngelusBlock.com.

Cat in a Hammock

275 E Hillcrest Drive, Suite 160-237

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

805.263.4200 | CatinaHammock.com

Founded in 2018, Cat in a Hammock has been serving the Conejo Valley, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties for almost a decade.
Services: Luxury Outdoor Living Design-Build, Custom Pools & Spas, Outdoor Kitchens, Pergolas & Cabanas, Pavers & Masonry, Landscape Design & Installation

What is your primary trade specialty?

We specialize in creating luxury outdoor living spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Whether it's a resort-style pool, an outdoor kitchen for entertaining or a peaceful garden retreat, every project is thoughtfully designed to complement the home's architecture and reflect each client's lifestyle.

What sets Cat in a Hammock apart from other pool and landscape contractors?

Cat in a Hammock brings every element of outdoor living together under one design-build team. From design through engineering, permitting and construction, we manage every detail to create a seamless client experience. By integrating pools, hardscape, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, lighting and landscaping into one cohesive vision, we create timeless outdoor spaces that feel balanced and intentional.

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold?

Cat in a Hammock is fully licensed, bonded and insured (CA License #1046610). We hold General Building (B), Landscaping (C-27) and Swimming Pool (C-53) contractor licenses and are BBB Accredited with A+ rating. Our team is committed to exceptional craftsmanship, professionalism and creating outdoor spaces built to stand the test of time.

How do you calculate your project estimates, and are they guaranteed?

Every project begins with a complimentary consultation where we learn about the homeowner's vision, lifestyle and investment goals. We then guide clients through a collaborative design process using realistic 3D renderings, detailed plans and transparent pricing so they can confidently make informed decisions before construction begins.

What does your communication process look like once a project begins?

Each client works with a dedicated project manager who serves as their primary point of contact throughout construction. Through our collaborative client portal, homeowners can view project schedules, material selections, approvals, invoices and updates in one convenient place. Whether clients prefer to be highly involved or take a more hands-off approach, we tailor our communication to fit their needs.

What specific warranties or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?

We stand behind our workmanship with warranties that meet or exceed California's contractor requirements on qualifying work. Combined with trusted manufacturer warranties on many of the products we install, our clients can feel confident their investment is protected.

What is your typical booking lead time, and how can clients get started?

We recommend reaching out early in the planning process, as our design schedule often books several weeks in advance. The first step is a complimentary design consultation where we'll discuss your vision, lifestyle, timeline and investment goals before creating a custom design tailored to your home. To schedule your complimentary design consultation, call 805.263.4200 or visit catinahammock.com/contact-us.

Conejo Services

2550 Azurite Circle

Newbury Park, CA 91320

805.225.6250 | ConejoServices.com

Serving Ventura County, Los Angeles County and Santa Barbara County, Conejo Services has been in business for 47 years and has been family-owned and operated since its founding in 1979 by the Dickey family
Services: Whole-Home Trade Solutions including HVAC (Heating & AC Repair/Installation), Plumbing & Rooter, Electrical & Generators, Attic Insulation, Roof Repair/Replacement, Garage Doors and Pool Maintenance & Equipment Repair

What is your primary trade specialty?

While we started out as Conejo Valley Heating and Air, the biggest value we bring homeowners today is simple: We handle everything in your home from roof to roots, so you're not juggling a different contractor for every job. One call, one trusted team for your whole home.

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold?

We are fully licensed and insured across multiple California trade classifications (CSLB #536465). Our technicians are manufacturer-trained, and Conejo Services is an A+ Rated, Accredited business with the Better Business Bureau alongside winning local honors like the Acorn’s Best HVAC Contractor.

How do you calculate your project estimates, and are they guaranteed?

We offer upfront, honest pricing with completely free estimates on system replacements and major upgrades so you know the cost before we start. We also regularly pass utility rebates and manufacturer deals directly to homeowners, such as bundling high-efficiency HVAC units with complimentary energy-saving attic insulation upgrades.

What does your communication process look like once a project begins?

You'll always know who's coming to your home. We send background-checked Conejo employees, and before your visit we text you the name and photo of the technician headed your way. From there, we keep you posted at each step so there are no surprises. Homeowners can reach us on the phone 24/7. Our customer service center is in Newbury Park.

What specific warranties or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?

We stand behind every job with a workmanship guarantee and do the work to code the first time. To keep your home running smoothly year-round, our multi-trade home maintenance plans cover annual water heater flushes, seasonal AC/furnace cleanings, garage door tune-ups, electrical checks and visual roof inspections.

What is your typical booking lead time, and how can clients get started?

We can typically accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. We have round-the-clock live call answering and a fleet of over 100 specialized vehicles to provide 24/7/365 emergency response availability. Neighbors can book an appointment by calling 805.225.6250or visiting ConejoServices.com/book-service.

What keeps you rooted in the Conejo Valley?

We've worked here since 1979, so this is home. You'll find us sponsoring local events, kids' sports and more, because this community has trusted us for decades, and we're proud to give back to it. Neighbors helping neighbors. That's the Conejo way.

First Choice Painting

726 Pamela Wood St.

Thousand Oaks, CA 91320

805.273.1180

Serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Calabasas, Malibu and surrounding areas for over three generations as a family-owned, multi-generational painting company.
Services: High-End Residential & Commercial Painting, Comprehensive Interior & Exterior Painting, Custom Cabinet Painting/Staining, Woodwork Finishing and Protective Trim Painting

What is your primary trade specialty?

We specialize in full-service interior and exterior painting alongside premium finishing, including custom cabinet staining and woodwork refinishing throughout custom estates. We focus heavily on clean execution, utilizing trusted, durable material brands like Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards and Benjamin Moore.

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold?

We are fully licensed, bonded and insured painting contractors. Our team features a rare three generations of professional local expertise (founded by the Lopez family).

How do you calculate your project estimates, and are they guaranteed?

We provide comprehensive, itemized quotes outlining all necessary surface prep, product applications and clean-up costs. All of our painting contracts are transparent, competitive and backed by a full satisfaction guarantee.

What does your communication process look like once a project begins?

From start to finish, we communicate every phase of the project clearly and concisely to ensure expectations are met. Unlike many firms, we do not subcontract out any work; our own dedicated, in-house team is on-site daily to manage operations and provide real-time updates.

What specific warranties or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?

All of our commercial and residential painting jobs are fully guaranteed. We emphasize meticulous surface preparation—such as extensive washing, scraping and precision priming—to protect our work from early blistering or peeling.

What is your typical booking lead time, and how can clients get started?

Homeowners can schedule a consultation or request an estimate by calling our local team at 805.273.1180. We accommodate flexible scheduling and remain available to address urgent or time-sensitive emergency painting needs.

Mark Thomas Home

28448 Roadside Drive

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

818.991.4800 | MarkThomasHome.com

Family owned and operated since 1957

Services: Fine Home Furnishings • Interior Design • Space Planning • Custom Upholstery • Window Treatments • Area Rugs • Outdoor Living

What makes Mark Thomas Home different?

For nearly seven decades, Mark Thomas Home has been helping Southern California homeowners create beautiful, comfortable spaces that reflect their lifestyles. As a third-generation family-owned business, we believe furnishing a home should be an enjoyable, personal experience—not just another transaction.

Our 35,000-square-foot Agoura Hills showroom is designed to inspire, featuring beautifully curated room settings that allow customers to see, feel and experience furniture the way it will look in their own homes. Whether you’re furnishing a single room or designing an entire residence, our experienced designers help bring your vision to life.

Tell us about your design team.

Our award-winning interior designers are passionate about helping every client create a home they truly love. From selecting the perfect sofa or dining table to coordinating fabrics, finishes, rugs, lighting, artwork and window treatments, we guide each project with creativity, expertise and attention to detail.

We believe great design begins by listening. Every home—and every client—is unique, so our designers take the time to understand your lifestyle, taste and budget before making recommendations.

What brands do you carry?

We proudly represent many of the finest names in home furnishings, including Bernhardt, Century, Lexington, Tommy Bahama Home, Hooker Furnishings, Bradington-Young, Hancock & Moore, Caracole, Four Hands, Feizy Rugs, Hunter Douglas and many other premium manufacturers from around the world.

These carefully selected collections allow us to offer timeless, high-quality furnishings in a variety of styles—from classic elegance to relaxed California contemporary.

What services do you provide?

Beyond furniture, we offer complete interior design services, in-home consultations, space planning, custom upholstery, premium area rugs, Hunter Douglas window treatments, outdoor living collections and white-glove delivery.

Our goal is to make every project as seamless as possible while helping clients create homes that are both beautiful and functional.

Why should readers visit your showroom?

Nothing compares to experiencing furniture in person. You’ll discover beautifully designed room settings, exceptional craftsmanship, personalized design advice and one of the largest selections of luxury home furnishings in the Conejo Valley.

Whether you’re updating one room or furnishing your dream home, we invite you to visit Mark Thomas Home and experience why generations of Southern California families have trusted us since 1957.

 

The Sofa Guy

2520 E Thousand Oaks Blvd

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

805.497.3222 | TheSofaGuy.com

Serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Calabasas and surrounding Conejo Valley communities for 23 years, The Sofa Guy is family owned and operated since its founding in 2003 by Paul and Holly Trent.
Services: Custom Sofa & Sectional Manufacturing, Full-Service Interior Design (Space Planning & Concept Boards), Luxury Furniture Sales, Custom Upholstered Beds and High-End Furniture Reupholstery (Indoor & Outdoor)

What is your primary trade specialty?

We deliberately bridge the gap between an interior design firm and a furniture store. Our core signature specialty is crafting fully custom, bench-made sofas, sectionals and upholstered beds manufactured locally right here in California. We allow clients to dictate the exact dimensions, configurations and cushion comforts for their space.

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold?

We are a highly decorated, family-owned boutique firm with over two decades of local design authority. Our design studio features a dedicated, collaborative "A-Team" of furniture specialists and professional interior designers.

How do you calculate your project estimates, and are they guaranteed?

We offer completely transparent product and design packaging. For custom builds, we outline all frames, configurations and material tiers upfront. If clients utilize our TSG Interior Design team for broader home transformations, we curate custom floor plans and itemized product budgets before any orders are placed.

What does your communication process look like once a project begins?

We thrive on personal collaboration, avoiding high-pressure sales environments. We make professional house calls to physically measure rooms and verify layouts. From there, we provide our clients with detailed digital vision boards and multi-option floor plans to help visualize the layout before custom fabrics are cut.

What specific warranties or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?

Our core philosophy is to build heirloom-quality furniture that lasts. Because we control the manufacturing, we use top-tier materials like high-resiliency foam and premium textile collections (including Schumacher, Kravet and high-performance, kid-friendly fabrics) to protect pieces from premature sagging, wear or staining.

What is your typical booking lead time, and how can clients get started?

While major full-home interior design projects scale sequentially, our custom California-crafted sofas can boast lead times as fast as three weeks. Clients can test furniture cushions or browse thousands of fabric swatches by visiting our 3,400-square-foot Thousand Oaks Showroom or calling 805.497.3222.

State Restoration, Inc.

Westlake Village Showroom

3350 Willow Lane

Westlake Village, CA 91361

805.379-1276 | StateRestoration.com

Serving Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Malibu and surrounding Ventura/LA County communities for 28 years (Family owned and operated since establishing locally in January 1998 under President Darlene Kimbell)
Services: Complete Insurance Disaster Reconstruction (Fire, Water, Flood, Storm and Earthquake Damage), High-End Custom Home Building, Full Home Remodeling and Luxury Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations

What is your primary trade specialty?

For over two decades, State Restoration Inc. has built a reputation for delivering exceptional residential remodeling and restoration projects throughout Southern California. Known for combining superior craftsmanship with innovative design, the company specializes in transforming homes into personalized spaces that reflect the lifestyle and vision of each homeowner. Every project is approached with a commitment to quality, attention to detail and a dedication to creating timeless environments that enhance both beauty and functionality.

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold?

We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured California general contracting corporation. We hold a long-standing A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and are proud members of the Community Associations Institute.

How do you calculate your project estimates, and are they guaranteed?

For custom luxury remodeling, we build transparent, itemized quotes mapping design choices to budget parameters. For disaster recovery, our lead estimating team brings over 30 years of localized industry expertise to generate meticulous, accurate evaluations accepted directly by major insurance carriers.

What does your communication process look like once a project begins?

We serve as a seamless, one-stop shop. Clients work directly with an internal team consisting of architectural drafters, engineers, hands-on project managers and design coordinators. We manage all local building permits, HOA compliance protocols and structural milestones, providing continuous client walkthroughs and phase approvals.

What specific warranties or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?

We stand firmly behind our heavy construction and premium finishes.

How can clients get started?

Homeowners are invited into our 10,000-square-foot Westlake Village showroom to explore an extensive selection of cabinetry, tile, countertops, fixtures and design inspirations all under one roof. This unique approach allows clients to seamlessly bring their vision to life while benefiting from expert guidance throughout every phase of the remodeling process.

Top Armor Roofing Inc.

2524 Townsgate Road, Suite F

Westlake Village, CA 91361

805.492.9036 | TopArmorRoofing.com

Serving Thousand Oaks, the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas, backed by CEO John Condon's 35+ years of hands-on roofing industry experience
Services: Residential Re-Roofing and Leak Repair, Commercial and HOA Multi-Unit Roofing Projects, Storm and Wind Damage Restoration, Roof Maintenance and Fire-Smart Protection Solutions

What is your primary trade specialty?

We specialize in full-scale residential, commercial and HOA multi-unit re-roofing projects. Our specialized teams handle a diverse array of advanced roofing systems, including composite shingle, concrete/clay tile, standing seam metal, single-ply membrane (TPO) and granulated torch-applied roofing.

What qualifications, licenses or certifications do you hold?

We are fully licensed, bonded and insured California roofing contractors (C-39 Classification). Additionally, our crews are manufacturer-trained and certified by the industry's most trusted global material producers to guarantee compliant installations.

How do you calculate your project estimates, and are they guaranteed?

We offer comprehensive free project proposals and estimates. Our bids are fully detailed and itemized upfront to clearly outline the exact scope of work, materials and labor required, ensuring fair and highly competitive pricing without any hidden backend fees. We use detailed aerial imagery mapping to calculate square footage and linear footage to get a complete roof assessment.

What does your communication process look like once a project begins?

We pride ourselves on transparent, real-time client updates. Homeowners have direct communication lines with our project leads and receive progress milestones so they are kept informed every step of the way. Our four company managers, including John, ensure homeowners are supported and can access project managers, even after hours.

What specific warranties or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?

Peace of mind is integrated into every project. We provide a comprehensive warranty package that blends multi-year company workmanship guarantees with full manufacturer material warranties. These manufacturer warranties can cover up to 50 years, depending on the application and product. We emphasize meticulous structural preparation to shield your roof against future wind, rain and extreme heat.

What is your typical booking lead time, and how can clients get started?

An initial assessment/estimate/job site walk is scheduled within two to five days, and the proposal is sent within a few days of the site visit. Jobs typically begin within two to three weeks of initial contract signing. Call 805.492.9036 to schedule immediate leak fixes or request a formal assessment online at TopArmorRoofing.com.

Transforming a house into a dream home requires a curated team of professionals. Whether making repairs or renovations, designing a luxury backyard oasis or customizing heirloom-quality furniture, these vetted regional experts are ready to serve.