About
A family-run builder
Your home matters — just as much as the family that builds it.
Gilbert Rodriguez — Chief Executive Officer
Leadership
Gilbert Rodriguez
With over 30 years in the industry, Gilbert has watched design and construction techniques change across three decades — and that has only fed his appetite for building.
As a father of five, he has always made it a priority to lay a strong foundation for his family, and he brings that same mindset to building foundations for others.
Gilbert honors the design process, collaborating closely with the architects and designers who take pride in their work. “I chose this path to contribute to impactful living spaces, which fuels my passion,” he says. “Challenges define our company and foster growth.”
Leadership
Marlyn Rodriguez
As a young girl, riding shotgun with my dad to site visits was one of the most exciting parts of my weekend. I watched my dad walk a site and immediately start looking up and down, noticing when something was slightly off, stop to question details of installations, stop and admire really good architecture and craftsmanship, or stand in a room and imagine how a family would actually live in the space.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was also developing a natural comfort, respect, and appreciation for what he shared and brought to every project: an eye for craftsmanship, respect for design, and a deep understanding of the customer experience.
My dad wanted to make sure a project made sense for every family. He understood that every decision and space affects how people live. How a family gathers. How they move through their day. How a house eventually becomes a home. And family, after all, is what he has always centered his own world around.
His passion for construction was easy to see. It was just as easy to understand why people gravitated toward him and trusted him. His confident approach and demeanor could easily be mistaken for a serious personality, but those who got to know him quickly discovered his great sense of humor and the warmth behind his confident exterior.
Marlyn Rodriguez — Operations Manager
In many ways, my dad’s work influenced my own decision to build a career centered around home and family. Except for me, it was real estate. Over the last 18 years, I’ve brought similar work ethic, values, and drive to the work I’ve centered my life around. Real estate taught me that the transaction is only one small part of the experience. I understand the importance and value of customer experience. And, most importantly, I understand the long game.
The long game is about building homes, delivering quality, earning trust and creating lasting relationships.
Today feels incredibly full circle. I am somehow back in the passenger seat with my dad, except this time, dare I say, he lets me help drive.
What started as a young girl tagging along with my dad to job sites has become an opportunity to bring our two worlds together: his decades of construction experience, and my 18+ years of understanding homes, customer service, relationships, and the people we ultimately build them for.
And perhaps that is what I understand differently now than I did sitting in that passenger seat all those years ago: my dad was never just building projects.
He was building for people.
That same people-first approach is reflected in my work. I will guide you through every step of your construction project, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Clients
What clients say about the team
Homeowners mention Gilbert, Marlyn, and the crew by name.
“They deserve 10 stars. Simply the best in every way. The entire team - Marlyn, Gilbert and Gus - were lovely to work with, even under stress and pressure. Their professionalism was unwavering. We did a complex kitchen remodel with structural changes, and they were thorough and detailed in their work, provided white glove service and kept the project moving, staying ahead of schedule and within budget. They were transparent about change orders and did not nickel and dime us. Although they weren't the cheapest, they weren't the most expensive and were spot on on their original budget and quote. Worth every penny. Communications was terrific, service was 5 star, and the craftsmanship is superb. I would work with them and recommend them at every opportunity.”
Tyler & Jenypher
Walnut Creek, CA · Kitchen remodel with structural changes
“We chose GR Innovative Builders to build an ADU in our backyard in Berkeley and we could not be happier! Gilbert and Marlyn are a fantastic team. They patiently answered a million questions I had as we went along and I always felt like they were going above and beyond to make sure I was happy with the build. Billing was clear, with no surprises, and all of the subcontractors seemed excellent (I could write odes about the tiler!). Gilbert clearly cares about what he does and about the quality of the work and the final result is beautiful. I'm already scheming about what other remodeling projects I can have them work on.”
Kelly
Berkeley, CA · Backyard ADU
“We selected GR Innovative to build our ADU. It was a difficult project because the access was up a hill, quite a distance from the road. Gilbert and his team were amazing, the quality of their work exceeded our expectations and Gilbert’s attention to detail is admirable. Gilbert and his team were on top of the project the entire time – he was onsite and communicative about each step of the project. He has a great team and special shout out to Marlene and Claudia - (Chief of Staff / Assistant) who are responsive, available and and patient to answer all my questions! I love how they handled the quote and billing – it was concise and clear, and payments were clearly defined. The team is very professional, left everything clean and were respectful of our neighbors. We felt like the team is honest, forthright in what was going on, and fair. My husband and I highly recommend GR Innovative and are extremely happy with our ADU.”
Jeanette
Dublin, CA · Hillside ADU
“Gilbert, Marlyn, and their team were phenomenal. Not only did they repair my home after a huge tree fell through my exposed beam ceiling but also gave me the bathroom remodel of my dreams!”
F. Garcia
Google review
“We were so pleased with Gilbert, Marlyn and the team who completed our backyard ADU this past year.”
Nicole Callis
Google review
Collaborators
Who we build with
Design studios and trades we have worked with repeatedly. Credit belongs where it is due — several of the projects on this site were designed or photographed by the people below.
Mahya Salehi Studio
Architecture + interiors
Inspired ADUs
ADU design
Crafted Cabinet & Millwork
Custom cabinetry
IRG Stone Boutique
Stone + countertops
Strata
Landscape architecture
R. Bradley Photography
Project photography
Follow along
From the job site
Projects in progress and finished work, straight from our Instagram.
30+
Years in construction
East Bay
Where we build
2
Generations, one company
Licensed in CaliforniaCSLB #1085381B — General Building