GDC Builders

Gilbert Martinez graduated from USC School of Architecture in 1989 and he immediately founded his first design firm, Gilberto Designs, in West Hollywood, CA. Located in the heart of the design industry, Gilbert quickly became known for his excellent maximization of space and his incorporation of details into the design that reflected both the Owner's persona and the persona of the surrounding community.

Over the years he gained experience with many vernaculars, with modern being his everlasting favorite.  As his designs often pushed boundaries, he found it increasingly difficult to find builders who would build them within the budget he knew could be achieved.   

Rather than settle for less, he decided to obtain his own California State General Contractor's license, and thus began the expansion of Gilberto Designs to what is now known as GDC Builders, a full service design-build firm.

Shannon obtained her bachelor's degree from UCLA in 1991 and immediately entered Loyola Law School, where she earned her JD in 1994.  She and Gilbert were married that year, and Shannon joined the well-respected law firm of Tuttle & Taylor, where she worked primarily on construction and employment litigation matters and decided to focus her efforts on helping that expansion take place.  Shannon remains with GDC Builders today, overseeing all financial and contractual matters affecting the business.