How BDB Construction Delivered a Student Housing Project in Record Time

Contributing editor Jennie Morton explains how careful preplanning and minimal demolition enabled a rapid turnaround, providing affordable, convenient housing for students in downtown Berkeley.
Oct. 16, 2025
3 min read

Key Highlights

  • The Berkeley Building renovation shows how modern apartment structures can be rapidly adapted into student housing with minimal structural changes, revealing a replicable model for cost-effective, high-impact conversions.
  • Fully furnished units with high-quality finishes prioritize durability, cleanliness, and livability—key elements in institutional design for today’s student demographic.
  • BDB Construction completed the rebrand and renovation within 60 days by leveraging pre-assessment tools and urban market experience, demonstrating how coordinated project management and targeted updates can accelerate occupancy timelines.
Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
Exterior view of the Berkeley Building, originally constructed as apartments in 2015 and later converted into student housing within two months.
Built in 2015 as apartments, the Berkeley Building was converted into student housing within two months.

Existing apartments are a conversion dream when it comes to student housing. These structures often have a readymade floorplate, great location, and amenity spaces, making a rental pivot relatively straightforward. Yet a project timeline of under two months is an impressive feat even under ideal conditions. BDB Construction Enterprise pulled the equivalent of a renovation all-nighter to rebrand the Berkeley Building as student housing. Located in downtown Berkeley, Calif., the property welcomed its first renters in Fall 2025.

Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
Berkeley Building bedroom single unit furnished with compact desk and chair, and a high platform bed for under-bed storage.
Fully furnished units are one way that the Berkeley Building offers convenience for off-campus living.

Supporting Today’s Students

The Berkeley Building is a venture of FOUND Study, a national provider of housing exclusively for students and interns. It aims to provide affordable rentals that are fully furnished, along with sought-after amenities like included utilities, Wi-Fi, and individual laundry facilities. Flexible leases that better follow school schedules are also an attractive perk.

Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
A new LVT floor with an inviting pattern that evokes the classic visual of hardwood is used throughout the Berkeley Building.

A new LVT floor with an inviting pattern that evokes the classic visual of hardwood is used throughout the Berkeley Building, including bathrooms (above) and kitchens (below).

The six-story project offers 79 units with a selection of one, two, and three bedrooms. Ranging from 400 to 1,250 square feet, each layout includes an en-suite bathroom, full kitchen, and dining nook. Unlike a traditional apartment, there is no separate living room.

Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
Minimalist kitchen with built-in storage space for stacked washer and dryer.

“Students want living quarters that offer convenience and enhanced quality of life. That translates to features like in-unit laundry and full-sized appliances,” noted Tallal Bhutta, founder and CEO of New York-based BDB Construction Enterprise Inc. “They help residents feel like their home is clean and comfortable.”

Since the building was originally constructed in 2015, the updates were largely focused on strategic rebranding to boost living appeal. BDB Construction limited demolition to carefully targeted materials and systems.

“For example, there was older flooring that was already showing wear after a decade of use. It was replaced with a durable LVT since flooring is one area where value is immediately noticed,” Bhutta said. “In addition to new paint, casework, countertops, and plumbing fixtures were refreshed with high-quality versions.”

Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
Interior study area inside the Berkeley Building, featuring seating and A/V equipment for student video conferencing.

The Berkeley Building provides a series of study and common spaces for its student residents, including A/V equipment for video conferencing, in different configurations (above and below).

Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
Interior study area inside the Berkeley Building, featuring seating and A/V equipment for student video conferencing.

More Than Sleeping Quarters

Located a brief walk from campus, the building was already replete with desirable amenities like underground parking, a rooftop terrace, lobby, and ground-level patio. BDB Construction also polished these community spaces to ensure students have more than a place to sleep and eat.

Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
Berkeley Building common space sitting room

“FOUND Study includes a range of gathering spaces and social amenities that create interaction among residents. It’s part design, part tech, and part good management practice,” Bhutta explained. “The commons areas feature multiple furniture types and styles to support a variety of uses, from lounging to meetings and studying. Plug-and-play infrastructure and A/V equipment keep students connected and entertained. There are also enclosed meeting areas with screens, offering a quiet, professional environment for virtual conferencing.”

Image courtesy of FOUND Study/BDB Construction
Rooftop terrace at the Berkeley Building with seating, tables, planters, and a table tennis area for students.
A rooftop terrace with seating, tables, planters, and table tennis gives students another spot to socialize and relax.

Fast-Tracked for Fall

The ability to go from conversion to leasing for the 2025–2026 school year in two months is credited to BDB Construction’s experience in challenging markets like New York City and anticipating common issues like electrical and plumbing.

“We thoroughly assess properties to understand everything that is available as a resource as well as every potential liability. This preplanning helps us ensure clients a guaranteed timeframe from close of sale to certificate of occupancy,” Bhutta offered. “The more we can deliver on time, the more groups like FOUND Study can provide healthy, appealing, and affordable places for students to live while pursuing higher education.”

About the Author

Jennie Morton

A former i+s editor, Jennie Morton is a freelance writer specializing in commercial architecture, IoT and proptech.

Sign up for our Newsletter
Get the latest news and updates.

Related

MEDIA GALLERY | Hospitable Design at Center for Living: A Lighting Case Study
Design To Thrive, Not Just Survive

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of I+S Design, create an account today!