Otaku Design Build

Otaku Design/Build is a residential design and construction company in Hyde Park that offers both design and general contracting for homes and small commercial buildings. Its specialty is high-quality interior and exterior finish carpentry and furniture-grade built-in cabinetry. By handling design and construction under one roof, Otaku helps homeowners planning remodels and additions get creative design ideas carried out well, often at considerable savings compared with hiring a separate architect and contractor.

The company’s pitch is that many people need design services for remodeling but cannot afford an architect, while many craftsmen lack design skills, and that communication between separate firms adds cost. Owner Robert Menapace has more than 25 years of experience in residential design, construction and remodeling, as well as furniture design and production and industrial design. The name comes from Japanese, where otaku means “your house.”

What to Know

• Robert Menapace studied design and sculpture at the Massachusetts College of Art.
• Otaku argues that poor design leads to costly mistakes that can devalue a property.
• The company is listed with Hyde Park Main Streets.