Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Yaniv Taragano: The Art of Building

By Julie Deacon, Diamond Certified Research Writer

Yaniv Taragano is known to his clients as a reliable and experienced contractor, but his path to the construction industry was anything but typical. His early studies focused on Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, herbal therapies, and the principles of balance and energy. Later, he became a jewelry designer and diamond wholesaler, which allowed him to develop a keen eye for craftsmanship and artistic expression. While those industries may seem unrelated to construction, Yaniv sees a clear connection. “Chinese medicine is about understanding a person and helping them become whole, while jewelry design is about creating something beautiful and meaningful,” he offers. “I use both of those approaches whenever I design a home.”

As owner of Taragano Design and Build, Yaniv has cultivated a company culture that’s centered on communication, preparation and positivity. “I want everybody to come to work with a smile,” he says. “Whether it’s a client or a team member, I want the experience to be clear, organized and enjoyable.”

Yaniv says his favorite part of his job is the end of the remodeling process, when the clients see their vision transformed into reality. “They’ve lived through months of dust and disruption, so I love seeing the smiles on their faces when it’s all over. Bringing a dream from paper into real life makes me happy.”

Yaniv moved to the Bay Area three decades ago and currently lives in Concord with his wife, Katie, and their two children. He says his favorite part of life in the East Bay is the balance of convenience and natural beauty. “Concord isn’t as busy as some of the surrounding cities, which is nice. I enjoy having space, being close to nature and still being near everything I need.”

Outside of work, Yaniv and his family share several unique hobbies, including maintaining aquariums filled with discus fish and cultivating more than 200 varieties of succulents in their backyard greenhouse. “We just like building things together,” he affirms. “Whether it’s fish tanks, plants or projects around the house, it’s a passion that we share.”

Despite his busy schedule, Yaniv remains committed to personal growth and self-improvement. One piece of advice guides both his personal and professional life: Always do your best. “It doesn’t matter if you’re winning or losing—you need to know that you gave everything you had,” he offers.

Looking ahead, Yaniv dreams of one day owning a small farm surrounded by animals and vineyards. At the same time, he hopes to continue helping others through his work and philanthropic efforts. For now, he remains focused on what he does best: creating homes that reflect the people who live in them.

Ask Me Anything!

Q. What’s your favorite fruit?
A. It’s a tie between bananas and blueberries.

Q. If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A. Japan. I’m fascinated by the culture.

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
A. Kobe Bryant. I admire his dedication, discipline and commitment to excellence.

Q. If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
A. “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra.