Our Story
Marisa Balfour, founder of Bay Area BBQ Islands, discovered her passion for outdoor living in the most unexpected way—helping a friend at an industry trade show in 2011. What began as a simple favor quickly turned into something much bigger. Over one inspiring weekend, she found herself helping people reimagine their backyards—transforming ordinary spaces into places for connection, cooking, and unforgettable gatherings. From that moment on, she knew this was what she was meant to do.
Before launching her design studio, Marisa built a successful career in semiconductor manufacturing, where she developed a sharp eye for precision, durability, and uncompromising quality. She later transitioned into residential real estate, gaining firsthand insight into how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can significantly enhance both lifestyle and home value.
In September 2011, Bay Area BBQ Islands was born with a clear mission: to elevate the experience of designing and building custom outdoor kitchens. Today, Marisa and her team are dedicated to guiding clients from inspiration to reality—helping you dream bigger, design smarter, and create an outdoor space that’s uniquely yours. Because your backyard shouldn’t just be seen—it should be lived in.
We Express Our Values Down to the Core
Our ability to serve our customers hinges on our ability to stay true to who we are as both a business, as well as individuals. Our values are more than just a guideline to customer service; they are how we live our lives and illustrate how we treat everyone and anyone who comes through our doors.
Integrity
We Do What We Say We Do
Pride
Our Work Is A Reflection Of Who We Are
Detail
Attentive To Every Element Of Your Project
Quality
We Stand Behind Our Designs, Materials & Workmanship
Our Advantage
We know you will be happy with your new additions and to prove it we are willing to put more on the line than just our name. Our comprehensive guarantees not only guarantee your satisfaction, but also allow you a sense of security knowing we will use only the best materials and products for your outdoor space.
Design
We specialize in outdoor kitchen design, capturing your vision to create functional, beautiful, and highly practical custom kitchen islands.
Materials
We only use the finest materials and professional-grade equipment to build durable, premium outdoor kitchen islands.
Workmanship
Our high-quality craftsmanship and white-glove service ensure lasting performance and comprehensive warranty protection.