About KISKI Drainage & Siteworks

The Bay Area's Premier Site & Drainage Specialists

KISKI Drainage & Siteworks designs and builds engineered drainage systems, structural concrete, and complete site transformations for high-end residential and commercial properties across the Bay Area. Every project starts with the same question: where does the water go, and how do we control it permanently? That drainage-first discipline is what separates our work from typical landscaping or hardscape contractors — and it's why our systems are built to last.


What We Do

Drainage engineering is our foundation. KISKI began as a drainage-only company, and we've never drifted from that core discipline. We design and install complete drainage systems engineered to solve the underlying water problem — not just move it somewhere else temporarily. Every additional service we offer is built on top of that same principle: solve the water problem first, then build something beautiful and durable on top of it.

From that foundation, we've expanded into full site transformation services, always designed with proper drainage integrated from the start:

  • Grading, excavation & hillside terracing — reshaping problem terrain into usable, stable land
  • Yard expansion — reclaiming unusable sloped or wet areas as functional outdoor space
  • Concrete & paver hardscapes — patios, pool decks, and driveways engineered with proper drainage beneath and around them
  • Retaining walls — structural walls built to manage both soil pressure and water flow
  • Decorative carved and colored concrete walls — custom finishes that add curb appeal without compromising structural performance
  • Exterior lighting — designed alongside hardscape and grading work for a cohesive finished property
  • Fencing & gates — completing the property with the same attention to durability and design

Because every project passes through the same drainage-engineering lens, homeowners get hardscape and site work that won't develop the drainage problems so common with contractors who treat water management as an afterthought.



Meet Pete Popcke, Founder

People hire people, not companies. Here's my story.

I grew up in western Pennsylvania and spent my teenage years working for a contractor, where I first learned the fundamentals of grading, drainage, and site work. After college, I spent nearly 25 years in a completely different world — corporate and startup work, including a move to California in 1995 to be part of the tech industry.

But my path back to construction started the same way most of my clients' stories start: with a drainage problem at my own home.

We live at the base of a large hill, and stormwater pours into our yard with every significant rain. Our backyard would turn into a pond. More than once, water pooled under the house. Every rainy season brought the same musty, wet-dirt smell into our living space.

I got quotes from several drainage contractors for French drain systems and thought the pricing was excessive. Having worked for a contractor as a kid, I knew how to install a French drain myself — so I decided to do it on my own.

While preparing for that project, I discovered HydroBlox, an advanced drainage material that dramatically simplifies and strengthens drainage installations compared to traditional French drains. I installed it myself, and it worked — completely. The water still flows onto our property exactly as it always has, but now it's captured and routed safely to the street. No more standing water in the yard. No more musty smell after rain. No more wet crawl space.

That result changed the direction of my career. I left the tech industry and became the exclusive HydroBlox distributor for Washington, Oregon, and California, and built KISKI into a licensed, trained installation contractor using HydroBlox systems in the markets we serve.

Today, KISKI Drainage & Siteworks combines that specialized drainage engineering expertise with full-service site and hardscape construction — bringing an engineer's problem-solving discipline to every property we touch.

We also regularly review photos, videos, and building plans from homeowners and contractors at no charge, offering guidance on drainage solutions before any commitment is made. If you're evaluating a drainage or site project, we're happy to look at what you're working with and explain your options.


Why Bay Area Property Owners Trust KISKI

  • Engineering-first approach. Every hardscape, grading, or concrete project is designed around proper water management from day one — not retrofitted after problems appear.
  • Specialized drainage expertise. KISKI's roots as a drainage-only company mean our team understands water behavior at a level general contractors typically don't.
  • Licensed HydroBlox contractor and regional distributor. Access to advanced drainage materials and installation methods not widely available through other contractors.
  • Founder-led, personally involved. Pete Popcke's own drainage failure — and the fix that finally worked — is the reason KISKI exists. That firsthand experience shapes how every project is evaluated and designed.
  • Built for high-end residential and commercial properties. Solutions engineered to protect significant property investments for the long term, not quick patches.


Our Core Values

Innovation

We stay ahead of industry trends by providing modern, high-performance drainage solutions. Our products are designed to streamline installation, reduce maintenance, and improve long-term performance.

Integrity

We believe in honest, transparent business practices. From product recommendations to installation support, our team is dedicated to providing accurate information and reliable guidance.

Sustainability

Environmental responsibility is at the heart of our work. We distribute products like HydroBlox, which is made from 100% recycled materials, ensuring that every project supports a more sustainable future.