Find a architect in Santa Monica, CA

Find architects in Santa Monica, CA

Find architects in Santa Monica, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best architects in your area.
Zip code

Find architects in Santa Monica, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best architects in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 architects in Santa Monica, CA

Homeowners agree: these Santa Monica architects are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
GWC Design Architects

GWC Design Architects

New on HomeGuide
Offers online services
47+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
At GWC Design Architects, located in Hermosa Beach, CA, we are committed to transforming your living spaces through expert architectural services and innovative design solutions. With a focus on ADA and disability remodeling, our dedicated team of two ensures personalized attention to every project, from kitchen and bathroom remodels to structural engineering and 3D modeling. Whether you seek a patio addition or a complete home remodel, we bring creativity and precision to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Let us help you envision and realize your dream space.
LHOOQ Design

LHOOQ Design

New on HomeGuide
Serves Santa Monica, CA
LHOOQ Design is a full-services architectural design firm based in Santa Monica, founded in 2024 by Seth Ellsworth. I follow my design philosophy that everything is informed by Purpose, creating environments that consider the total user experience. I strive to design projects that enhance their surroundings and contribute to community-building. Part of my unique approach is to guide the client through a series of "day-in-the-life" scenarios, to ensure that the project is designed to match your lifestyle and how you will actually use the space. This helps focus design efforts and project budgets on the areas that matter most. I have 15 years
Coscia Day Architecture And Design

Coscia Day Architecture And Design

5.0(1)
34+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Greg F. says, "I have been working with Tony Coscia for 30 years because he is deeply curious and always expands my vision and that of the project itself. Tony is a visionary and brings his unique architectural prowess to every thing he touches. It is for these reasons and his charm that we always include Tony in every one of our architectural endeavors." Read more
Pacific Sands

Pacific Sands

5.0(1)
13+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Rj J. says, "Very fast to reply to our questions. Also, when working Cameron and Mark they helped explain so much of the process. We felt really well informed, which was very different from other architects and designers that we worked with." Read more
MAKE Architecture

MAKE Architecture

New on HomeGuide
23+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
MAKE is known for excellent customer attention and outstanding design and our ability to guide our Clients through the project from germination through completion. We thoroughly enjoy working with Clients understand their needs and desires, to usher those goals into inspirational design solutions, and work to see them to conceived.
AE Architecture, Inc

AE Architecture, Inc

New on HomeGuide
25+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Our architectural designs have been published around the world, been on the cover of the Los Angeles Times, and recently received international award. Turning the average bungalow into a sought after architectural gem.
The Melvin Grant Company

The Melvin Grant Company

New on HomeGuide
Offers online services
33+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Rarely do I get excited about architectural projects anymore, but I do get excited when I witness the clients excitement at the completion of the project.
CODA Spaces

CODA Spaces

New on HomeGuide
18+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
CODAspaces, located in Los Angeles, California, is a progressive workspace environment for creative professionals headed by Jerome, a Harvard-educated architect and entrepreneur. Jerome brings his experience from renowned firms like CLIVE WILKINSON architects and SFJones Architects, known for their innovative designs and acclaimed restaurants. At CODAspaces, he oversees all projects, ensuring their reputation for award-winning architecture, engineering, and construction is upheld in every endeavor.
SUBU Design Architecture

SUBU Design Architecture

New on HomeGuide
14+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Founded in 2012, SUBU Design Architecture is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm located in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas. Led by May Sung, a Fulbright Scholar and LEED AP, SUBU specializes in private custom residences, high-profile commercial projects, and hospitality design. With a reputation for collaborative design, the firm focuses on telling the client's story through their space, creating not just a place, but a sense of place, tailored to the client's lifestyle. Notable projects include numerous residences, hotels, and a luxury boutique hotel in Palm Springs.
Æ | Atelier Eyster Architecture

Æ | Atelier Eyster Architecture

New on HomeGuide
26+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
æ architecture, Inc., founded in 2000 in Los Angeles, CA, is a distinguished design firm led by Jeffrey Eyster. With over two decades of experience, Eyster's expertise extends beyond architecture to provide top-tier service and creative solutions. The firm specializes in utilizing innovative Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, facilitating their commitment to artistic and architectural excellence. This dedication is evident as their designs have graced the cover of the Los Angeles Times. æ architecture prioritizes client needs, ensuring a seamless process from design to construction.

Your Architectural Services questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.

How much does an architect cost near me?

Hiring an architect costs 5% to 20% of the total project cost, depending on the size and type. Some architects charge $100 to $250 per hour, while others charge $2 to $15 per square foot for new construction. The flat-rate cost for an architect to draw plans is $2,000 to $20,000.

What services does an architecture firm provide?

Architectural services include the planning, designing, and drawing of home plans and remodeling projects, and managing the construction contracts on behalf of homeowners. Other services include obtaining permits, producing documentation required for the city, and obtaining certificates of occupancy for completed projects.

  • Consultation and schematic design – Pre-design planning, ideas, and concepts are presented and developed with client feedback. Then a rough sketch is designed to ensure the building requirements are clearly understood.
  • Design development – The rough sketches are developed, reviewed, and refined into final drawing plans, specifications, and elevations.
  • Construction documents – The architect helps the client select materials and finishes, coordinates with other designers and engineers, and produces a set of legal contract documents ready for building.
  • Contract negotiation – The architect solicits bids from building contractors and helps the client select and hire a contractor.
  • Construction contract administration – The architect manages the contractors to resolve any conflicts, ensures the project is built to the drawing plans and specifications, and performs a final inspection.

Do I need a residential architect or a contractor?

  • Hire an architect when building a custom home or for home remodeling projects involving structural changes or costs beyond 5% of your house's value.
  • Hire a general contractor for house renovations or remodeling projects that don't involve structural changes or costs less than 5% of your home's value.
  • Hire a structural engineer for remodeling projects that involve the house's stability, such as knocking down a wall, rebuilding a chimney, or planning an addition.

Does a home architect have to be licensed?

Residential building and remodeling projects may be exempt from requiring a licensed architect in the design, depending on the state. States require locally licensed architects to stamp drawing plans for commercial building projects.

How do I find an architect in my area?

Start by searching our list of remodeling architects, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:

How to choose an architect:

  • Get at least three estimates from local architects to compare.
  • Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
  • Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
  • Verify their license, insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
  • Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
  • Look for architects that are a member of The American Institute of Architects.
  • Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
  • Ask for a full itemized estimate in writing.
  • Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best architectural services near you.

What questions to ask local architects before hiring?

When hiring an architectural designer, ask them the following questions:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How many similar projects have you completed?
  • Are there any potential complications you foresee with this project?
  • What is your architect style?
  • Can I see your license and liability insurance?
  • Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
  • What type of renderings (3D, video, illustrative drawings) will you submit?
  • Can you handle special requirements such as ADA or LEED?
  • How long will the project take?
  • Do you help with finding and hiring general contractors and subcontractors?
  • What does your warranty policy include?
  • What is your fee structure and schedule?
  • What services are included in the cost?
  • Can you provide me a written estimate or contract?
  • What happens when your costs exceed the budget?
  • What do I need to provide to get started?

Reviews for Santa Monica architects

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Monica area.
Leslie G.
Cameron Marcarelli did the design and was the general contractor for the complete makeover of our old and drab house. Cameron has the gift of being able to visualize a total transformation of a space where we might only see an upgrade of what is already there. He knows what will work, and advises on materials and other aspects of a home remodel while respecting our personal taste and preferences. Our house is beautiful now. It looks like a completely different house. I never thought our house had the potential to be so amazing without completely tearing it down and starting over. Cameron is also incredible to work with. He supervises every aspect of the job, checks in just about every day to make sure all of the work is up to his standards and up to code, and if there is something that's not done properly, he deals with it. This was very helpful because I want the job to be done perfectly but I both don't know if some of the work is done properly, or I can see a problem but it is awkward to nag the workers if I'm not happy with how it turned out. He is also expert at dealing with the city of Calabasas, which has been a real headache in the past. I completely trust Cameron and his judgment and honesty. I am thankful we found him and recommend him and Marcarelli Design with no reservations.
Marcarelli Design Inc.
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