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2024

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Best Architects in Monterey

Our Recommended Top 9

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Monterey Architects on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

14

Reviewed

12

Curated

9

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
9699 Blue Larkspur Lane, Monterey, CA 93940

Why choose this provider?

AO Architectural Design is a Monterey-based company that specializes in architectural services. Its offerings include design development, architectural interior design, graphic design, and 3D modeling. Additionally, the company provides assistance in zoning and planning, on-site project representation, and approval processing with local and regional agencies. Company architect Anatoly Ostretsov has more than three decades of architecture and interior design practice. Before moving to California, where Anatoly established his firm AO Architectural Design, he worked as the director of the Planning and Building Department and as an architect in Nadym, Siberia.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
11420 A Commercial Parkway, Castroville, CA 95012

Why choose this provider?

Ausonio Incorporated is a Castroville-based firm that offers design-build services for residential and commercial purposes. Serving the Monterey area, the firm conducts general contractor work, including architectural design services with a focus on custom residences, specialty industrial spaces, and agricultural facilities. The firm also covers construction-related management activities. Founded by Andrew E. Ausonio in 1959, Ausonio Incorporated has received various awards in recognition of its work, including Excellence in Design from American Buildings and the TCA Tilt-Up Achievement Award.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.4 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
769 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Why choose this provider?

Daniel Fletcher / Architects PC is a Monterey-based architecture firm that is committed to creating customized solutions for its customers based on their needs and preferences. It handles projects involving architecture as well as interior and landscape design for homeowners. The company has achieved multiple awards for its works. Some of the awards it has received include the Grand Award from the Gold Nugget Awards presented by Pacific Coast Builders Conference in 2019 and Gold Award from the Dream Home Awards in 2011.

Website
857 Cass Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Why choose this provider?

Merritt Amanti Palminteri is an architect who is committed to providing sustainable architectural services to her clients in Monterey. Her architectural style emphasizes detail, natural light, and the enhancement of the relationship between people and their surroundings. She has completed several architectural projects that include a new cottage in Carmel, a modern Tudor kitchen in Pacific Grove, and a traditional kitchen in Monterey. Merritt underwent training with Anik Pearson Architect in New York. She has also earned a LEED Certification in 2008.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
550 Hartnell Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Why choose this provider?

Justin Pauly Architects designs a variety of residential and commercial architectural projects for clients in Monterey. The team of architects understands the technical challenges, construction techniques, and regulatory obstacles in designing structures to be visually pleasing and structurally sound. It works with clients in creating spaces that meet their needs, vision, and culture while ensuring these structures fit into their immediate and wider surroundings. Justin Pauly Architects has designed several important projects, including the Angelo Reserve Environmental Science Center.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
211 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940

Why choose this provider?

Eric Miller Architects, Inc., is an architectural firm that has handled over 200 projects in and around Monterey. Established in 1987, it specializes in building both traditional and modern households. The firm handles the paperwork for construction permits, agency approvals, and other contracts. Its staff also coordinates with a professional interior designer, engineers, and consultants for architectural layouts and plans. The firm has won multiple awards from architectural bodies like the Pacific Grove Heritage Society and the American Institute of Architects.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2 Junipero Street S/W of 4th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Why choose this provider?

Adam Jeselnick Architect is an architectural firm that has been serving clients around the Monterey area since 2013. Jeselnick's design foundation is rooted in traditional urbanism and classical architecture, but he also works on contemporary designs inspired by his travels. His architectural experience includes community master plans, custom homes, multi-family residential complexes, and public works. He and his team have worked on notable projects like Affina Restaurant, the Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse, and homes around Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2340 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1963, Wald, Ruhnke & Dost is an architectural firm in Monterey that has built its reputation in designing beautiful and functional interiors and buildings. Its team of architects offers a range of services, including bidding and evaluation, construction administration, interior design, art procurement, 3D renderings, and space planning. Its principal, Christopher Barlow, is an architect who focuses on regional community designs. Barlow holds the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional designation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2400 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940

Why choose this provider?

JHW Architects, Inc. is an architectural firm serving the Greater Monterey area. The company was founded in 1970 and is operated by Daryl Hawkins and Douglas Roberts. It provides architectural services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. JHW Architects, Inc. carries over 46 years of experience and has worked with numerous institutions and businesses in Monterey, including CSU Monterey Bay, Monterey College of Law, and CTB McGraw Hill. It also earned the 2002 AIA Monterey Bay Merit Award for its Samson Student Center project.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Architects are skilled professionals who create designs and plans for a variety of reasons. While the term architect traditionally refers to a professional who creates building plans, either for residential or commercial properties, the word can also refer to an architect who works with technology and digital infrastructure. Below are some of the most common titles an architect may have:
    • Landscape architect: Designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and college campuses

    • Restoration architect: Preserves historic buildings and monuments
    • Lighting architect: Designs, installs, and operates lighting for theater and film productions
    • Extreme architect: Creates buildings that withstand major disasters or severe weather
    • Residential architect: Designs homes and multifamily properties
    • Sustainable/green design architect: Designs buildings that have a minimal environmental impact
    • Industrial architect: Develops plans for industrial buildings, such as factories and plants
    • Conservation architect: Preserves unprotected heritage sites
    • Interior architect: Designs interiors for commercial and residential buildings
  • How much does an architect cost?

    The cost of hiring an architect varies, depending on what type of work needs to be done. According to Home Guide, most traditional architects charge anywhere from $100 to $250 per hour to draw plans; however, this cost may vary depending on experience and project scope.

  • How much do residential architects charge?

    Residential architects typically charge anywhere from $2,000 to $8,500 for initial plans and small projects, according to Home Advisor. For large projects, revisions, and extra services, this cost can increase.

  • Do I need an architect to build a house?

    While it's not required to hire an architect before building a house, it's usually a good idea. An architect can ensure that all housing plans are done per local housing codes while ensuring the home is beautifully designed.

  • How can someone draw like an architect?

    It requires practice and knowledge of drawing different perspectives and dimensions. Tutorial videos can be found online that advise beginners; however, without proper instruction and technique, architectural drawings may not be in accordance with building laws.

  • Do you need an architect for a renovation?

    An architect isn't always required for a remodel or renovation; however, some municipalities may require professional architect drawings before construction permits are approved. In most cases, it's best to check with local laws before undergoing renovations.

  • How long is an architect liable for a building?

    Architects may be held liable for up to 15 years after the completion of a project. Until that time has passed, architects may face claims for defects in design.

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