Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Architects in San Diego, CA

Our Recommended Top 19

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 San Diego Architects on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

275Reviewed

172Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

San Diego, CA 92101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

H2 I Hawkins + Hawkins Architects, Inc. brings 30 years of combined experience in construction and design to San Diego. The team specializes in commercial, residential, mixed-use, and cultural projects. Clients hire the group for site planning, feasibility studies, master planning, tenant space planning, and construction management. LEED sustainable design services are also available. H2 has been recognized with seven Gold Nugget Awards and with a Home of the Year award from San Diego Décor Magazine.

La Jolla, CA 92037

Why choose this provider?

Heather Johnston Architect has been a La Jolla architecture firm since 1992. The team works on residential projects with a clean, modern style and handles everything from schematic design to construction administration. Architect Heather Johnston has twice won Home of the Year from San Diego Home & Garden and has been featured in The New York Times and Architects + Artisans.

Encinitas, CA 92024

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Florence Architects is an Encinitas architecture firm. Clients engage the company for its modern, progressive, and sustainable design of custom homes, residential developments, mixed-use, and various commercial projects. Florence Architects can also design and build custom furniture pieces. Architect Jason Florence is a licensed architect as well as LEED Accredited Professional. Mr. Florence's first custom home was featured on the cover of San Diego Home & Garden and received a LEED Platinum certification from the United States Green Building Council.

La Jolla, CA 92037

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Mark Lee Christopher Architect has been providing architectural services for almost 30 years in the La Jolla area. The firm's work focuses on residential spaces and aims to create a private sanctuary for clients. Architect Mark Lee Christopher is also LEED certified and an adjunct professor of environmental sciences at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design. Mr. Christopher has won Home of the Year three times from San Diego Home & Garden.

Coronado, CA 92118

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)
Facebook
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Christian Rice Architects, Inc. has been providing architectural services in Coronado and the surrounding areas for over 10 years. Clients come to the firm for designs which mesh with the environment and their budget. The firm uses open collaboration to achieve works which have been featured in in Luxe Magazine, Coastal San Diego Magazine, and San Diego Home & Garden.

Carlsbad, CA 92009

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Ideal Design Systems, Inc. has been a Carlsbad architectural firm for almost 10 years. The group is known for affordable services for residential and commercial designs, historic renovations, interior design, and planning. Services include architectural design, project management, site assessments, tenant improvements, remodels, additions, and new constructions. Ideal Design Systems has received best of Houzz for Service in 2015 and 2016.

San Diego, CA 92103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (4)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Architects Magnus is a San Diego architectural firm. The group seeks to design homes in keeping with a client's lifestyle and which have minimal environmental impact. Services include project development feasibility, entitlements, and interior and exterior design consulting. Architects Magnus consists of state-registered architects, designers, consulting engineers, pre-qualified builders, and craftsmen. The team has been featured in numerous publications and has received Best of Houzz for Design four times.

San Diego, CA 92101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects has been a San Diego architectural team for over 35 years. The team uses an open, collaborative process to create meaningful spaces in keeping with sustainable design and environmentally-friendly practices. Clients hire the firm for design, master planning, renovations, urban design, program management, coordination with state funding, site analysis, and cost estimating. Interior design and LEED Certification services are also available. A list of numerous awards can be found on the website.

San Diego, CA 92110

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

domusstudio architecture LLP has been a San Diego architectural firm since 1986. Clients often engage the group for designs on challenging sites and complicated approval processes as well as for architecture which connects with nature. The studio's sustainable designs include LEED Silver, Gold, and Platinum certified projects, and domusstudio is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects.

San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

Murray Duncan Architects, Inc. brings over 30 years of experience in architectural services to the San Diego area. The group handles institutional, campus, commercial, and custom residential designs as well as physical land planning, feasibility and density studies, and construction documentation and administration. Architect Murray Duncan is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architects Registration Board, and the National Association of Home Builders.

La Jolla, CA 92037

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (7)
Yelp
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc. brings over 30 years of architectural experience to the La Jolla community. The group has over 500 completed projects and focuses on client communication and precise budgets and planning. The team specializes in coastal homes, historic buildings, and commercial projects and handles all coastal regulations, regulatory agencies, and homeowner/community groups involved. Mark D. Lyon has won the La Jolla Village News' Viewers Choice Award for Best Architect six times.

San Diego, CA 92101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (6)
Yelp
2.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Carrier Johnson + Culture is a San Diego architectural group. The firm promotes a culture of collaborative design and works on projects for residential, commercial, mixed-use, educational, entertainment, government, and transportation sectors. Services include architectural design, graphic design and signage, interior design, urban planning, and development. The team has won two Golden Nugget Awards in 2016 and a Gold in Best New Development for Student Housing at the 2014 Multi-Housing News Excellence Awards.

San Diego, CA 92103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (4)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Ten Seventy Architecture is a commercial and residential architecture group in San Diego. The firm considers itself a Total Design team and handles site analysis, schematic design, design development, and construction documents. Furniture as well as logo and graphic design services are also available. Clients can also view and purchase certain furniture items via the company's website.

La Jolla, CA 92037

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (17)
Google
4.8 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Marengo Morton Architects is a La Jolla architectural firm. Clients hire the team for coastal designs, residential and commercial projects, planning, and development projects. Services cover renderings, feasibility studies, coastal consulting, commercial kitchen designs, interior designs, 3D computer models, and historic remodels. The group has a focus on customer service and has been featured in Architects Review Weekly.

San Diego, CA 92101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (3)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Hubbell & Hubbell Architects has been a San Diego architectural team since 1995. Clients hire the firm for sustainable solutions, innovative design work, and artistic detailing for private residences as well as public facilities, parks, and nature centers. Hubbell & Hubbell is known as a leader in green building and uses a variety of approaches including rainwater harvesting, natural plaster, and passive solar design. The group won the Construction and Engineering award for Best Aesthetic and Ecological Architecture in California in 2015.

San Diego, CA 92107

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Steven Lombardi Architect provides architectural services in the San Diego area. The firm is known for its use of light as well as its focus on the roles that urban landscape, sculpture, theater, and energy play in the design process. Mr. Lombardi has worked with musicians, choreographers, scientists, manufacturers, doctors, and engineers. His projects have received the Award of Honor from the National Concrete Masonry Association in 2015 and the Architecture and Divine Detail Award at the 2015 San Diego AIA Design Awards.

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

CCBG Architecture, Inc. has been providing architectural services to San Diego since 1958. The team has completed thousands of projects including residential and multifamily homes, adaptive reuse projects, religious sanctuaries, urban infill projects, and commercial buildings. CCBG employs 21 architects and is known for its innovative designs as well as collaborative approach. The group has received an award from the Architectural Lighting Magazine.

La Jolla, CA 92037

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (4)
Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

IS Architecture is a La Jolla architectural firm. The team specializes in custom homes, historic restorations, and adaptive reuse projects and handles design, space planning, structure reports, surveys, and construction observation. IS Architecture has won a 2015 Gold Nugget Award of Merit for Best Rehabilitation Commercial/Industrial Project, San Diego Home & Garden's 2015 Kitchen of the Year Award, and a 2014 American Institute of Architects, California Council Distinguished Practice Award.

925 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Safdie Rabines Architects is an architecture firm comprised of 40+ architects, interior designers, and urban planners who work in collaboration with their clients, creating design solutions that respond to their unique needs and visions. Based in San Diego, California, the firm is led by the husband-and-wife team, Taal Safdie and Ricardo Rabines. The firm was established in 1993 with the philosophy to provide site-specific architecture that is both socially responsible and respectful of our natural environment. Safdie Rabines Architects has a diverse portfolio of experience that encompasses academic, higher education and K-12, hospitality, civic, residential, mixed-use, and commercial properties, and bridges and infrastructure.

Compare our Top Architects

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
H2 I Hawkins + Hawkins Architects, Inc.
San Diego, CA 92101
Heather Johnston Architect
La Jolla, CA 92037
Florence Architects
Encinitas, CA 92024
Mark Lee Christopher Architect
La Jolla, CA 92037
Christian Rice Architects, Inc.
Coronado, CA 92118
Ideal Design Systems, Inc.
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Architects Magnus
San Diego, CA 92103
Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects
San Diego, CA 92101
domusstudio architecture
San Diego, CA 92110
Murray Duncan Architects, Inc.
San Diego, CA 92101
Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Carrier Johnson + Culture
San Diego, CA 92101
Ten Seventy Architecture
San Diego, CA 92103
Marengo Morton Architects
La Jolla, CA 92037
Hubbell & Hubbell Architects
San Diego, CA 92101
Steven Lombardi Architect
San Diego, CA 92107
CCBG Architecture, Inc.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
IS Architecture
La Jolla, CA 92037
Safdie Rabines Architects
925 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

FAQs

  • 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.