Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 01:09 pm
Located in Orange County, Fountain Valley takes great pride in being consistently regarded as one of the best places to live in California. Residents benefit from its well-maintained streets and parkways, dozens of parks, a wide range of recreation programs for all ages, great weather throughout the year, and overall quality of life. Business is also thriving in this part of California, providing an exciting urban-suburban feel to the place. With most residents owning their own homes, remodels and renovations are constantly in demand.
This list showcases ten of the best residential architects behind some of Fountain Valley’s best homes and spaces. They were chosen for their various distinctions and their numerous press features. Our editorial team was also impressed by their talent when it came to working on some of the area’s most famous architectural vernaculars.
Brandon Architects
151 Kalmus Dr., Suite G-1, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Brandon Architects assists its clients throughout the entire process from inception to completion. The firm begins by thoroughly researching a project’s specific demands and potential problems. It makes use of the best and latest industry technology to visualize a home. Its efficiency is achieved through Building Information Modeling (BIM), which aids the team in preparing accurate 3D models to build a home in its entirety virtually before breaking ground. The firm has worked on over 180 homes since its inception. These projects include single-family residences but also multi-family, commercial, and hospitality building projects.
Labeled on its portfolio as “The Farm,” the project here showcases the firm’s talent and expertise. It was featured in an issue of Traditional Home Magazine and spans roughly 6,265 square feet. It was completed in collaboration with Patterson Custom Homes and BCLA and Blackband Design. The home is cozily nestled on a hilltop in Santa Ynez. Its single-story primary residence offers its owners stellar views while creating separation between living and sleeping areas. We loved its open floor plan, the generous vaulted roof, its great door systems, and other modern touches.
Brion Jeannette Architecture
470 Old Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Recognized both nationally and internationally, Brion Jeannette Architecture has secured a solid reputation for its world-famous and award-winning residences. Its portfolio showcases various sprawling estates, with designs ranging from contemporary and Cape Cod themes to various challenging and classic European designs. These include ornate Italian villas and Mediterranean mansions. It has also worked on several mid-century modern homes and Asian-inspired retreats. The firm is manned by skilled craftsmen who work closely on each of the firm’s projects, making handmade drawings into 3D rendered plans. The firm’s work has been featured in Coast, California Homes, and Design OC.
We’ve featured one of the firm’s best projects. Completed in Dana Point, this home features a classical Craftsman Style. It spans around 4,300 square feet and includes an excellent Great Room that opens to the outdoor living area. It also has its very own separate guest cottage, providing privacy for its guests.
Kiyohara Moffitt Architects
620 Moulton Avenue, Studio 106, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Founded in 1987, Kiyohara Moffitt Architects provides its clients with a complete and comprehensive range of architectural design services. Since its inception, it has completed countless projects. Besides its residential work, it has also taken on hundreds of thousands of square feet of office, retail tenant improvements, new office buildings, warehouse facilities, townhouses, and speculative housing developments. We were especially impressed by its award-winning custom homes. The firm is proud to be a 100% woman-owned business and takes great pride in the excellent reviews for itself through the years. It has had the honor of being featured in publications like Dream Homes Los Angeles and The Franklin Report Los Angeles.
The firm is currently led by its sole principal, Gina Moffitt. She draws inspiration from nearly four decades of industry experience. She has practiced throughout Southern California and holds a degree in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, which she completed summa cum laude. She personally oversees each of the company’s projects and is experienced in numerous project types, including commercial, residential, and interior design.
FoxLin Architects
392 Camino de Estrella, San Clemente, CA 92672
FoxLin Architects is the brainchild of Juintow Lin and Michael Fox. The two came together in 2005 to start the firm and initially took on only a few select residential projects each year to ensure the quality of their work. As time passed, they led their team to become one of the area’s most recognizable firms, with distinctions from organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The firm is also known for incorporating sustainable elements into its homes. The firm uses a method that integrates technology and architecture and ensures its clients’ needs and visions are perfectly realized. Our editorial team especially loved the project showcased here.
This photo depicts the firm’s work on the Ramona residence. It was completed back in 2016 and features a cluster of spaces around a central pool and courtyard. Its main entry is made up of a glass wall and water feature directly connected to the yard. We loved the great floor plan: it emphasizes an indoor-outdoor connection and its sustainable features. Those features include solar panels, active water heating, greywater recycling, and green roofs. One of its most unique features would have to be its schoolroom for home learning activities.
Jeannette Architects
296 Redondo Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803
Jeannette Architects is a full-service custom residential firm that dedicates itself to unique, highly sustainable projects. The firm guides clients step-by-step throughout the entire process using a thorough approach that only appears effortless. The firm has been in business since 2000 and is a family-owned, family-operated endeavor. Jeff Jeannette leads this talented team of professionals who have worked together on complicated additions, excellent expansions, and various other large-scale projects located on both hillsides and coastal locations. The Jeanette portfolio depicts a superb blend of extensive designs, with architecture ranging from 1800s historic craftsman bungalows to modern homes and contemporary spaces. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Arizona and is licensed in both California and Nevada. He is also the recipient of over 700 industry accolades and maintains affiliations with various vital industry organizations.
The project showcased above depicts the company’s work on the “Mehigan.” The home is located in Long Beach and was completed together with the talented professionals of RD Olson. The home is defined by beautiful French doors and lavish outdoor dining and living spaces.
Teale Architecture
2900 Bristol Street Bldg A, Suite 203 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Led by its namesake, Teale Architecture specializes in various architectural themes, from multiple contemporary and modern styles to select traditional and Mediterranean architecture. The firm’s excellent command of some of the most intricate and demanding designs stands out. It has been recognized by a variety of organizations and publications, including Architectural Digest and Home Bunch. The firm also employs the latest industry technology and techniques. Teale makes use of 3D imagery to better assist homeowners in visualizing their future homes. The firm does this with both its exteriors and interiors, allowing clients to walk through their blueprints with 3D goggles for a better experience.
Located in Corona del Mar, the project above features a great colonial theme and various modern touches. It showcases excellent paneled touches as well as unique shuttered windows. Inside, we loved its custom cabinetry and multiple finishes.
Grey waterSULISO Inc.
4299 MacArthur Blvd. Suite #104, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Headquartered in Newport Beach, SULISO provides its clients with comprehensive architecture, landscaping, and remodeling services. It is known to infuse various sustainability practices into its projects and is well-respected for its excellent design-build method. Aside from its residential projects, the company has also completed multiple spaces for countless corporations, businesses, and governmental bodies. Interested clients may avail of its free consultation services. The firm is composed of an award-winning team of landscape designers and builders who have dedicated themselves to healthy and sustainable design solutions that are environmentally responsive. Bruce Oliver leads the firm, a registered Landscape Architect and Construction Contractor in California. He holds two professional degrees in Landscape Architecture and is best known for his environmental planning activities for an extensive range of project types.
The photo above depicts the firm’s work on the Turtle Rock residence. It is located in the hills of Turtle Rock and features a large pool, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, and a spa. We loved its custom cascade wall, as well as its great wood deck.
DeMarco Architect
9121 Atlanta Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646
DeMarco Architect is a full-service licensed architectural firm, providing over three decades of industry experience. The firm’s principal, Cheryl DeMarco, AIA grew up in the industry as she began working at her father’s engineering-architectural firm. After completing her university degree, she worked at a national architectural firm gaining experience that she looks upon today. DeMarco Architect has created many projects over the years, including custom homes, extensive remodels, multi-family, mixed-use, retail, and restaurant designs. From contemporary to classic craftsman styles, the company can take on any project regardless of size or scale.
The photo above is an example of just one of the company’s design styles. This home was designed for a growing family that needed more space with a large master bedroom suite over the garage and even a basement below the garage. With land value at a premium, DeMarco considers all the possibilities when designing a project.
Eyoh Design
1050 Calle Cordiellera Unit 102, San Clemente, CA 92672
Eyoh Design operates out of its office in San Clemente and specializes in every aspect of the residential design process. The company emphasizes the importance of considering a homeowner’s vision and employs a highly collaborative approach to realize that vision. Eyoh is particularly well-known for the functionality of its designs and incorporation of various sustainable elements into its work. It typically designs homes that use the natural environment and showcase natural light. The firm was founded and is led by principals, Dustin and Alex Morris. They are originally from South Africa, and both received their Masters in Architecture from Nelson Mandela University. Unlike most firms on this list, the company also designs furniture. This allows for more personalized spaces. Our editorial team especially loved its great lamps, benches, and tables.
The project above was completed in Riviera, San Clemente. It features an elevated style and modern theme. We loved its high ceilings, concrete and wood finishes, and its elegant minimalism.
JF Carlson Architects
2300 Cliff Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663
JF Carlson Architects specializes in the design of custom homes, additions, and extensive remodels. The firm infuses various sustainability techniques into its process and is led by Jim Carlson. He offers homeowners over four decades of industry experience and has been a licensed architect in California for over 36 years. He makes sure that all of the company’s projects benefit from his experience and oversees the design, coordination, and entitlement work himself. He also selects the independent contractors the firm works with. Under his supervision, the company has worked on numerous Granny units, major and minor remodels, and even home theaters. The project below is an excellent example of the firm’s talent.
Labeled in its portfolio as “Lido Isle,” this project was completed in Newport Beach. It spans over 4,000 square feet and showcases a modern waterfront theme. We loved its dramatic curved skylight, as well as its excellent custom stairway.
