Last updated on May 27th, 2024 at 05:49 am
Regarded as one of the best places to live in California, Solana Beach is a coastal suburb of San Diego County that offers residents a mix of urban and suburban living. The population is largely composed of young professionals looking to jumpstart their careers, along with a healthy sprinkling of retirees. It’s the classic California beach town: residents enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and some very affordable living as well.
This classic west coast lifestyle is reflected in the area’s architectural landscape—the city sports a variety of coastal and classic Californian Spanish revivals. Our editorial team decided to showcase 15 of the best residential architects in the area, the firm behind some of Solana Beach’s most beautiful homes. These firms were chosen based not only on merit but also on their respective portfolios, skills, and experiences.
Benzoni Design
371 Glencrest Dr., Solana Beach, CA 92075
Benzoni Design specializes in every facet of the architectural process and provides its clients with a comprehensive range of services. It is quite respected for its excellent kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. The firm also takes on custom furniture commissions. The firm is led by its namesake Paola Bonacina Benzoni, a professional who was born in a small town just a few miles away from Milan in Italy. She earned her doctorate in architecture from Milan Polytechnic University in 1982 and first gained experience working on designs for her father’s company, a well-known industrial design furniture brand. During her years working in and around the field, she had the opportunity to work with numerous notable Italian designers. She also has an extensive background in terms of interior design and is licensed to practice all over California.
The firm often features contemporary themes in its work. It also maintains affiliations with vital industry organizations such as that of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Doing so allows it to stay up-to-date with the latest practices and techniques in the industry.
BGI Architecture
2292 Faraday Ave. #100, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Having established a solid reputation for itself over the years, BGI Architecture has completed projects across California, Arizona, and Hawaii. The firm has been in business since 1985 and offers a full range of architectural services. The firm is led by John Beery, a professional architect with nearly four decades of experience. By 2008, he expanded the firm’s services to include commercial design services, which encompassed numerous tenant improvements in the Southern California area. The firm works closely with only the best contractors and creative professionals. As a result, the firm is capable of creating a wide range of designs, including the latest contemporary and modern themes and the most intricate European and Tuscan styles.
Spanning nearly 5,000-square-feet, the project above was completed in Encinitas. This project challenged the firm with its entire transformation and now features a modern theme. The entire building was stripped to its foundations and all of its structural issues were corrected.
Carlos Architects
3327 Adams St., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Carlos Architects provides a creative and holistic approach to the design process and extends its services throughout Southern California. It is led by its founder and namesake, Andrew Carlos, a third-generation California resident with extensive knowledge of the state. He is licensed in both California and Colorado and also has experience in the fields of commercial and civic architecture. As a LEED Green Associate, Carlos and his team are capable of designing energy-efficient homes and are more than happy to implement any specific green elements a client may want in their home.
Photographer: Ian Patzke
The home featured here best reflects the firm’s talent and expertise. For this project, the firm’s team employed a modern design. The home features a neutral color palette with an emphasis on clean lines. This Solana Beach modern farmhouse highlights the California indoor-outdoor living experience with folding doors that open up to a beautiful outdoor space at the back. Wood is also used throughout the home for a warm and homey touch.
Chereskin Architecture
426 Andrew Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024
Established in 1990, Chereskin Architecture offers its clients a full and comprehensive range of services. The firm specializes in both commercial and residential work and since its inception, it has worked on the development of sensitive design solutions. Chereskin is also well-known for its excellent attention to detail and expertise in an extensive range of designs. The firm emphasizes the importance of close communication with its clients throughout the entire process, assuring its clients that their needs and desires will be met. The firm assists homeowners throughout the entire process, from pre-design to construction administration. It achieves this through the use of the latest CAD and communication technology.
The project above best showcases the firm’s expertise. It features a contemporary ranch design and is located in East San Diego County. For this home, the firm opted for a rotunda to ease circulation within the bedroom wing of the house.
Cohn + Associates
740 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Unit #205, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Cohn + Associates knows every facet of the residential architecture process and has been in business since 1987. The firm provides both custom home building and extensive remodels, and some of its best projects have been completed in neighborhoods with names like Coronado Island, Point Loma, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Los Angeles, Coastal San Luis Obispo County, Mammoth Lakes, and Napa Valley. The firm’s extensive services include planning and design development, construction document preparation, and construction administration. The firm’s extensive experience has allowed it to become an expert in terms of California coastal architecture. The firm also has experience working on projects located within planned coastal communities.
The project feature here is the Zinfandel residence. It sits in the heart of Napa Valley and features a modern farmhouse design. Inside, you’ll find an excellent indoor-outdoor floor plan that compliments the Napa lifestyle. It spans over 6,000-square-feet and also features vaulted ceilings, an outdoor room, an infinity pool, and a detached guest house.
Dean Meredith Architecture
1125 Camino Del Mar Suite A, Del Mar, CA 92014
With over four decades of industry experience, Dean Meredith Architecture is an expert in residential, commercial, retail, restaurant architectural services. The firm proudly extends these services throughout San Diego and Carlsbad including Del Mar, Encinitas, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Cardiff, Leucadia, Poway, and Solana Beach. The company is composed of a team of talented and highly-skilled professionals, each with an extensive background in terms of preparing documents, technical drawings, and specifications. The firm takes great pride in being an award-winning firm and has had its work featured in publications such as San Diego Home/Garden and Decor & Style. Dean Meredith has also had the opportunity to work on projects outside of Southern California in areas like Aspen, Colorado, and Maui.
The firm maintains affiliations with organizations like the AIA and is personally led by its founder and namesake. Dean Meredith is a native of San Diego and is experienced in designing a range of architectural styles, including Frank Lloyd Wright, contemporary, modern, craftsman, and Cape Cod. Under his leadership, the firm has also worked on several commercial projects including shopping centers, retail outlets, restaurants, offices, and resorts.
DZN Partners
682 Second St., Encinitas, CA 92024
With more than three decades of collective design experience, DZN Partners is led by Bart M. Smith, a licensed architect with an active background in the community. He served as president of the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association and has been a board member of the organization since 1994. Smith and his team not only work on residential projects but also provide commercial and mixed-use work. Their combined expertise has resulted in the firm’s signature craftsmanship, which is often distinguished by the woodwork, custom finishes, and an intuitive feel for Tuscan and Spanish Revival homes.
The project above was completed in 2019. It features a modern design with an attached accessory dwelling unit. The firm’s team formed the home’s transitional elements and unique features through a recurring theme of straight lines.
Friehauf Architects
341 S Cedros Ave. Suite D, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Friehauf Architects is the brainchild of its namesake Alex Friehauf, who first established the firm back in 1977. He first got a glimpse into the industry at an early age, as his father was a carpenter. His extensive background includes working on the construction of Disneyland and designing schools and commercial buildings. He is joined by his son Craig and the firm’s team of talented professionals, who together have a combined experience of around five decades. Under their leadership, the firm adheres to the highest of standards which have greatly contributed to their projects’ environments. The firm provides high-resolution design and oversees homes from start to finish. That includes predesign, planning, and design.
The project above is a hilltop residence completed in Poway. It includes 4,700-square-feet of living space. Inside, it has its own 350-square-foot home theater, as well as a 1000-square-foot garage.
JLC Architecture
337 South Cedros Ave. Suite J, Solana Beach, CA 92075
JLC Architecture offers a full range of services and uses a highly collaborative approach that emphasizes the importance of incorporating clients’ needs and wants into the firm’s designs. The firm is also known for making use of innovative and creative solutions to otherwise challenging projects. JLC Architecture is led by its owner, Jean-Louis Coquereau, an experienced architect with an extensive background in the field. He comes from a family of architects and maintains affiliations with organizations such as the AIA and LEED. Under his leadership, the firm has become known for its transitional, traditional, and contemporary projects.
The project above was completed in collaboration with DM Building back in 2018. It sits on an oddly shaped lot on a coastal canyon, which posed a challenge for the firm. As a result, the project features alternating stucco and cement board lap siding, aluminum windows and doors, and various decks.
John Jensen Architect
130 S Cedros Ave. #220, Solana Beach, CA 92075
With features in publications such as San Diego Home/Garden and Luxe Interiors + Design, John Jensen Architect offers its clients a complete range of architectural services. It works with the latest trends and themes and emphasizes the importance of working on environmentally responsive and sustainable designs. The firm studies a particular home’s site very closely and is also regarded for its excellent landscaping and exterior spaces. The firm also only uses the finest materials and latest industry methods, which have time and again resulted in excellent projects. John Jensen has completed projects throughout Southern and Central California as well as Mexico. The firm works closely with its clients throughout the entire process and since its inception has secured a solid clientele list for itself.
The firm’s portfolio depicts an excellent array of modern and traditional work. This gallery depicts wonderfully rendered contemporary spaces and classic Spanish Colonial revivals. The firm’s work has often been noted for its woodwork and custom finishes.
Prater Architects
5151 Shoreham Pl #280, San Diego, CA 92122
Prater Architects has secured a stellar reputation for its excellent designs and hands-on service. The firm is well-versed in the design and planning of a variety of building types, ranging from single-family residences to corporate communities. The firm also provides construction consulting and forensic litigation support whenever necessary. Namesake Kent Prater leads the firm. He draws inspiration from nearly four decades of working in the industry. That background includes 24 years in private practice as well as affiliations with several of some of Southern California’s best and leading architectural firms. He is licensed to practice not only in California but also in Arizona and Nevada. Under his leadership, the firm has also become known for its excellent ability to work on large-scale corporate developments in addition to its smaller private residential projects.
The firm’s work has been featured in various publications like San Diego Magazine and the San Diego Union-Tribune. It also maintains various ties with organizations like the AIA, the Community Associations Institute, and the US Green Building Council. The company holds a LEED certification, assuring its clients of the sustainability of its work.
Stephen Dalton Architects
444 Cedros, Studio 190, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Stephen Dalton Architects, otherwise known simply as “SDA”, is composed of a diverse and talented team of professionals. It is known for its excellent solutions and is well-regarded for its comprehensive services. The firm emphasizes the importance of taking into consideration place, context, and climate when working on its designs. The firm also adheres to the highest standards and is respected for its consistent and strict adherence to the agreed-upon budget and schedule. The firm’s projects have often been distinguished for their use of light, indoor-outdoor floor plans, high ceilings, and contemporary themes. The firm is the proud recipient of a multitude of awards from the AIA and several other organizations. The firm has also had the privilege of gracing the pages of various publications like San Diego Home/Garden, Coastal San Diego Homes Magazine, and Ranch and Coast Magazine.
Labeled in its portfolio as “Ocean House,” the project above was completed in Solana Beach back in 2019. The home is just steps away from the ocean and features a contemporary coastal theme. It also features passive and sustainable elements that power artificial lighting, cooling, and heating. Its expansive open floor plan allows the large kitchen, a guest room, and walls to flow into its outdoor spaces. The home features four bedrooms and a basement.
T7 Architecture
646 Valley Ave. Suite A, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Headquartered in San Diego, T7 Architecture is an architecture and design firm that specializes in and focuses on modern projects. It works closely with its clients throughout the entire process to ensure that their new homes cater to their lifestyles. The firm considers the project’s lot and the environment when creating designs and assists with zoning and constructability. As a result, T7 Architecture’s solutions are comprehensive and highly tailored to accommodate each specific project’s needs.
The featured project was completed on a tight budget and an aggressive schedule. For this home, the firm was challenged with working on modernizing this 1980’s home and designing an addition. Several new touches were also added to its exteriors.
Teller Architects
384 Forest Ave. #23-A, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Operating out of its office in Laguna Beach, Teller Architects provides its clients an extensive range of services. The firm is led by Si Teller, president and design principal. He oversees every facet of the process and is responsible for every phase of the firm’s business leadership and design. Under his supervision, the firm has become a multi-disciplinary practice with an impressive list of national and international clientele. The firm primarily uses a custom boutique and specializes in both residential and hospitality projects. The firm’s services include architectural design, construction management, art direction, and brand management. From time to time, it also works on custom furniture and lighting design.
The project above was completed in Solana Beach in 2012. It spans over 3,000 square feet and features an extravagant mid-century theme. Inside, it has an open floor plan, three bedrooms, a custom fireplace, a back bar, and fire pits.
The Kaufman Collaborative
7668 El Camino Real #104-345, Carlsbad, CA 92009
The Kaufman Collaborative is led by its Chief Visionary Officer Richard Emerson Kaufman. He holds licenses in both California and Texas and operates another office for the firm in the latter state. Under his leadership, the firm has become renowned for its comprehensive range of services and its expertise in numerous architectural themes. The Kaufman Collaborative portfolio provides evidence of expertise in both modern and traditional work.
The feature project involved a major addition and remodel to a residence that dates to the 1970s. The new design features an open concept. The firm also revamped its exteriors to add to its curb appeal.
