Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 12:37 pm
When building a home, construction isn’t the only thing homeowners should be concerned with. There are other aspects to consider: architecture and interior design, for instance, need to be planned from the very beginning of the process. Cohesive construction and design happen when these elements are well-coordinated.
This list of the best residential architects in San Juan Capistrano, California gives clients an idea of who they can hire for the design of their homes. These architects were chosen based on their backgrounds, their experience, and—most importantly—their ability to design homes that both fit their site context and stand out as aesthetic landmarks.
Anders Lasater Architects, Inc.
384 Forest Avenue, #12 Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Anders Lasater Architects, Inc. is an architectural studio specializing in custom homes and residential architecture, as well as restaurant, retail, hotel, and other boutique commercial projects. Led by its namesake, Anders Lasater, the firm and its practice are centered around what it calls “the fundamental assets of great architecture,” which are space, proportion, light, and material.
One example of this applied approach is the Skyline residence. The home was designed as a modern family home that supports the unique activities of its inhabitants while at the same time emphasizing the importance of a connected family experience. Life in the Skyline revolves around the diverse needs of the family, so the house revolves around a central courtyard that brings light and visual connectivity to both levels of the home.
Kristine Sprague Architect LEED AP
944 Calle Amanecer, Suite D, San Clemente, CA 92673
Based in San Clemente and serving south Orange County, Kristine Sprague Architect is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) whose portfolio consists of projects that range from $100k renovations up to $1 million new homes. Residential design is Kristine’s expertise, as she has been designing new residences as well as additions and renovations since 1999.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. The Esmeralda Ocean View project involved a 900-square-foot addition and renovation. The clients wanted a Great Room that opened directly to a large patio cover, which acts as a transition zone to the new pool area. The firm installed a 26′ wide pocketing glass sliding door system which gave the widest view possible of an ocean sunset. The patio cover also created a glass railing terrace above for the master and guest bedrooms. Other details of the renovation include a coffered ceiling, new flooring, stone pavers in the patio cover and balcony above, and an all-new outdoor kitchen.
Geoff Sumich Design
31511 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Geoff Sumich, principal of Geoff Sumich Design, has been practicing for over three decades in Orange County. For the first ten years of his practice, he was designing traditional homes. This background, combined with his modernist nature, is what now enables Geoff to practice what he calls “romantic modernism,” a combination of elements from the past and the simplicity and minimalism of modern design.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This Laguna Canyon home features mixed materials: wood, concrete, and glass. This combination of materials is characteristic of the firm’s work, as the materials are allowed to age naturally and are then placed in a simple, clean, modern space. The result is the home looks warm and inviting and has both the character of tradition and the convenience of modernity.
Moss Yaw Design Studio
57 Vantis Dr, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Moss Yaw Design Studio is an architectural firm based in and serving Southern California. The firm specializes in custom residential design as well as green building practices for new homes, remodels, and additions. The firm is led by Lauren Moss and Jason Yaw, who are both LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD + C) architects with extensive experience in the design and delivery of residential, commercial, and educational project types. Lauren and Jason are also well-versed in green design.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, this contemporary cottage features an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings as well as expansive openings that frame sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The presence of modern amenities and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas enables a lifestyle that embraces both beach culture and the local landscape.
Studio 6 Architects
2753 Camino Capistrano, Suite A100, San Clemente, CA 92672
Studio 6 Architects is led by principals Brian Muehlbauer and Rob Williams, who have more than fifty years of experience between them in the design and construction of high-end residential projects. Clients can be sure that the firm designs buildings with its clients, community, and the environment in mind.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. The client’s vision for this 5,600-square-foot French Country home was for it to be a place where their daughters could marry. The Juliet balcony, stairway, and the flow of the downstairs rooms into the spacious backyard created a welcoming, family atmosphere for weddings. The set-up also accommodates something as simple as a Sunday family dinner. The project was completed in collaboration with Duane Fitzgerald Company.
Mark D. Warren Architect
1485 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Mark D. Warren—member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)—has worked on over 300 projects in locations ranging from California, Colorado, and Nevada to as far away as Tahiti, Hawaii, and Vancouver. When working on a project, Mark sees to it that he collaborates closely with government agencies and with his network of like-minded professionals with the same values and vision.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This Loretta Drive home gives off a charming and homey feel. From its warm landscaping to its mixed materials, and even to its symmetrical windows, the home is the picture of order and structure. The mixed materials of the exterior make for a façade that is both comfortable-looking and easy on the eyes.
Benjamin John Stevens Architect, Inc.
25251 Via Piedra Blanca, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Founded in 2009, Benjamin John Stevens Architect, is led by its namesake Benjamin John Stevens, who has seven years of design experience with various architectural firms in cities from coast to coast, including Baltimore, San Diego, San Francisco, and Laguna Beach. Benjamin believes that the relationship between client and architect is essential to the result of the project, which is why he works to cultivate one-on-one relationships with his own clients.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. The Garelick Residence is a new construction of a single-family residence in the Dover Shores neighborhood of Newport Beach. The home is grand and modern, featuring mixed materials in its exterior, including wood, stone, and concrete. Inside, you will find equally modern spaces for living and entertaining, such as an exquisite open concept kitchen, a living room, and a dining room. The backyard provides a pool with lounging spots to soak in the sun.
Eyoh Design
1050 Calle Cordillera, Suite 102, San Clemente, CA 92672
Eyoh Design is a full-service architectural design firm specializing in custom building design and interior design for residential projects. The firm’s goal is to achieve the design of a space that caters to client-specific needs. The firm’s preparations are so well-devised that, even before construction, it uses the latest 3D software to provide the client with a comprehensive understanding of their building and design.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This is a charming mid-century modern home with mixed materials that give the structure both a rustic and modern look. This quality is also carried over to the interiors, where you will find fresh takes on traditional finishes and fixtures.
Migliozzi Architecture
22195 El Paseo, Suite #250, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Located in Orange County, Migliozzi Architecture is an architectural firm providing high-end design, conceptual drawing, and consultation services to commercial tenants, developers, and homeowners. The firm was founded in 2014 and is led by Jorgelina “Giorgie” Migliozzi, an architect who is licensed in both California and Argentina.
With Giorgie’s study of interior design and her practice of architecture, she is able to offer an integrated service to clients. In her portfolio, clients can find work on living rooms, open concept kitchen and dining areas, and exteriors. This exterior in particular has a clean and sharp-looking façade, thanks to its solid block coloring and minimalist design. Some landscaping also decorates the outside, adding a touch of freshness to the home’s exterior.
Scott Rosenbaum Architecture
31511 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Based in Southern California, Scott Rosenbaum Architecture is a design firm whose architectural practice is built on the principle of “less is more.” The firm operates on this principle through a focus on form and proportion, which the firm’s principal, Scott Rosenbaum, believes dictates that the rest of the design falls into place.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This traditional home looks cozy and charming, thanks to its low, gabled roof and its vibrant landscape. The landscape, in particular, breathes life into the simple exterior, and its arrangement creates a hierarchy of elements, from hedge to shrub to plant. The greenery also spills into the house, sharing room with many of the spaces, particularly the outdoor ones. The home is a refreshing site to reside in, and it’s a wonderful place to create a lively social scene as well.
Douglas Mansfield Architect, Inc.
108 W. El Portal, San Clemente, CA 92672
Based in San Clemente, R. Douglas Mansfield Architect, Inc. is a firm that is proud of its loyal clientele composed of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and executives. The firm has been cultivating relationships with these personalities since 1997 and has been successful at keeping clients thanks to its personalized and collaborative service, strong work ethic, and foundation of trust.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This Mediterranean-style rooftop home was the result of careful collaboration between the owner and the firm. The house is composed of box-like forms made of glass, stone, and stucco. The maximization of views was seen as the paramount goal, so the firm laid out the floor plan so as to allow views of the Pacific Ocean into as many rooms as possible. The home’s rooftop deck was conceived as the heart and soul of the home, providing the perfect setting for many festive or quiet sunset gatherings with family and friends.
