Downey is located in the Gateway Cities Region, an area known for international trade. Its strategic location makes it an obvious choice for entrepreneurs and developers looking to launch new businesses in southeast Los Angeles County.

We’ve gathered a list of the best commercial architects in Downey, California to help you find the right partner. We chose these firms for their accomplishments, reputation, and expertise.  

AC Martin

444 South Flower Street, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90071

AC Martin is an architecture, planning, and research firm serving clients in Downey. The firm takes an integrated design approach to architecture to create enduring environments that resonate with modern sensibilities. The firm is committed to technologically advanced yet sustainable design informed by research. Its team includes LEED-certified architects who continue to push the boundaries of design.

Its projects include some of the most iconic business parks and corporate headquarters in Southern California. The team worked on Alderson Business Park, an honoree for the 2017 Irwindale Environmental Water Sustainability Award. The design incorporates oversized lunette windows, large fenced yards, and ample parking. 

Chairman Christopher Martin, FAIA is a civic leader devoted to the economic fortunes of downtown Los Angeles. A founding member of the Los Angeles Business Improvement District, he studied architecture at the University of Southern California. President and CEO Tom Hsieh, AIA, LEED AP has over 20 years of experience in architecture for various market sectors. He studied architecture at the University of Washington. Under their combined leadership, AC Martin has received many awards, including the 2020 Gold Nugget Grand Award and the 2020 AIA Citation Award. 

William Hezmalhalch Architects, Inc. 

3767 Worsham Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90808

For William Hezmalhalch Architects, each project starts with an idea. The firm’s experts think without constraints to come up with the most appropriate and effective designs. The firm offers comprehensive planning and design services to clients in Downey and the surrounding area. With offices throughout Southern and Northern California, the firm has a strong presence in the Golden State. 

Its extensive portfolio includes award-winning designs for the workplace, hospitality, and recreational markets. The secret to the firm’s success is the inquisitive environment in which its talented professionals operate. By embracing the latest technologies and participating in various organizations in the building industry, the firm provides top-notch service to its discerning clientele. 

Photo by Anthony Gomez Photography

WHA is the architecture firm behind the Downey Collection, a townhome development with 46 residential units at a density of 17.7 u/a. The design incorporates Spanish Revival-style architecture with contemporary elements. Raised entries create a smooth transition from public to private spaces while 5, 6, and 7-plex options add variation and make for an exquisite street scene. 

Principal Bill Hezmalhalch, AIA, NCARB has over 40 years of experience in the design and architectural execution of town centers, retail properties, and golf clubhouses. 

WHA is the recipient of the Merit Award at the 2020 AIA Orange County Design Awards and the Gold Award at the 2015 Best in American Living Awards. Learn more about their work at www.whainc.com.

Westberg White Architecture

14471 West Chambers Road, Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780

Westberg White Architect ties everything back to the company’s values when it comes to day-to-day decision-making. These values include quality, diligence, and collaboration. With architectural programming as the starting point for each project, the firm continues to deliver exceptional designs that inspire communities to meet their full potential. 

WWA’s architectural design services include space planning, conditions assessments, and ADA and code compliance research. A leader in sustainable design, the firm also specializes in energy master planning, energy audits, and rebate funding availability. Its expertise makes them one of the most in-demand firms in the Downey area.  Founder Paul Westberg is a 1965 graduate of Downey High School. He has worked with various school districts in Downey for more than 30 years with about $250 million worth of school upgrade projects.

The firm is behind the major modernization of the Sussman Middle School. This middle school campus project includes rebranding of the dated campus image through the modernization of 12 classroom buildings, two athletic locker room and restroom buildings, and a multi-purpose/cafeteria building. Additional improvements include growth components such as the renovation and expansion of an existing 7,702-square-foot administration building; a new 25,743-square-foot, two-story science and library building; and a 13,664-square-foot gymnasium. All of this scope is in anticipation of added student capacity as well as upgrades to technology and current teaching methodology, which will include some staffing augmentation. Additional site modifications will include expanding current on-site parking facilities, relocation of some existing portable classroom structures, improved outdoor lunch shelter areas, and improvements to and reorientation of sports fields, in addition to site security improvements. Overall, the project involved three new buildings and more than 47,000 square feet of total project area.

SWA Architects

48 East Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103

SWA Architects is a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and  Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). The firm offers integrated architectural design, consulting, and planning services to commercial clients in the Downey area. The firm provides access to LEED Accredited Professionals with extensive experience in the master planning and programming of complex projects. Doing so enables the firm to meet the short and long-term needs of clients across different sectors. 

Since its founding in 1985, SWA has built a long list of loyal clients in the commercial and private sectors. These include Hyundai Kia Motors America. The firm designed its proving grounds in the Mojave Desert. The 32,000-square foot development has offices, workrooms and an equipment testing lab. The highlight of the proving grounds is the Technical Center Garage, which features four lifts, tire and parts storage drives, and on-site dining and recreational facilities.    

SWA won Honorable Mention for Best Healthcare Project at the 2013 RED Awards for its work on Florence Hospital in Arizona. The firm has been featured in Healthcare Design, Health Executive, and Real Estate Construction. 

Senior Principal Stephen Wen, AIA, LEED AP oversees project implementation and quality at SWA. He is directly involved in day-to-day operations.