As the largest city in Kern County, Bakersfield is home to commercial centers that contribute to the region’s economic success. The city is also a significant hub for energy and agricultural production. It is also home to corporate regional offices for a long list of companies from a wide spectrum of industries. Helping these organizations design their spaces are the best commercial architects in Bakersfield.
The firms featured below are multi-awarded, multi-affiliated, and have been featured in several industry publications. These firms are also highly commended by many notable clients from the city’s metropolitan business community.
Darden Architects
5001 California Avenue, Suite #108, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Darden Architects was commissioned by Plum Healthcare to design the Trellis, a nursing facility in Chino. The 37,000-square-foot healthcare center was designed to cater to the needs of the city’s residents, especially when it comes to recuperative healing and care services. The contemporary-inspired facility accommodates 59 beds and features large, interior corridors that present a clean, understated “spa-like” atmosphere. The thick, earth-toned walls and long, horizontal form of the building were accentuated by a standing seam roofing and complemented by ornamental metal fencing. The building also highlights energy-efficient and sustainable materials.
Projects that carry the same quality and complexity can be found in the firm’s portfolio of commercial architecture and designs for other sectors. Robert L. Petithomme, AIA, LEED AP, the firm’s managing principal, leads the company’s over 60 years of practice. Decades of design leadership have helped the firm earn industry recognition, including design awards and awards of excellence from local and regional American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapters.
Ordiz-Melby Architects, Inc.
5500 Ming Avenue, Suite #280, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Ordiz-Melby Architects led the design team that produced Valley Strong Credit Union’s administrative office. One of the goals of the design was to produce an architectural presence that reflects the company’s financial strength. At the same time, the clients wanted a design that would set a standard for future developments in the newly established business park. The resulting three-story structure highlights modern interior and exterior spaces. It also boasts energy-efficient features that exceed California Title 24’s energy use standards.
Since the firm first launched its services in 1993, it has produced buildings that put emphasis on sustainability and performance. Aside from its AIA-recognized designs, some of its architectural projects have caught the attention of the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. Danny Ordiz, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, leads the firm’s green design practice.
Steven L. Kieke Architect
2116 24th St. Suite #2, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Steven L. Kieke AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, was the lead architect for Marriott’s Fairfield Inn & Suites in Bakersfield. The building, located near the Meadows Field Airport, was designed with modern architecture and functionality in mind. Catering to travelers, local guests, and businessmen, the hotel features a welcoming water façade in natural tones. Its wide window groupings provide natural daylight and great views of the landscape. It is also strategically set within a business center and provides an 85-room capacity across three stories.
Projects for other notable clients can be found in the firm’s multi-awarded 15-year-old portfolio. Many of its projects for the commercial sector are recognized by the Design-Build Industry Association (DBIA) Western Region, American Buildings Company organization as well as Bakersfield Life Magazine.
Mogavero Architects
1331 T Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Mogavero Architects was tasked with the completion of the CSUS Riverfront Center’s Starbucks store. The firm’s primary services focused on architecture, planning, and development for the 1,300-square-foot commercial building. The site was originally a Copy Center location and is located on a 75-year-old structure. Aside from its large-format floor tiling, the store also highlights operable windows for natural daylight and ventilation, movable seating, and built-in dining bars. The new coffee spot has since become one of the campus’s social centers. The interiors accommodate a coffee bar, a work area, and a community room that can welcome 35 students.
David Mogavero, AIA, LEED AP, senior principal, led the firm’s services for this featured work and many of its other projects. Since the firm’s inception in 1979, it has provided architectures aimed at enhancing the quality of the communities that they serve. The firm’s milestones and contributions to the region’s commercial landscape are documented in many publications, including the Sacramento Business Journal.
KSA Group Architects
4660 American Avenue, Suite #200, Bakersfield, CA 93309
KSA Group Architects was tasked with the delivery of 5555 California Avenue’s commercial architectural plan. Aside from its corporate spaces, the building also provides facilities for its drive-thru financial institution services. Located in Bakersfield, the 21,000-square-foot multi-tenant office building highlights a modern design that puts emphasis on sustainability. Its aim was to act as a prototype of a passive solar, and energy-efficient structure. The building’s façade is characterized by deep south-facing overhangs.
President and principal architect Derek Holdsworth, AIA, NCARB, leads the company’s design practice. Under his leadership, the firm has accomplished designs that are recognized by the AIA Golden Empire Chapter.
Milazzo & Associates
1330 22nd Street, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Milazzo & Associates led the architecture and design efforts for Bakersfield’s Paragon Spa & Salon. The dome-shaped main building’s thick walls are set in rough white wall cladding. Tall, large windows and full-glass entryways bring in plenty of daylight and provide a good view of the surrounding landscape from the interiors. Similar large projects for notable commercial clients can be found in the firm’s portfolio.
Since the firm’s founding 50 years ago, the firm has worked with American Honda Motor Company, Ernst & Young, Bank of America, Motorola, and Rolls Royce – San Diego, to name just a few. The firm’s lifelong relationships with commercial institutions can be attributed to the reputation of David Y. Milazzo, AIA, NCARB, a former president of the AIA Golden Empire Chapter and chapter representative of the AIA California Council.
MYNG Architects
3304 Pico Boulevard, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90405
MYNG Architects was commissioned by Kaiser Permanente Kern Co Service to transform their Vision Essentials, Bakersfield location. The original commercial space, old and outdated, was transformed into a modern retail space. The open-plan interiors were designed to accommodate a new optometry clinic and an optical vision store. The palette, dominated by contrasting earth tones and matte green colors creates an energetic environment.
Projects of the same thoughtful quality have helped the company establish its reputation in the region’s commercial industry. In recent years, the firm’s work was a recipient of the Los Angeles Business Journal Asian Business Award. Principal architects Wai-Ming Chow, AIA, and My Vuong, AIA, lead the firm’s everyday practice.
Golden Empire Design, Inc.
1201 24th Street, Suite B110-200, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Golden Empire Design was the lead designer for Hardwood Floor Co’s new commercial facility. The sleek and minimalist design of the building provides a modern center for the flooring, tiling, and home improvement manufacturer’s everyday operations. Set in neutral color tones, the building also seamlessly blends in with its surrounding landscape. Aside from this featured work, the firm also partnered with local and regional brands to deliver contemporary and modern architectural designs.
ABA Energy, Pizza Hut, Global Realty and Development, and the RLH Fire Protection Center, are just some of the clients that have trusted the firm’s 18 years of design practice. Arin D. Resnicke, AIA, the firm’s principal architect, is also licensed to practice in regions outside California, including in the states of Texas, Colorado, Idaho, and Arizona.
