Commercial architects possess a strong understanding of the potential and challenges of various markets. They have a deep understanding of the existing and rising industry constraints and study the business demands that influence their designs and plans for a project. Recognizing the convenience and professionalism these firms provide, businesses are keen to invest in hiring the best design partner to help them. Luckily, if you’re in the Rancho Palos Verdes area, this city has a plethora of talented commercial architects who can help. 

To help you in your search, our editorial team has put together this list of the best commercial architects in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. These firms have worked in numerous building types, assisting small companies and well-known brands. Each firm has delivered award-winning designs through a thoughtful design process completed by dedicated team members and led by top-notch principals and founders.


Withee Malcolm Architects

2251 W. 190th Street, Torrance, CA 90504

Dale M. Malcolm, one of the founding principals, holds expertise in institutional, commercial, residential, and tenant improvement projects. He strictly involves himself in the planning and development of the design process to ensure that the team he leads employs appropriate solutions for all rising complexities. Complementary Dan Withee brings further knowledge in design and other technicalities to the table. 

Withee keeps his focus on programming, planning, and designing for the urban community, consensus-building, and agency approvals for complex infill projects. Practicing design since 1973, he has completed award-winning developments that enhance neighborhoods and improve the lives of dwellers. Working hand in hand, these two talented and dedicated men lead the professional and dynamic team of Withee Malcolm Architects.

Knowing how creative Withee Malcolm Architects is, Porsche USA has entrusted the team with the architectural and interior design of its ground-up dealership, sales, and service centers across Southern California. The firm used cutting-edge vehicle servicing technology after considering the workflow and efficiency present within Porsche’s processes. Design, material, and overall layout exhibit the brand’s forward-thinking style and elegantly showcase the vehicle models. 


Ottolia & Barnes Architecture

5533 Bayridge Rd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Ottolia & Barnes Architecture holds a high standard for design and sustains long-standing relationships through its attentive and effective services. For over two decades, the firm has produced designs inspired by the clients’ purposes and defined through forms, lines, light, color, and structure. From residential to commercial structures, its portfolio exhibits the effort brought by the whole design team.

The team is comprised of Domingo Ottolia and Dorothy Barnes-Ottolia. Domingo is a licensed architect and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). He is skilled in project management, design, and construction administration. His professional background, coupled with his architectural study, enables him to find the balance between classic design and modern technology. Joining him in the leadership team is Dorothy Barnes-Ottolia, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and an artisan with in-depth experience of residential estates, historical renovations, corporate headquarters, financial institutions, restaurants, health facilities, and hotel resorts around the United States and Asia.

With two competent leaders at the forefront, Ottolia & Barnes Architecture was entrusted to design the Palos Verdes Apiary. The firm conceived this project with a pavilion that aspires to express, expose and educate children about the relationship between nature, bees, and honey. It stands next to citrus trees and a large organic garden while taking advantage of post-consumer, conventional building products. This project earned an Honor Award, the highest award offered, from the American Institute of Architects.


Joseph Spierer Architects

707 Torrance Blvd. Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Joseph Spierer Architects integrates an artistic style to traditional ideas and client insight. When designing, it begins with a thorough analysis and consideration of all conditions then uses these pieces of information as the backbone of the design. 

Conventional thinking, elegant solutions, and a client-centric approach are its ways of demonstrating value and honor to the principles of architecture. Demonstrating this is the Palos Verdes Art Center, a project that included an addition and major renovation to maximize the potential of a community center. The team at Joseph Spierer Architects designed the new spaces including a luxurious covered dining patio to support artists and their creative visions. This project also gathered more daylight into the building to provide a better environment for showing art. 

Implementing this unique design approach is a team that possesses a diverse skill-set and personality that, when merged, generates a prime design force. They are LEED-accredited and incorporate green design strategies into every project, aiming to save energy and time. Managing the team is Joseph Spierer, AIA, a licensed architect expert in single and multi-family residential and commercial architecture. With his team, he leads the firm to bring out the best in ground-up construction and adaptive reuse.


Colega Architects

4334 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230

Based in Culver City, Colega Architects is an architectural practice specializing in residential and commercial projects. A firm that values its clients, the firm stays up-to-date with changing market demands while developing design methods that best meet client needs. 

Understanding that a proper solution arises from a collaborative process, Colega Architects encourages collaborative and synergetic relationships within its team. It trains its architects to design spaces with consideration to both aesthetic and long-term functionality of a project. Also serving as builders, the design team recognizes the need to consider the project budget and client expectations as early as the start of the design process. The firm has designed a project for the Kipp Raices Charter, serving its mission to train students with confidence. 


ENVIROTECHNO Interactive Architecture + Interior Design

13101 Washington Blvd. Unit 404, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Luis de Moraes has been working and teaching in the architecture and interior design industry for three decades. With such experience and expertise, he had accumulated enough motivation and grit to establish EnviroTechno Architecture in 1989. Since then, he has led the firm in serving clients throughout Los Angeles County with an array of well-thought design solutions, ensuring successful project execution by rendering personal attention to detail. 

EnviroTechno Architecture Inc. employs a hands-on approach to have a broader look at all essential factors such as style, composition, and locations. This approach assists the team to professionally and promptly handle unforeseen situations. As part of its process, the team also develops several design concepts for each project, each proposal considering green and sustainable solutions. From residential to commercial projects, the team utilizes new environmental products, ecologically progressive technologies, and energy conservation techniques to contribute to a healthier, inhabitable planet. Publications such as LA Times and Peninsula Peoples Magazine have published about the firm’s noteworthy principles, processes, and projects. 


SK Architects

4040 Palos Verdes Drive N Suite 201, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

SK Architects is an architectural firm that designs residential, commercial, restaurant, medical, institutional, educational, and political offices. The firm begins with the research and study of the zoning and building codes along with a consultation about the design potential and possibilities. Afterward, the firm employs a personalized design approach and methodology, leading to the completion of construction documents, quality material specifications, and detailed plans and drawings.

SK Architects is a forward-thinking firm that cultivates strategic collaborations between clients, engineers, and building contractors, understanding that designs require a collective effort. It also utilizes sustainable and green building strategies, exhibited through the efficient and eco-friendly design elements and materials that make up its plans. With such effective skills, the firm has expanded its reach throughout Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Santa Monica, and the City of Los Angeles.


NRG Architecture & Design

6034 Mossbank Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Nevert R. Guirgis’ love of architecture and design roots from growing up in a family of architects, engineers, and builders, and was furthered by her passion for traversing the world. After earning her Bachelor of Architecture degree, she worked for numerous prestigious Los Angeles architecture firms, designing projects for renowned celebrities and royalties. Her vast experience ranges from small additions to estate homes and commercial projects for clients from Los Angeles to South Bay and Orange County. Besides the client network she has earned, Guirgis has also established relationships with national building professionals.

Nevert’s passion for creating appealing and functional architecture inspired her to do some volunteer teaching in a public school. In 2002, she started NRG Architecture & Design, bringing the same passion for art and architecture. She aims to assist clients with expert guidance in schematic design to design development, construction documents, bidding and negotiations, and construction administration. Currently, NRG Architecture & Design has created a competent portfolio that consists of new construction, renovation, additions, and tenant improvements. 


Hedi M Puskar Architecture

29431 N Enrose Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Heidi M. Puskar Architecture is a firm that specializes in residential and small commercial projects. It integrates a unique blend of globally learned design skills to every phase from consultation to design, drafting, engineering, Title-24, LID, and building permits. For over two decades, the firm has completed projects throughout the greater Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.  

Leading this design team is Heidi M. Puskar, a Helsinki native who moved to the United States. Puskar attended SCI-ARC and the University of Hawaii, where she obtained her Bachelor of Architecture degree. Obtaining a license to practice in 2000, she continues to be a valuable asset to the talented team she leads.