One of the biggest challenges national brands face when conceptualizing their spaces is finding the architect that can understand their needs and vision. They often need something tailor-fit to a specific site for their day-to-day activities, but it also needs to be consistent with their company’s image.
From outstanding collaborative spaces to unique conference rooms and cafeterias, this list showcases ten of Westminster’s best and leading commercial architects. Our editorial team chose them for their experience in addition to their stellar portfolios and award-winning work.
KTGY
17911 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614
KTGY is an award-winning firm that provides a complete and comprehensive range of architecture and planning services. The firm takes an approach that integrates planning, interior design, and branding. It has multiple offices and studios and can take on projects regardless of size or complexity. In addition to all of these, it also incorporates modern sustainable practices into its work, assuring both brands and homeowners alike of the high efficiency of its homes and commercial spaces. The company takes great pride in its national rankings, having finished 35th nationwide in the 2020 Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architecture Firms. Its team draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience. The photo below best embodies the firm’s skill and expertise.
Located in the heart of Westminster, this project was completed for Bolsa Row. It challenged the firm with its master and site planning, as well as obtaining its various permits. It showcases retail, multi-family, hospitality, and function spaces and was featured in various publications, including Building Design + Construction back in 2017.
Withee Malcolm Architects
2251 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA 90504
Headquartered in Torrance, Withee Malcolm Architects is a full-service architecture firm that specializes in an extensive range of projects. It is composed of over 40 talented and experienced professionals who have committed themselves to the highest standards. It extends its services throughout Southern and Northern California and it has had the opportunity to work on some noteworthy spaces. The firm specializes in the urban infill, housing, commercial, industrial, and food and hospitality-focused markets. The firm provides innovative and highly unique solutions to otherwise challenging and complex work. Withee Malcolm has been featured in various publications, including Builder and Developer Magazine and the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. The firm is also the recipient of several Gold Nugget Awards.
The project above is an excellent example of the company’s expertise. It spans 3,800 square feet and was completed for the Tavistock Group. The project entailed the upgrading of interior spaces and designing for a canal façade for a restaurant located along the Venetian Hotel’s Grand Canal.
Kluger Architects
560 N Western Avenue, 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Kluger Architects is a full-service architectural design firm that extends its services throughout California. It operates out of its office in Los Angeles and draws inspiration from nearly three decades of industry experience. Since its inception, it has completed over a thousand projects, with nearly 760 of those located in Southern California. The company assists its clients with everything, including architectural design, engineering site analysis, master planning, conceptual layouts, space planning, and interior design. It also provides schematic design, design development, and construction documents. It also provides in-house Auto CAD, 2D and 3D, Revit, and 3D renderings. In addition to these, the company has completed various LEED Certified projects and maintains good relations with the US Green Building Council. This assures clients that all of the company’s spaces are designed in accord with the best and latest green design techniques.
The project above is located in West Hollywood. It was completed for Sunset Boutique and is an excellent example of the firm’s talent for commercial spaces. For this project, the firm’s team addressed the challenging site conditions and planning requirements. It also made use of adaptive reuse materials.
Gregg Maedo + Associates
321 N Rampart Street, Suite 101, Orange, CA 92868
Gregg Maedo + Associates is best known for its healthcare, senior living, and hospitality projects. It is headquartered in Orange and extends its services throughout its surrounding areas. The firm is licensed to operate in several states, including Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Nevada, Texas, and most recently, Washington. The firm collaborates closely with its clients throughout the entire process and is known for its innovative solutions. Founded in 1988, the firm takes on hundreds of projects each year, and it’s generated a stellar portfolio as a result. Our editorial team was thoroughly impressed by these healthcare campuses: child daycare, adult daycare, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities are all provided.
Depicted below is one of its best. This project entailed a tenant improvement of a hospital. The firm’s team worked on remodeling the nurse station and it also designed its Intensive Care Unit.
SMS Architects
18004 Sky Park Circle, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92614
Headquartered in Irvine, SMS Architects specializes in retail, mixed-use, entertainment, restaurant, and hospitality projects. It is a full-service firm that assists its clients with everything, from conceptual design all the way through to construction administration. The firm is also well-known for its innovative techniques and routinely delivers spectacular spaces. SMS is licensed to operate in all 50 states and is led by its principals, Greg Simonoff and Joseph Smart. They have a decade of experience working together and provide services throughout Southern California. Under their leadership, the company emphasizes the importance of principal involvement throughout the entire process, assuring clients that all of the firm’s projects receive the benefit of their experience.
The project above was completed in Huntington Beach for Ola Mexican Kitchen and showcases excellent views of the nearby California coast. The firm’s team fused elements of authentic Mexican comfort food with South of the Border influences.
Borders Architects
1675 Scenic Avenue, Suite 210, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Operating out of its office in Costa Mesa, Borders Architects provides a stellar range of services. Otherwise known as Robert Borders & Associates, the firm adheres to the highest standards. The firm takes on projects regardless of size or scale and takes a multi-disciplinary and collaborative team approach. The consistent results are timeless and classic. The firm is an active member of the US Green Building Council and takes the time to apply sustainable design principles to each of its projects. Doing so assures clients and brands that all of its spaces are designed with low-impact materials and energy-efficient fixtures.
The project above shows the firm’s work for Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. For this project, Borders worked on architectural and interior design services for this expensive remodel and expansion. It spans 1,150 square feet and also includes a space that may dually serve as a corporate meeting and an entertainment area.
YNG Architects
1524 Brookhollow Drive, Suite 6, Santa Ana, CA 92705
YNG Architects was established in 2016 and works out of its office in Santa Ana. It provides a complete and comprehensive range of services. These services include architectural design, interior and sustainable design, building permit processing, project programming, master planning, and site analysis. The company adheres to the highest standards and has had the opportunity to work on a number of impressive spaces. It takes great pride in the stellar reviews it has gained since its inception and takes a highly hands-on approach.
The firm is personally led by its principal, Yenny C. Ng, an experienced professional who graduated from the School of Architecture of the University of Nottingham in the school’s prestigious Architectural Studies program. He earned his Master’s degree in Architecture with first-class honors. Under his leadership, the firm has become an expert in the design-build process and has worked on successfully integrated construction projects such as the Los Angeles International Church of Christ Regional Church building.
Kip Klayton Architects
814 West Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92868
Kip Klayton was established in 1986 and initially practiced in Old Town Orange before it moved to the Irvine area in 1992. The firm’s excellent portfolio displays several projects completed for an interesting array of clients. From concept design to completion, the firm assures its clients that all of its spaces are completed in adherence to the highest standards. The firm now works on both a local and national scale and is well-respected for its master planning and comprehensive architecture. It is also noted for its great engineering, interior design. and facility assessment management. The company also infuses various sustainability practices into its projects and has worked on various LEED Certified projects.
The firm is the proud recipient of a multitude of awards. These include a Socal Award, a MAME distinction, and a Best in American Living Award. Its work has also been featured in publications like Professional Builder Magazine. Its outstanding clientele list includes several international brands, including the Walt Disney Company, Disney Resorts, and MCA/Universal.
