Rancho Santa Margarita is ideal for businesses. The city government has an Economic Development Team that assists business owners in setting up businesses in the area. Thanks to this team, entrepreneurs learn about different permit requirements, zoning codes, and potential business sites. With such a helpful government unit, it’s no wonder the city’s economy is thriving. 

Below, our editors have listed six outstanding commercial architects that also help businesses in the city. They provide support to business owners interested in creating the best spaces suitable for their goals. They are specialists in a wide range of services including architecture, interior design, project management, and construction administration. All boasting impressive portfolios, these architects are experts in various commercial projects including retail, hospitality, and mixed-use.

SMS Architects

18004 Sky Park Circle, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614

Established in 2009, SMS Architects gets its confidence from its highly-skilled staff. A full-service firm, its members are knowledgeable in architecture, interior design, and planning. They have years of experience, technical expertise, and creativity—all crucial to delivering quality outputs. Leading its outstanding team are Brandon Dedmon (AIA), and Greg Simonoff. Simonoff, the firm’s CEO, is a California Polytechnic State University alumnus. Dedmon, the COO, is a seasoned architect who worked for various firms before joining forces with Simonoff. Under their guidance, the firm has gained licenses in many states, including California, New York, Texas, and Hawaii. 

Over the last decade, the firm has completed retail, restaurant, and entertainment facilities. In Rancho Santa Margarita, it provided its top-notch services to create Cinépolis. This massive 6-screen luxury cinema project was a remodel of an existing cinema. The company transformed the old structure to house state-of-the-art facilities and give a luxurious movie experience to customers. The auditorium has been equipped with 488 leather seats, all reclining for ultimate comfort. Outside the auditorium, food counters and seating areas are provided for increased dining options. 

Robinson Hill Architecture, Inc.

3195 B Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Robinson Hill Architecture, Inc., is based in Orange County and licensed to practice architecture in 22 states. Although focused on retail, restaurant, hospitality, they are inspired to create public spaces that can provide enriching experiences. They search for a unique project base to sustain their well-versed and creative staff. Their service-first business model is applied at all levels to every project. The design process is site and team specific without pre-conceived concepts, making each project dynamic and unique. This collaborative approach involves all team members, ensuring the best ideas are brought forth to enrich each project.

RHA has 36 years of commercial experience with a portfolio of local, regional, and international projects diverse in scale. Their growing success can be attributed to a passion for architecture and their investment in continuing client relationships.

Saunders + Wiant Architects

2700 West Coast Highway, Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Founded in 1995, Saunders + Wiant Architects, Inc. (SWA) is a Newport Beach-based firm with clients all over the world. The firm has clients throughout Southwestern United States, South America, and the Middle East. The firm has built solid client partnerships over the last 27 years thanks to its quality, affordable services. Its top-notch services include interior design, architecture, and engineering. It is an expert in residential, healthcare, educational, and commercial projects. 

When it comes to commercial projects, Saunders + Wiant Architects, Inc. knows that businesses need to thrive in a highly competitive environment. With this in mind, SWA’s passionate team creates unique establishments that capture attention. A sample is Spa Gregorie’s in Rancho Santa Margarita. The company successfully created a luxurious beauty spa that relaxes and awes at the same time. Within the 5, 130 square feet facility, the firm used gorgeous lighting fixtures to create the mood of the spa. Function is a top priority, too; the firm carefully laid out the plan to include a salon, a hydrotherapy room, steam rooms, and a relaxation area. 

Leading the firm’s excellent reputation in the business are Niall Saunders, AIA, and Ken Wiant, RA. Saunders is a University of Westminster and Kingston University graduate. He also is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Wiant has been in the business since 1979, and he thus has extensive knowledge in construction and administration. He encourages the team to look at projects with a practical, collaborative eye. 

Bundy-Finkel Architects

1120 Bristol Street, Suite 120, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Established in 1991, Bundy-Finkel Architects (BFA) is the most senior firm on the list. Behind its longevity is its multi-talented team, knowledgeable in all aspects of architecture. Each has the technical expertise, design skills, and creativity to offer unique solutions for clients’ needs. Backing up its valuable team are principals Timothy Bundy, LEED AP, and Richard Finkel. Both are architecture graduates from Cal State Polytechnic University at Pomona. Leading by example, Bundy is savvy in a range of services including construction administration, design, and marketing. Like Bundy, Finkel has honed his expertise in different aspects of the industry including CAD Operations, design, and project management. 

BFA has completed many retail, office, hospitality, and specialty projects over the last three decades. A sample of the firm’s high-quality projects is the GreenStreet Center in Mission Viejo, California. The 16,000-square-foot property contains restaurants, retail shops, and two levels of parking for customer convenience. The design features a Mediterranean style, filled with lovely details in the exterior façade. Taking advantage of California’s warm weather, the center is designed with balconies, a courtyard, and patios with seating areas. Sustainable features including solar panels, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycled materials are part of the design. 

Marchi & Associates Architects

2599 Baseline Avenue, Solvang, CA 93463

Founded in 2008, Marchi & Associates Architects helps clients realize their vision and does so within budget. Clients in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington benefit from the firm’s cost-effective design solutions. The firm’s ability to provide affordability with quality is why many clients from different industries select the firm. Over the last 14 years, the firm has completed many residential and commercial projects. It helped create shopping centers, financial institutions, and offices. In the food and beverage industry, it produced stunning wineries and restaurants throughout the US. 

In California, many financial institutions have partnered with Marchi & Associates Architects. One of its most loyal clients is Wells Fargo Bank. It has provided all kinds of services for the bank, including new construction, tenant improvement, and remodeling. The firm has also helped create ATM kiosks and provided vault expansion and remodeling for the bank. Some Wells Fargo branches the firm has helped are located in Rancho Santa Margarita, Redondo Beach, Sacramento, and Palm Springs. 

Guiding the firm in providing affordable services is Brett Marchi, AIA, LEED AP. He is a California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo alumnus. Currently, he offers his expertise to the County of Santa Barbara Board of Architectural Review. 

Migliozzi Architecture

22195 El Paseo, Suite #250, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Based in Rancho Santa Margarita, Migliozzi Architecture is the youngest firm on this list. Established in 2014, this eight-year-old firm is confident in handling commercial projects. It is ready to tackle different kinds of projects including restaurants, retail shops, offices, and other commercial projects. Serving all of Orange County, its expertise covers tenant improvement, interior design, and remodeling services. 

Migliozzi Architecture is proud of its high-end designs. From conceptual drawings to the actual spaces, sophistication and elegance are felt in its residential and commercial spaces. A perfect example is the Rancho Santa Margarita Office. Its white color scheme with gray accent walls provides a subtle sophistication to the working space. Foldable glass partitions between conference rooms and working stations encourage participation and teamwork. Ample lighting fixtures included in the layout contribute to a positive working atmosphere. 

Developing delightful working spaces and commercial establishments come under Jorgelina Migliozzi’s expertise. The firm’s principal architect, Migliozzi, has licenses in California and Argentina. She is a University of Mendoza graduate with excellent skills in interior design.