Watsonville, located south of Santa Cruz, has a rich natural environment that includes pristine beaches, hiking trails, and wineries. The city’s main economic drivers are agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. Some of the most prominent companies in Watsonville include Monterey Mushrooms, Granite Construction, and West Marine. With so many opportunities available, many companies are moving to town to expand their businesses.

The right architect can help you transform your ideas into reality. We have gathered the best commercial architects in Watsonville to help you find the most suitable contractor. Each company on this list has a comprehensive portfolio with in-depth experience across various types of building structures and styles. Before hiring an architect, make sure that the firm checks off all your requirements—consider everything from the budget to the design and the execution. Take a look at the company’s past projects, especially those similar to your scope of business.

GKW Architects

710 E McGlincy Lane, Suite #109, Campbell, CA 95008

For over a decade, GKW Architects has been providing superior-quality architectural solutions to clients across the Bay Area. Founded in 2009, the design studio offers advanced tools, technologies, and practices while incorporating sustainable concepts. Located in Campbell, the award-winning firm has completed a broad range of projects and styles throughout Silicon Valley. In addition to providing architecture, planning, and design services, the firm offers project planning, schematic design, and design development.

GKW Architects is led by CEO Gordon Wong, an experienced architect with various affiliations and memberships, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Since its inception, the firm has been featured in various publications, including the Benicia Herald, Sacramento Business Journal, and East Bay Times. One of the company’s most prominent projects is the Inn at Saratoga. For this project, GKW was tasked with renovating the establishment’s lobby, bar, kitchen, dining area, and deck.

Spector Corbett Architects, Inc.

54 Penny Lane, Suite C, Watsonville, CA 95076

Spector Corbett Architects is a leading architecture firm based in California. With offices in Watsonville and Santa Cruz, the firm offers extensive architectural solutions with projects located in San Francisco, Monterey Bay, and throughout the state. Since 1985, the firm has completed projects in the residential, commercial, hospitality, industrial, education, and healthcare sectors. The firm takes a solution-based approach, and the well-respected firm is focused on providing practical and functional environments for its clients.

Spector Corbett Architects provides more than 35 years of expertise in all aspects of architecture, planning, and design. The firm handles select projects at a time, giving attention to the smallest details. Spearheading the firm is principal Brian Spector, a licensed architect in California and Arizona with comprehensive experience in all areas of architecture and design. The company maintains affiliations with various industry organizations, including the NCARB, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and the Architect’s Association of Santa Cruz County.

MBA Architects

1176 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125

Founded in 1968, San Jose-based MBA Architects is a veteran architecture firm recognized for consistently delivering exceptional quality design services on time and within budget. For over 50 years, the firm has worked on a broad range of projects in the commercial, civic, public, and residential sectors. Some of its past works include historical preservation, tenant improvements, and urban design. The firm has acquired LEED and Build-It-Green certifications and is committed to providing sustainable design across all project types.

Under the guidance of principal Marvin Bamburg, MBA Architects has grown into a full-service architecture firm, offering efficient design services from start to project completion. The firm is composed of a team of dedicated and talented specialists with in-depth experience in all facets of architecture and is accredited by the NCARB, USGBC, and the AIA. The Garden Theater in San Jose is a notable project of the firm. For this establishment, MBA Architects was assigned to renovate and restore the building’s façade.

Huyck Architects

9200 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

Huyck Architects has been recognized as one of the top architecture firms in California, catering to businesses and homeowners across Aptos, Watsonville, and the surrounding area. Established in 1991, the design studio specializes in commercial, residential, office, retail, restaurant, and mixed-use developments. Operating for more than three decades, the firm has developed an efficient design process that includes everything from the initial consultation to final execution. Back by a team of professional architects and designers, the contractor maintains high standards across all types of projects.

Father and daughter team Richard and Nancy Huyck lead the firm: their combined skills and expertise have contributed to numerous successful projects. As an architect and engineer, Richard specializes in major industrial projects, incorporating engineering systems into his designs. Nancy, meanwhile, focuses on commercial and residential projects. Both have established their own companies, namely Richard J. Huyck & Associates and Nancy Huyck Architect. Over the years, Huyck Architects has maintained memberships in the Architects Association of Santa Cruz County.

William C. Kempf, Architects 

105 Locust Street, Suite B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Located in Santa Cruz, William C. Kempf Architects was founded in 2001. For 21 years, this firm has served clients in Watsonville with high-quality design and customer service. The design studio specializes in architectural, design, and planning services for commercial and residential projects. Since its inception, the company has established a diverse portfolio ranging from tenant improvements to remodels.

William C. Kempf Architects operates under the guidance of owner Bill along with a dedicated and passionate group of architects. Bill is a Certified Green Building Professional and is a licensed architect in California. The firm is committed to providing sustainable designs that are functional and efficient. Bill is the president of the Architects Association of Santa Cruz County and is a board member of the AIA Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Bicycles is located on Mission Street; the design studio provided a striking tenant improvement.

S.Munoz and Associates

230 Capitol Street, Salinas, CA 93901

Munoz and Associates is a full-service architecture firm in Salinas, serving clients in Watsonville since 1992. For 30 years, the company has been providing cost-effective architectural, graphic design services, and planning solutions. With decades of expertise, the company has completed a variety of projects, including commercial, tenant improvements, historic preservation, mixed-use, multi-family, and custom homes. Some of the firm’s past projects include high-tech buildings, plazas, and soccer fields.

Munoz and Associates is operated by Salvador F. Munoz, a licensed architect in California. With more than three decades of design expertise, Sal and his team of specialists have earned a positive reputation for delivering high-quality design solutions. The design firm is dedicated to preserving the cultural and historical diversity of the community.

Sal is the president of the Historical Heritage Association and a member of the Monterey County Historical Resource Review Board. Since its inception, the company has produced many noteworthy projects, including the Santa Cruz County Bank and the Diesel Services Complex. Sal also worked on restoring the façade of the National Historical Building at the Old Monterey County Jail.