Chula Vista, the second-largest city in San Diego, translates into “a beautiful view.” True to its name, the city offers picturesque views of the mountain. Chula Vista is also known for its striking neighborhoods, showcasing a mix of condominiums, single-family homes, and multifamily units. Its tree-lined streets and charming historic homes attract many residents from various parts of the state. 

Even if Chula Vista is a big city, it offers residents a small-town vibe. Homeowners will find plenty of architecture firms in the area specializing in multifamily homes. Many of the best multifamily architects in Chula Vista are based in San Diego.

When choosing a contractor, ask other homeowners for referrals, check the company’s portfolio, and find a company whose work you are impressed with. This guide includes the leading architects in Chula Vista and nearby areas. These companies have extensive experience in designing for the finest neighborhoods in town and have received plenty of positive reviews from clients.

SVA Architects

2010 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Suite #105 Del Mar, CA, 92014

Del Mar-based architecture firm SVA Architects was established in 2003 and since then has served businesses and homeowners throughout California and across the Western U.S. With offices in Santa Ana, San Diego, Oakland, and Davis, the full-service architecture company has comprehensive experience in multifamily, mixed-use, student housing, civic, and military projects. For nearly two decades, the design studio has been delivering superior quality architecture, design, and planning solutions with a strong focus on sustainability.

Leading the firm are principals Ernesto Vasquez and Robert Simons who both have decades of experience in various aspects of architecture. Since its start, the company has received numerous awards for its creative designs. In 2019, the firm was honored with the Judges Special Award of Excellence and Best On-the-Boards for Affordable Housing Community at the PCBC Gold Nugget Awards.

The Celadon at 9th and Broadway in San Diego is a prominent project of the firm in collaboration with Studio E Architects., another featured company on this list. SVA Architects took on the challenge of creating an efficient and green design for affordable housing, commercial retail, and office space, earning the project a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE

185 W F St., Suite #500, San Diego, CA 92101, US

Founded in 1977, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is a premier architecture firm in San Diego. For 45 years, the trusted contractor has expanded its services and now has offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. Specializing in interior design and strategic branding solutions, the firm has completed numerous multifamily, mixed-use, health care, education, government, and hospitality projects.

Under the guidance of co-founder and principal Gordon R. Carrier, the architectural design firm has won various awards, including the 2020 Merit Award at the PCBC Gold Nuggets Awards. Gordon, along with his team of specialists, has decades of industry experience, allowing the firm to provide efficient design solutions at a competitive rate. The company has also received significant attention from the press and has been featured in Global Design News, Urbanize LA, and Healthcare Facilities Today. Over the years, the firm has acquired memberships and accreditations from the Building Industry Association (BIA) of San Diego, LEED, and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA).

Studio E Architects

2258 1st Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

Studio E Architects is one of the leading architecture firms in Chula Vista area. Situated in San Diego, the company caters to a broad range of industries, including multifamily, mixed-use, institutional, civic, and urban planning projects. Founded in 1987, the award-winning design studio is recognized for its quality work, earning the company three National American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Awards. The reliable architecture firm is led by principals John Sheehan, Eric Naslund, Maxine Ward, and Mathilda Bialk.

For 35 years, Studio E Architects has designed the finest residential and commercial properties throughout the Southwestern U.S. The firm was featured in the press for its outstanding projects, namely in the San Diego Business Journal, San Diego Union-Tribune, and NBC San Diego. Known for its collaborative approach, the firm offers creative and innovative solutions at a reasonable cost. Studio E Architects’ work on G Lofts in San Diego is one of the company’s most notable projects. The design studio incorporated high ceilings into the 142-studio residence and designed a landscaped courtyard, fitness room, and underground parking.

H2 Architects

726 9th Ave., Suite #1,  San Diego, CA 92101

H2 Architects is an architecture firm in San Diego, offering creative and innovative design solutions for clients across California and Washington. The firm offers high-quality architecture, master planning, tenant improvements, construction management, and feasibility studies. Founded in 1988, the client-focused company has expanded its services with licenses throughout the west coast. The well-experienced firm specializes in commercial, cultural, multifamily, and mixed-use projects.

H2 Architects is committed to sustainable design and has completed numerous LEED projects. For 30 years, the design studio has been featured in various publications, including the San Diego Décor Magazine, Best of Remodeling Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times. The award-winning firm has been honored with nine PCBC Gold Nugget Awards of Merit.

Its work on the Golden Hill project in San Diego earned the company the PCBC Gold Award of Merit for the Best-on-the-Boards Multifamily category. For this project, the company took on the challenge of designing a functional building for 11 three-story townhouses located on a hillside urban in-fill property. The firm uses solar energy and sustainable design practices.

Glo Architecture

1041 Market St., Suite #318, San Diego, CA 92101

Established in 2017, Glo Architecture provides exceptional quality architecture services, specializing in multifamily, commercial, and educational projects in San Diego, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. The young and dynamic firm employs skilled veteran architects with comprehensive experience in designing for complex projects and is accredited with the San Diego Housing. Over the years, the company has worked on different types of projects, providing innovative designs and cost-effective solutions.

The Genesis Apartments in 735 El Cajon boulevard features the rehabilitation of a 4-building, 9-unit apartment originally constructed in 1949. The new building brings new life to a community that will nurture senior veterans who experienced homelessness. It now features interior renovations, energy-efficiency upgrades, bungalow apartments, ramped courtyard, and all units are designed with accessibility and comfort in mind. The Genesis Apartments is proudly one of the first permanent supportive housing developments in the city of El Cajon, a successful collaboration between Clo Architecture and the San Diego Community Housing Corporation.