Multifamily buildings, due to their scale, can seem disjointed from their surrounding neighborhoods if not properly designed. This challenge can be addressed with the help of a professional who is adept in context-sensitive design that promotes livable communities and fosters a relationship between the structure and its physical and cultural environment.

To help you choose the right designer equipped to handle your building needs, our team has listed the best multifamily architects in  Riverside, California. These firms were selected for their accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations. We also considered the recognition each firm has received in the form of industry awards, client reviews, and press features. We have laid out the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.

KTGY

17911 Von Karman Avenue Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614

KTGY is an international, full-service architecture, branding, interiors and planning firm that combines design and technical excellence to deliver the neighborhoods of the future. KTGY’s architects, designers and planners apply modern, sustainable practices and impeccable design standards to solve problems and translate an intricate program into a simple solution that meets the goals of clients and communities. KTGY’s studios are staffed by a diverse team of collaborative leaders who adhere to the high standards of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards.

As Chairperson, Jill D. Williams takes an active role in setting a design vision rooted in her dedication to sustainable, thoughtful design. This top leadership position includes working closely with the firm’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tricia Esser, the Board of Directors, and Managing Principals of the firm’s offices and studios worldwide. Their efforts have resulted in multifamily projects that have won Best in American Living (BALA) Gold and Silver Awards.

The work of KTGY includes everything from small boutique commissions to extremely complex projects that alter the fabric of cities. One example is Mission Lofts in Riverside County, which won certification as the 200,000th National Green Building Standard home. The community earned Silver status in 2019 by providing much-needed sustainable workforce housing in Riverside and greatly enhancing the redeveloping community it serves.

Humphreys & Partners Architects, L.P.

1124 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Over its 30 years in the industry, Humphreys & Partners Architects has evolved into a global team of specialists dedicated to providing creative and original designs. The firm takes great pride in being a developer’s architect—designing solutions that maximize efficiency, optimizing density, outperforming competitors’ buildings, and ultimately boosting net operating revenue. Greg Faulkner draws on more than three decades of experience as the President at Humphreys & Partners. He leads the firm in creating custom architectural designs for California and the world. Greg, with his team, is committed to excellence and client-responsiveness in succeeding with the firm’s projects— recognized by its multiple accolades and awards. Humphreys & Partners has received four Gold Nugget awards, three Best In American Living awards, three Aurora awards, and more. 

The firm’s portfolio of projects in 49 states and across the world displays a thorough grasp of the local and regional concerns determining project success. The company’s designs have been featured in Business Insider, CNN Tech, and on CNBC. Multifamily design is the core of the firm’s expertise. Alexan CTR City in Anaheim, California is a remarkable example. The 220-unit luxury apartment complex houses designer residences, a sun-splashed pool, outdoor courtyards, hip retreats, and one of the most walkable and connected locations in Orange County. 14,500 square feet of the development are occupied by curated retail stores, restaurants, and fitness centers. For this project, the firm earned a spot as a 2021 finalist for Best Multifamily Community at the Gold Nugget Awards.

Danielian Associates

60 Corporate Park, Irvine, CA 92606

Since its start over 50 years ago, Danielian Associates (DA) has carefully planned and designed innovative homes and sustainable residential communities in 44 states and 15 countries throughout the world. The firm offers land use planning and architectural services that champion ingenuity, collaboration, and responsiveness. Building communities with a strong sense of place and an organic connection to the surrounding environment is a top priority for Danielian Associates.

Founder and chairperson Arthur Danielian is the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. He was elevated to the prestigious AIA College of Fellows for his contributions to the profession. Arthur was granted the Max Tipton Award by the Greater Sales and Marketing Council of the Building Industry Association of Orange County. He has also been recognized with the Rodney Radom Award at the Pacific Coast Building Conference, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the University of Southern California’s 61st Architectural Guild Awards. Under his leadership, Danielian Associates produced the townhome and apartment project shown here in Santa Ana, California. 

Displaying a modern yet timeless esthetic, Nineteen01 features 250 apartment units along with 14 three-story townhome units, including rooftop decks and private garages that wrap the south and east sides of the existing parking structure. Secure bicycle storage, a pet spa, a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, a private gym, a community kitchen, and a rooftop recreation deck with a pool are some of the facility’s amenities. The building is built on a foundation of 2,500 square feet of retail space at ground level.

Withee Malcolm Architects

2251 W. 190th Street, Torrance, CA 90504

Withee Malcolm Architects uses its prowess in planning, architecture, and interior design to provide clients with informed and responsive service. In addition to architectural design, the firm can assist in construction documentation, sustainability analysis, government agency coordination, and code upgrading. 

Withee Malcolm Architects won a Gold Nugget Award at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) for its work on urban infill housing, commercial, industrial, and hospitality projects. The company is accredited by the Tilt-Up Concrete Association.

Jeffrey S. Lemler, the company’s Director of Commercial Architecture, has extensive knowledge of codes and city processes, which has been advantageous for corporate office, R&D, manufacturing, warehouse, and industrial clients. He is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association, and his leadership has enabled challenging commercial projects to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Director of Architecture Dirk Thelen has formal training in construction technology and has amassed more than 40 years of experience with a broad range of projects, encompassing affordable, set-aside, and alternative-delivery housing. Working as an integrated team, Lemler and Thelen have made Withee Malcolm Architects widely admired for their client-centered approach and innovative design solutions. 

The award-winning 17 West master plan is a sample of Withee Malcolm Architects’s work. Designed in the spirit of a coastal town, the architecture is a modern beach house featuring updated clapboard siding in sunny colors, oversized trellises, and balconies. The 177 units comprise three-story live/work units, four-story loft models, and three-story live/work detached homes, all featuring roof decks.

SVA Architects

6 Hutton Centre Dr. Suite 1150, Santa Ana, CA 92707

SVA Architects has specialized in architectural design and planning for more than 18 years, partnering with public and private clients in California and across the western United States. The company has worked on a number of high-profile civic, cultural, educational, mixed-use, residential, military, and commercial projects that enhance wellness for both users and the larger community.

Partner and President Robert M. Simons, AIA, has 30 years of experience. He has designed and planned multi-use institutional facilities, hospitality projects, design-build developments, and projects born from public-private partnerships. Robert is responsible for the nationally-lauded Celadon at 9th and Broadway, which received a Global Award for Excellence and Healthy Places Award from the Urban Land Institute (ULI). In addition, Robert’s designs have received recognition from the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) and the AIA California Council (AIACC). Partner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ernesto Vasquez incorporates smart-growth principles in creating socially and environmentally responsible living spaces. Ernesto is a Fellow of the AIA  and a community advocate who serves on the boards of BRIDGE Housing and the National Parks Foundation. 

The two partners have instilled the value of collaboration and sustainability in SVA, resulting in outstanding designs, such as the Main & Second residences in Alhambra, northeast of Downtown LA, depicted here. The residences are located on the third to seventh floors, giving the residents privacy and views of the city. The 86 units consist primarily of one-bedroom apartments and 23 studios. Residents will have access to a community space on the ground floor, equipped with a kitchen, TV lounge, and recreation area.