San Diego, California, is a beautiful city with a thriving real estate market and a rapidly expanding population. The city is known for its astonishing architecture, featuring everything from historic buildings to contemporary homes that take full advantage of San Diego’s gorgeous climate and stunning natural surroundings.
If you plan to build a new home or renovate an existing one in San Diego, the list below features the best residential architects to consider. These architects are known for their innovative designs, attention to detail, and ability to create functional and beautiful homes. Our team handpicked these firms after evaluating their portfolios, backgrounds, awards, industry affiliations, and press features.
Safdie Rabines Architects
925 Fort Stockton Dr. San Diego, CA 92103
Safdie Rabines Architects is an established architecture, interior, and urban design firm based in San Diego, California. Ever since it was founded in 1993 by Ricardo Rabines and Taal Safdie, the firm has been driven by its mission to create meaningful places that seamlessly integrate with their surrounding environment. The firm has a team of nearly 50 professionals, including architects, interior designers, and support staff. They foster a collaborative culture to ensure that each project receives a tailored design in response to its unique use and site.
Inspired by the exceptional beauty of San Diego, Safdie Rabines Architects incorporates the essence of the city into its designs, striving to enhance the built environment. The firm is dedicated to responsible design practices that consider the context and environment, aiming to preserve and showcase the unique identity of each site. Its diverse portfolio includes residential, civic, commercial, institutional, and infrastructure projects, demonstrating its versatility and proficiency across various typologies. Safdie Rabines Architects excels in delivering distinctive and personalized solutions for each project, resulting in a portfolio that is not only diverse but also leaves a lasting impact.
domusstudio architecture LLP
2800 Third Ave. San Diego, CA 92103
domusstudio architecture LLP, named after the Latin word for house, is a collaborative design studio specializing in owner-occupied projects. It focuses on designing spaces that meet its clients’ needs and desires while being innovative, sustainable, and enriching. The team at domusstudio architecture is known for its ability to excel while dealing with complex sites and challenging approval processes, producing locally and nationally recognized award-winning designs. Above all, it is a collaborative design studio that pools its talent and works closely with clients to solve a wide variety of architectural design challenges.
The firm is committed to designing sustainable buildings that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver, Gold, and Platinum certifications. Its innovative and biophilic design approach aims to connect people with nature through creating indoor and outdoor spaces that are filled with natural light and ocean breezes.
SK7 Architecture
3904 Groton St. Suite #102 San Diego, CA 92110
SK7 Architecture is an award-winning residential architecture firm led by Sam, a skilled architect passionate about creating beautiful and functional homes that enhance people’s lives. Combined with his Midwestern work ethic, Sam’s background in architecture, artistry, and building has helped him become one of Southern California’s premier architects. His leadership has earned the firm a solid reputation as one of Southern California’s top residential architecture firms.
SK7 Architecture completes a wide variety of project types, including additions, remodels, and new custom high-end homes. With a strong focus on elegant and functional design, Sam and his team work closely with clients to create spaces that reflect their unique needs and desires while also making sure to implement sustainable and environmentally friendly design practices. Whether homeowners want to renovate their current home or build a new one, SK7 Architecture has the skills and expertise to bring their visions to life.
Marengo Morton Architects
7724 Girard Ave. Fl 2, La Jolla, CA 92037
Marengo Morton Architects is an architectural firm in San Diego led by a team of young and innovative architects. With a passion for design, the team at Marengo Morton Architects strives to bring a unique composition of function, form, and creativity to each project it completes. It takes a personalized approach to each project, working closely with clients to ensure their visions are brought to life.
Priding itself on its attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality artistry, Marengo Morton Architects feels confident in its ability to transform any homeowners’ properties into a work of art. By skillfully blending the client’s unique needs, perceptions, and aspirations with its own expert interpretation and impeccable craftsmanship, the firm creates signature statements that reflect the property owner’s dreams.
HGW Architecture
1955 Bacon St. San Diego, CA 92107
HGW Architecture is an experienced and well-established architecture firm that focuses on the environmental experience, emphasizing the importance of the built environment and how it can positively influence the wellness of individuals and communities. HGW Architecture views every project as an opportunity to make a positive impact, and it takes pride in its ability to bring its clients’ visions to life.
HGW Architecture’s founders, Randy Hanna and Jim Gabriel, have been designing buildings and places for people for nearly four decades. They have built a firm with a reputation for excellence and quality artistry, recognized with an impressive number of awards and industry affiliations. They also understand that a great design requires a strong relationship with the client, which is why they place a great emphasis on listening to its clients’ unique needs.
TRE Architecture
300 Carlsbad Village Dr. Suite #108a-336, Carlsbad, CA 92008
TRE Architecture has been delivering exceptional designs for over 50 years. Founded by Amato Teta in 1967, after he completed his studies at Carnegie Mellon University, the firm has since expanded its portfolio to include a diverse range of small and large projects, establishing long-lasting relationships with numerous clients. In 2006, Allan Teta joined the firm, bringing with him valuable experience gained from working with other award-winning firms after graduating from the University of Southern California School of Architecture. The father and son duo united to form Teta Architecture, Inc. and subsequently launched TRE Architecture in 2014.
Over the years, TRE Architecture has earned a reputation for creating innovative and beautiful designs tailored to each client’s unique needs. This has led the firm to be featured in publications like BUILD Magazine and The San Diego Union-Tribune, among others. With a strong commitment to excellence and a passion for design, TRE Architecture remains a leading firm in the industry.
Starck Architecture + Planning
2045 Kettner Blvd. Suite #100, San Diego, CA 9210
Starck Architecture + Planning (SA+P) is a small architectural studio in Southern California that specializes in residential and mixed-use projects. In its 40 years of experience, SA+P has established a strong reputation for its exceptional ability to develop innovative designs that meet the needs of its clients and respond to changing market conditions. The firm comprises a skilled team of creative minds who are passionate about creating beautiful, thoughtful living spaces that homeowners will cherish.
At SA+P, success is measured through the satisfaction of its clients and the impact on the community. The firm strives to cultivate long-standing partnerships by delivering unparalleled client experiences and maintaining integrity. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on collaboration, SA+P works closely with its clients to create custom designs that reflect their unique style and vision.
HLLK Architects, Inc.
1298 Prospect St. Suite #2K, La Jolla, CA 92037
HLLK Architects is a full-service architecture firm with a portfolio covering various scales and project types, from custom residential projects to large commercial projects. Led by architects Hilary Lowe and Lindsay King, the firm is passionate about creating inspirational spaces that capture the unique lifestyle and environment of San Diego.
HLLK Architects brings a wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds to every project. The team members’ creativity and inspiration come from their experiences and promote fresh ideas and insightful understanding of the world around them. The firm believes that architecture can create a sense of place, represent an individual’s or organization’s values, and enhance the lives of its inhabitants. Therefore, it prides itself on developing innovative solutions that balance function, form, and sustainability, and that meet the unique needs of its clients
