Over the past couple of years, the laidback suburban town of Calabasas has earned a reputation as a celebrity hotspot. The city also boasts a wide range of neighborhoods that includes affordable houses, modest homes, as well as a number of high-end residences. With award-winning designs, hillside homes, and family-friendly communities, Calabasas is replete with high-value properties.
Our editorial team has decided to list some of the best residential architects behind these beautiful homes. We’ve listed each firm’s specialty to help you find the most ideal architect to help you as you design your dream home. Each firm has amassed a solid portfolio of diverse clients with a proven track record. Some specialize in crafting modern homes; others focus on craftsman-style homes. Regardless of project style, size or scope, these architecture firms are highly-qualified to help you jumpstart your new life in Calabasas.
Ballentine Architect Studio
315 Washington Blvd., Suite #4 Venice, Los Angeles, CA 90292
Los Angeles-based Ballentine Architect Studio is a boutique architecture firm specializing in custom residential homes. Firm owner Ben Ballentine grew up in a family of realtors and developed a passion for architecture. His knowledge and understanding of the business led him to form his own architecture studio. Over the years, he honed his expertise in finding problems and coming up with creative design solutions.
Established in 2015, Ballentine Architects is inspired by the elements of space, form, and scales. Under Ben’s wing is a group of highly skilled individuals with decades of industry experience in residential projects. The firm is known for its unique style and approach to design. Focusing on the smallest details, Ben and his team fine-tune each project to reflect a client’s lifestyle. Ballentine Architect Studio has been recognized for its distinctive style, particularly in designing modern, ranch, and craftsman homes. This AIA-accredited firm has been featured in Market Insider for its exceptional projects.
GLYNNdesignbuild
120 N Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290
GLYNNdesignbuild has been providing architecture and general contracting services across Los Angeles since 2002. Specializing in design-build services, the company has developed an efficient system and streamlined process. By focusing on the smallest detail, the design studio customizes each project to fit the client’s specific needs and lifestyle. As a single point of contact, the company manages projects from the initial design conception to project completion, providing increased convenience for clients.
The design-build firm was established by Aaron and Britton Glynn. Both founders hold a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. Aaron oversees the firm’s general contracting services; Britton focuses on the design. Aaron and Britton are both passionate about the process of design and construction. Their combined expertise has led to numerous successful projects: custom homes, remodels, expansions, and renovations. The AIA accredited firm has been featured in several publications including Dwell, Architectural Digest, and LA Times.
Stephen Phillips Architects (SPARCHS)
10424 Hebron Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90077
5757 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
With extensive knowledge in multi-disciplinary practices, Stephen Phillips Architects (SPARCHS) offers a full scope of architecture services. Focusing on contemporary design, the firm is inspired by creative elements that provide solutions to environmental issues. At SPARCHS, each team member is committed to analyzing the building process to deliver exceptional results. For over a decade, the firm has developed a reputation as one of LA’s most respected architectural firms serving homeowners across Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
Firm principal Stephen Phillips, FAIA spearheads the company’s design direction with a team of skilled architects behind him. Stephen is a decorated architect with a Master’s degree in Architecture from Princeton University and an Associate of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) National Design Award recipient. Under his guidance, SPARCHS has received quite a bit of recognition for its impressive projects. In 2009, the firm received the Merit Award from the AIA Central Coast Chapter. Its designs were also featured in several publications including Dezeen, Décor Magazine, and SF Chronicle. Learn more about them at www.sparchs.design.
Van Parys Architecture + Design
960 S. Westlake Blvd. Suite #201, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Van Parys Architecture + Design (VPA+D) is a boutique firm located in Westlake Village since 2011. VPA+D brings dedication to each residential project ranging from new construction to major renovation projects. They are known for creating spaces that combine a sophisticated aesthetic with luxurious and creative elements. The team juxtaposes classical elements with contemporary, often bold, and unexpected details in order to craft timeless designs.
Founded by architects and designer Michael and Rosa Van Parys, VPA+D is a firm that strives to deliver the highest quality product and continue close relationships with their clients beyond completion. Their competitive advantage is the ability to offer design services ranging from initial concepts, architecture, interior design and construction observation down to the last important details of the home.
AUX Architects
2404 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #12D, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Founded in 2008, AUX Architecture is led by the award-winning Architect Brian Wickersham. Specializing in high-end residential, mixed-use, and multi-family projects, the firm caters to local residents as well as international clients. As a process-oriented firm, Brian and his team combine the principles of research and collaboration. AUX Architects is dedicated to creating functional spaces that benefit clients and the environment.
AUX Architecture worked on the former residence of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ front-man Anthony Kiedis whose property has undergone multiple owners and renovations. For this project, the firm transformed the property into a stunning modern contemporary home with a Southern California Mediterranean vibe. Originally built in 1989, the 2,849-square-foot, two-story property is recognized as one of the most prominent homes in Hollywood Hills.
The firm’s other projects have been featured in California Home Design, Home World Design, and Voyage LA. In 2018, AUX Architects received the Citation Award for Single Family Residential at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) LA Residential Architecture Awards.
Biglin Architectural Group
31312 Via Colinas, Suite #110, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Established in 2000, Biglin Architectural Group has been recognized for its high-quality designs for custom homes. The firm is focused on creating designs that inspire the owners and providing excellent customer service. The studio offers comprehensive services from planning and analyzing the site to complete architectural design solutions. From medium-scale remodels to multi-million dollar estates, Biglin Architectural Group is equipped to handle projects regardless of scope or size. The firm encompasses all styles and is inspired mostly by contemporary, craftsman, Italianate, and Mediterranean designs.
For 21 years, the company has built a reputation based on integrity, professionalism, and design excellence. Founder Brian Biglin leads the firm’s team of architects, designers, and specialists. As a licensed architect in California and Pennsylvania, the firm has completed numerous projects throughout Los Angeles and California. Biglin Architectural Group is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Review Boards (NCARB), and the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA).
SUBU Design Architecture
15243 La Cruz Dr., Suite #908, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
As a full-service architecture and interior design studio, SUBU Design Architecture caters to a broad range of styles with a strong focus on modern and coastal designs. Founded in 2010, the firm specializes in residential properties, commercial establishments, and boutique hotels serving the Greater Los Angeles community and its nearby areas. Over the years, the firm has developed a streamlined process based on a collaborative effort between the designers and the client.
Founder May Sung is an AIA member and is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified. May gained extensive experience working for residential properties and has been recognized for her preservation work. Her architecture and interior design projects have received attention from national and international publications including Vogue, Elle Décor, and Domino. In 2020, SUBU Design Architecture was awarded the Gold List Honoree in Architecture and Interior Design from Luxe Magazine.
One of the firm’s featured projects is the Pacific Palisades Residence. For this project, SUBU Design Architecture was tasked to create contemporary interior and exterior living spaces suitable for a family.
Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects
4106 West Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
The award-winning Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects offers a broad range of architecture and design solutions for residents throughout Los Angeles and Detroit. From residential and mixed-use to commercial and educational sectors, the firm delivers quality design across all project scopes and sizes. Since 1994, the firm has completed more than 100 projects locally and
abroad.
Established by Lorcan O’Herlihy, the design studio has amassed a solid portfolio with a diverse clientele. Lorcan—working with firm principal Ian Dickenson—spearheads a team of talented architects dedicated to achieving excellence in architecture and design. With licenses in California, Florida, Michigan, and North Carolina, the firm caters to a broad market and is fully equipped to handle all types and styles of build-outs.
In 2020, Architect Magazine named Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects the Residential Design Award Winner. The firm has been featured by a number of publications including Dezeen, Curbed, and Archinect. One of the studio’s featured projects is the Jai House located in Calabasas. For this project, Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects created a new, 2,400-square-foot modern home that features sharp lines, open spaces, and a 75-foot lap pool which extends from the deck and the living room.
Abramson Architects
5171 West Jefferson Blvd., Los, Angeles, CA 90016
Known for its dynamic modern design, Abramson Architects offers a wide range of architectural services throughout Los Angeles. From residential and commercial projects to mixed-use units and office buildings, the firm caters to all types of build-outs. Established in 1999 by Trevor Abramson, the firm’s design approach is guided by making and fostering connections; the firm wants to know how it can improve a client’s quality of life. Trevor and his dedicated team of architects strive to create balance in your residential lifestyle by integrating creative design solutions into every space.
Abramson Architects is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) SoCal Chapter and is committed to the 2020 SoCal NOMA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenge. The company is dedicated to fostering equal representation in the industry. In 2020, the firm was honored at the American Architecture Awards Chicago Athenaeum for its exceptional work. One of the firm’s notable projects is the Glenhaven Residence. Abramson Architects transformed the hilltop residence into a ranch-style home with a stunning view of Los Angeles.
Burdge and Associates Architects
24911 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
Recognized for its diverse architectural styles, Burge and Associates Architects provides cutting-edge designs for homeowners throughout Malibu, Sun Valley, Los Cabos, and Mexico. The Malibu-based firm offers architectural, planning, and consulting services specializing in residential projects. Since 1981, the firm has designed and built over 300 custom residences in Malibu.
Founder Douglas W. Burge is a well-respected architect and a member of the AIA. For 40 years, the firm has established long-lasting relationships with clients and subcontractors. Under Douglas’s stewardship, a group of creative architects works with clients and listens to their needs to ensure that those requirements are fulfilled. As a tenured architecture firm, Burge and Associates has been recognized for its superior service and unique designs. In 2017, the firm was named one of the Top 50 Coastal Architects. And its outstanding projects have been featured in several publications including Dwell, Business Insider, and Forbes.
