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The 5 Best Residential Architects in El Cajon, California

5 Min Read

The historic town of El Cajon, just west of San Diego, appeals to many retirees and families looking for a secure, upscale neighborhood to settle comfortably in. This small town combines historic significance and modern amenities. El Cajon is a solid investment, especially for first-time homeowners. Whether you’re planning on buying a home or renting one, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from, including residential architects.  

Many of the top architecture firms in the area are in El Cajon, La Mesa, and Laguna Hills. When choosing the best residential architects in El Cajon, you should hire a reputable architect with comprehensive industry experience. We gathered five of the leading design firms in San Diego County with diverse portfolios. These companies cater to both residential and commercial clients and are experienced in developing designs for small or large projects. 


Architecture Design Collaborative

23231 South Pointe Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Established in 2014, Architecture Design Collaborative (ADC) is a young design firm made up of a group of young, creative, and dynamic architects. The design studio has completed over 400 projects in 36 states. The firm enhances its solid grounding in traditional architecture with modern tools and technologies.

Company president Craig Chinn has in-depth experience in designing for large, multi-family projects and has worked with the top property developers in the state. The firm’s noteworthy clients include Shapell Properties, Hodgdon Group, and Pacific Castle. Over the years, the company has received several awards and recognitions, including the Architizer Special Mention Award in 2018. In 2020, the company was awarded the VMSD Retail Renovation of the Year Award.

One of ADC’s projects was its work for Jamboree Housing Corporation on the design for Heroes Landing in Santa Ana. For this supportive housing project, ADC incorporated a community garden into the building to create a serene and calm environment for its residents.


Madhat Architecture

197 Southern Rd, El Cajon, CA 92020

Madhat Architecture is a prestigious design firm in El Cajon offering a broad range of architectural, design, and planning solutions. Specializing in contemporary design, the company carries out residential and commercial projects ranging from small repairs to large-scale renovations. The firm is anchored in creating sustainable designs and practices. Inspired by the Hawaiian lifestyle, the design studio is known for its unique and practical designs.

Led by CEO Austen Dabboul, the company’s team of architects has developed their expertise in international master planning and has been commissioned with numerous projects throughout Oahu. Additionally, the firm has extensive experience in construction architecture. Madhat Architecture’s notable clients include the University of Hawaii and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The firm provides quality home renovation and remodeling services which modernize the overall look and use of the space. For the Coleman Residence in Hawaii, Madhat Architecture was tasked with redesigning the home’s front entry by adding a balcony and staircase. The firm took on the challenge of ensuring that the construction could support the heavy load of the addition while blending the design with the rest of the property’s exterior.


CAPA Architecture

1380 El Cajon Blvd, Suite #208, El Cajon, CA 92020

For four decades, CAPA Architecture has been providing superior architectural design services in El Cajon and nearby towns. The design studio caters to the residential and hospitality sectors while also specializing in designing for various yacht clubs. Encompassing a wide range of styles, the company’s work has included many residential projects exemplifying English Cottage, Prairie, and bungalow home styles.

Owner Dale Combs is recognized for his distinctive skill in incorporating natural materials into his designs. His first project gained attention for its outstanding design and was honored by the San Diego Building Industry Association (BIA) with the Best Multi-family Design Award. Dales’s expertise in residential design and management has led to numerous successful housing and hotel projects. He has also launched workshops on project planning and the building process. CAPA Architecture’s impressive designs have been featured in various publications, including Professional Builder, San Diego Home & Garden, and Remodeling Magazine.


One World Architecture

9826 Ogram Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941

Anchored in providing environmentally-friendly designs and methods, One World Architecture (OWA) enhances its clients’ quality of life through high-quality designs. The firm is committed to promoting social responsibility by approaching each design with sensitivity, creativity, and practicality. Catering to residential, commercial, and institutional sectors, the firm specializes in Tudor Cottage, Mediterranean, and contemporary designs. With offices in San Diego and Louisville, the firm has an expansive network and market reach to provide a broad range of architecture, design, and planning services.

Firm owner Ken Parel-Sewell has 20 years of industry experience and comprehensive knowledge of all facets of architecture. Over the years, OWA has carried out a variety of projects, including community centers and historic renovations. One of the firm’s showcase projects is a Tudor cottage in Louisville. For this residential property, OWA curated a design tailored to the owner’s lifestyle. The firm made sure that the addition and renovation matched the original structure of the home to preserve its original character.


BVM Design, Inc.

2363 Needham Rd, Suite #120, San Diego, CA 92020

BVM Design is an accomplished Building Design firm in San Diego. Since 2012, the design studio has been providing exceptional design services, catering to residential and commercial clients. With nearly a decade of experience in residential design and planning, the firm has earned a reputation as one of the leading design firms in the county. Offering complete building design solutions, the company focuses on custom homes, renovations, remodels, and additions for small or large projects. The firm also provides construction documentation for permitting.

Using state-of-the-art technologies, BMV Design delivers competitive rates and services in the construction market. The design firm is led by principal Brandon V. McAbee, who works closely with clients throughout the design and construction process. The Monarch-Ridge Residence located in San Diego serves as one of the firm’s feature projects. For this project, the design studio executed a full house remodel. BMV incorporated light colors and textures throughout the home to bring in natural light.