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The 4 Best Residential Architects in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

4 Min Read

Residences featured in this article display a pure and unpretentious style reflecting the humble nature of Rancho Santa Margarita. Firms that designed these homes commonly focus on planning with sustainability, variety, sensitivity, and respect for the craft in mind.

Our editorial has completed this list of The Best Residential Architects in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, builders we know can guide you in designing your home. As we searched for the best firms, we considered the principles instilled and taught by the lead architect. We also evaluated their portfolio to get a feel of their design methods and their knowledge of various architectural styles. 


Kristine Sprague, LEED AP

944 Calle Amanecer, Suite D, San Clemente, CA 92673

The Cordoba Craftsman residence proves that sometimes, simplicity is the best way to execute the design of a home. In planning for this 1600-square-foot new residence, Kristine Sprague, LEED AP, completed the home with a Craftsman exterior, vertical board, batten siding, and shingle roof. The charming front Dutch door contrasts the black window frames, while the interior features modern grey and white hues. To complete the minimalist character of the home, the firm also provided this one-story home with a cathedral ceiling that reaches 14 feet. 

For over two decades, Kristine Sprague, LEED AP, has worked in various residential design styles, from $100k renovations up to $1 million new homes, throughout San Clemente and Orange County, CA. The firm offers on-site consultations, provides 3D computer modeling, and completes the whole package of construction drawings, permit processing, and bidding documents. It also assists the clients through HOA approvals, design review boards, city permitting, and general contractor referrals.


Zen Architect

22386 Woodgrove Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Zen Architect stays true to its name and follows a disciplined approach in its design methods. The firm has completed this bungalow craftsman, featured here—a tranquil dwelling place for the homeowners. The firm’s portfolio is filled with similar projects. 

Throughout its extensive three decades of industry experience, Zen Architect has provided comprehensive architectural design services in a fair, particular, and reliable method. These services consider the appeal and practical human needs of architectural design in landscape and interior design. The firm incorporates all engineering disciplines and provides complete turnkey services.


Saunders + Wiant Architects

2700 West Coast Hwy, Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Niall Saunders began his architectural career in 1986 and transitioned to a solo practice six years later. He is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a founding board member and chair of the LA Chapter of RIBA-USA. Ken Wiant has comprehensive knowledge of the building industry and regulatory rules in California. Wiant consolidated his own office with Saunders in 1996, combining the expertise of the two organizations into a broad-based professional firm.

Today, Saunders + Wiant Architects, Inc. works throughout the Southwestern US and even provides a few international projects. The firm’s services include architectural, engineering, and interior design. It handles projects of all sizes ranging from healthcare to commercial architecture and custom residential design. A great example of its works is the Harbor View Homes Residence, a 3,700-square-feet custom single-family home. Inside the stucco beige exteriors are four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, and a living area.


Migliozzi Architecture

22195 El Paseo, Suite #250, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Knowing that each homeowner has a unique taste, Migliozzi Architecture designs homes using a quality and detail attentive design process. It provides customized solutions for the specific architectural needs of clients who are looking for high-end design, conceptual drawings, and consultation services. Focusing on individuality, the firm designed this property with a 6,000-square-foot main house, an 800-square-foot guest house, a four-car garage, and a blissful landscape with a resort-style pool and spa. The main house accommodates an elevator, an open floor plan, a grand entrance, two kitchens, and seven bedrooms with baths. 

A finely designed mansion-style circular path completes the picture of this first-class mansion. This home truly represents the firm’s breadth of knowledge in diverse architectural styles, including Victorian, craftsman, farmhouse, Spanish Colonial Revival, and modern. Founder Giorgie Migliozzi has been the key factor in the firm’s journey of completing such a reputable and recognized list of projects. After receiving her Architectural Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mendoza, Architecture Faculty, she moved to California in 2002 and studied Interior Design. After 14 years of staying in California, she received her architectural license for the state in 2016. She founded Migliozzi Architecture with the idea of creating a firm that concentrates on customer communication and listens to the client’s spatial and style demands.