Rolling Hills Estates features a unique suburban-rural mix that is great for an equestrian lifestyle due to its rolling hills, horse paths, trails, and open spaces. It follows that this city is mostly a residential one, where more than 90 percent of residents are homeowners. And while this city is relatively small, the home prices here are among the most expensive in America—the city even once ranked as the wealthiest town in the nation, according to Worth Magazine. With such exclusivity and geographical features, residents make efforts to preserve the character of Rolling Hills Estates. Residential architects can help do so by designing homes that are perfectly suited for the city.
So our editorial team decided to list the best residential architects in the area. We took a peek at their current projects, design process, and other qualities that make each one a great hire.
Obelisk Architects
3800 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505
Since 1997, Obelisk Architects has remained faithful to its original purpose of being an architectural firm. Having one focus allows the company to make original and creative designs while also focusing on its ethics and excellent service. The career of the firm’s principal, Nagy R. Bakhoum, has been devoted to architecture as well. He is a professor and a co-author of the Professional Practice of Architecture which is essential reading for architecture students.
Bakhoum’s exclusively architecture business has already completed a variety of more than 300 projects—from small remodels up to multi-million dollar homes. Obelisk Architects currently specializes in high-end residential projects with specialty designs. Aside from that, the firm is into timeless architecture with no specific historical reference. A perfect example is this Mediterranean home in Tustin.
Tomaro Architecture
2617 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Ste 100 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
The residential portfolio of Tomaro Architecture is full of intriguing designs, most of which are beach residences. To come up with uniquely laid-out homes, the firm believes in three essential principles: open dialogue, effective communication, and thorough exploration. The firm prioritizes the satisfaction of the client. Hence, the design should ultimately communicate the vision of the homeowner. Using forward-thinking architecture, the company then develops creative designs through the help of 3-D models, digital imaging, and hand-drawn color renderings.
While each home is unique, Tomaro Architecture is fond of using an open floor plan and huge windows and doors. These elements maximize the spectacular water views, bring in natural light, and communicate serenity. The main idea of the firm is to create functional spaces with flowing circulation. A perfect example of this is Rolling Hills Estates, featured below.
Photo by Geoff Captain Studios. Builder: Tomaro Construction.
Ottolia & Barnes Architecture
5533 Bayridge Rd,, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
The professionalism of the principals is the persistent motif of client reviews of Ottolia & Barnes Architecture. Domingo Ottolia and Dorothy Barnes-Ottolia make a good tandem: both have specific knowledge and skills that they bring to the company. Domingo has vast experience in project management, design, and construction administration. As the managing principal, he ensures that each project is time and cost-efficient. Meanwhile, Dorothy has professional experience with residential estates, historical renovations, commercial, and industrial facilities. She oversees the direction and quality of the firm’s projects.
As a product of that combined extensive industry experience, Ottolia & Barnes Architecture has expanded its offerings aside from architecture and interior design. The firm offers master planning, project programming, green building consultations, and governmental processing/expediting. The company also handles site analysis and feasibility studies. Pictured below is one of the many projects of this award-winning firm, a new construction of a single-family residence in Torrance.
Pritzkat & Johnson Architects
306 Vista Del Mar Suite A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
The first phase of Pritzkat & Johnson Architects is the schematic design, which is born out of the collection of ideas provided by the clients. This phase serves as the steering wheel for the whole project and the hypothesis of the proposal. Eventually, the loose yet accurate sketches in this phase are refined into Design Development Drawings. Once the formal plan is ready, the firm adds technical data and specifications which then becomes the Construction Documents that contractors can use.
The keen process of Pritzkat & Johnson Architects is a result of 45 years of industry experience. The firm spent its years mastering the natural and built environment of South California, focusing on projects sited in coastal cities. Not surprisingly, the company exhibits expertise in beach craftsman-style homes. The firm is also comfortable with a variety of other styles: Caribbean, Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, Modern Ranch, Contemporary, and Traditional European, to name just a few.
Robert Hidey Architects
3337 Michelson Drive, Suite 170 Irvine, CA 92612
Robert Hidey Architects impresses potential clients with a diverse portfolio of national and international projects. The firm has at least 78 clients all over the world, most of which are home developers. Not only is Robert Hidey Architects a strong contender in a competitive industry, but it is also a pioneer and an innovator. The company is behind numerous original floor plan designs and land planning. The firm is also active in the residential development of many communities across the world.
Rober Hidey’s fondness for residential architecture and land planning stems from his exposure to the pastoral Frederick L. Olmsted, Jr.-planned seaside community of Palos Verdes Estates. Since then, he has worked towards the union of art, history, creativity, and technology. One of the award-winning projects of the firm is the Rolling Hills Estates pictured below. This project was recognized as the Best Single Family Detached Model Home Over 4,000 square feet by The National Awards in 2020.
