Designing a home can be a complex undertaking involving many hands and minds. From initial design to implementation, the process requires close collaboration between builder and homeowner. This partnership can be enjoyable and fruitful—as long as homeowners choose the right architect to get the job done.
Below is a list of the best residential architects in Santa Ynez Valley, California, architects are well-versed in what it takes to design a good home. These architects were chosen based on their background, experience, and unique ability to cater to the design needs of their clients.
Angelo Caciola, Architect
2200 Hidden Hills Rd, Ballard, CA 93463
Angelo Cociola, Architect is a custom residential design firm with over forty years of experience providing design/build custom residential projects throughout Southern California. As a student of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Angelo learned the principles of organic architecture and continues to incorporate these principles into his practice. Angelo has completed over one hundred designs and design/build projects, primarily in Southern California. And, on top of that, he has designed sixteen custom residences in the Vail area in Colorado.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This home on Hidden Hills Road is located on a ten-acre rolling site. The home is 5,200-square-feet wide, with a guesthouse spanning 800 square feet. As a contemporary residence, the home features a fascinating asymmetrical exterior with mixed materials. The roof cantilevers sharply over one side, making the home appear quite dramatic when approached.
Pacific Architects, Inc.
1117 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
For William S. Wolf, principal of Pacific Architects, Inc., connecting architectural design and art is a hallmark of his firm’s practice. The firm has distinguished itself as an expert in three areas: collaboration, craftsmanship, and technical expertise. When it comes to style, the firm’s work is informed by both innovation and tradition. It also carefully considers scale, proportion, and detail in the design process — a practice that leads to well-designed homes, for which William has received awards for design excellence.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. The Rincon Beach House, situated at a beachfront, features an outdoor deck that overlooks the waterfront. The simple, one-story structure includes an open concept plan which facilitates ease of movement from the kitchen to the dining and living areas. Other amenities include a stone fireplace and a number of floor-to-ceiling windows to create as many views as possible of the surrounding countryside.
Gray and Gray Architects
1505A East Valley Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Gray and Gray Architects is a family-operated business run by brother and sister principals William Gray, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Martha A. Gray, AIA. Prior to working with her brother, Martha had a partnership with her father, Paul Gray, with whom she worked on more than twenty-five residences and remodels, which included both ground-up new residences and remodels. Some of their work also included a church change of use and an apartment complex.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential remodel. The Alisal Residence features a low-pitched tile roof that sits on an expansive horizontal structure. An abundance of flora adorns the front of the home, and an enclosed pergola with climbing vines welcomes guests into the home. Inside, the home features windows that frame gorgeous views of the rolling hills. Traditional furnishings decorate the interior and allow for a relaxed and comfortable style of living.
Marchi & Associates Architects
2599 Baseline Ave., Solvang, CA 93463
Marchi & Associates Architects is a design firm with over a thousand projects in its portfolio. The firm has completed custom homes, housing tracts, apartment buildings, condos, retirement housing, skilled nursing, shopping centers, office buildings, financial institutions, churches, wineries and tasting rooms, and restaurants in its almost fifteen years of operation.
The firm is led by founder Brett Marchi, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).
Below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. The Five Strawberry Residence is a Tuscan-style home located in Orange County. The grand estate follows an L-shape, which facilitates ease of movement from one wing of the home to another. The property also features a spacious front lawn and outdoor lounging spots from which the property owners can enjoy the warm weather and views of the outdoors.
CSA Architects
330 E Canon Perdido St # A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Based in Santa Barbara, but with clients throughout the Western United States, CSA Architects is a full-service architectural firm that is well-versed in a host of project types, from new construction to renovations, remodels, and additions. Although the firm has a focus on custom homes and estates, it also has extensive experience with affordable housing programs, mid-rise residential developments, and multi-family condominiums. Other specialties include commercial buildings, community centers, mixed-use projects, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. Completed in the Spanish Hacienda style, this equestrian ranch estate in Santa Ynez, California was fully customized and developed to include a main and guest house, a ranch office building, a horse and hay barn, several horse paddocks, an arena, a hot walker, and acres of rolling grape plantings. The result is a cohesive design that brings together the warmth of the Mediterranean style with the comfort of ranch living.
Tai Yeh Architect
3324 State St, Suite C, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
For almost three decades, Tai Yeh, AIA has been working in the Santa Barbara area with a focus on residential design. Although Tai’s interests are in this type of design, he has also worked on many commercial and institutional developments. And with his team of professionals, Tai is able to achieve his goal of completing projects on time, and beautifully.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. The Smith Residence is an expansive horizontal structure built in the contemporary style. Its owners were able to maximize outdoor living spaces, with amenities that include a pool, outdoor seating, and lounge areas set up to enjoy the weather and the views. Indoor living is equally spacious, with rooms and living areas set up in an open concept plan.
Tom Meaney, Architect
629 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
When Tom Meaney started his firm almost thirty years ago, it was with the goal of keeping his operations personalized and customer-oriented. Today, Tom maintains this practice as he designs homes, attends meetings, and even answers phone calls, all with the goal of giving clients the greatest value for their investment.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This contemporary hillside home in Santa Ynez Valley spans 3200 square feet and incorporates traditional English country cottage design with contemporary interpretations. It features a metal roof, steel windows, and crisp detailing combined with warm hardwood flooring and exterior stone materials. As a result, the home is both sophisticated and completely comfortable.
