Located in Los Angeles, Temple City is one of several cluster cities in the west San Gabriel Valley. It is a suburb often regarded as one of the best and safest places to live in California. The city provides its residents with all the advantages of a suburb adjacent to a major metropolitan hub, and not surprisingly, a large portion of the population own their own homes.
Our editorial team decided to showcase ten of the best residential architects in the area. These firms were chosen based on the breadth and depth of their portfolios and variety of services. We were impressed by their numerous features in magazines in addition to their proven expertise in the area’s most popular architectural vernaculars.
James V. Coane & Associates
30 North Raymond Ave. Suite #611, Pasadena, CA 91103
James V. Coane + Associates, Architects specializes in custom residences and residential estates as well as expansions and historic renovations. On occasion, the firm also takes on apartment interiors, multi-family residential, retail, and corporate interior projects. The firm has completed projects throughout California and abroad and has consistently been recognized by Pasadena Weekly. Many of its projects have been featured in magazines such as Architectural Digest, LA Architect, and the Los Angeles Times. Many of these projects have been used as film locations for movies and television shows. The firm’s work has often been recognized for its excellent command and appreciation of modern and historical themes. The firm has also been noted for its fine attention to detail and intimate interior and exterior details.
This particular project is one of the firm’s most notable ones. Completed in Pasadena, this project showcases an Italian Revival theme. Its terracotta roofs, stucco exteriors, shuttered windows and multiple patios emphasize the home’s theme while providing comfort.
Peter Tolkin & Sarah Lorenzen Architecture (TOLO Architecture)
1024 Wilde St., Los Angeles, CA 90021
With a multitude of awards from prestigious organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in addition to numerous features in magazines, TOLO Architecture provides its clients a complete and comprehensive range of services. The firm’s process and methods primarily emphasize the importance of looking into the use of excellent materials and coupling this with better incorporation of its clients’ visions. In other words, the company often takes into consideration a project’s sites and strives to craft and design environmentally responsive homes. Aside from its great ground-up construction work, it is also known for its excellent retail and restaurant spaces, as well as larger projects such as hotels, multi-family housing, and mixed-use projects. The firm is led by its namesakes Peter Tolkin and Sarah Lorenzen. It has been in business since 1998 and first worked on the revitalization and redevelopment of buildings in Old Pasadena, a historic downtown shopping and entertainment district.
This featured project is a stellar example of the company’s talent and expertise. Located in Altadena, this photo showcases its work on the Vielmetter Residence. It was designed and completed for a contemporary art gallerist and her scientist husband. The firm was tasked with rearranging the home’s circulation to bring in more natural light, and create wall space for the homeowners’ art collection.
BiLDEN Corp.
408 S. Pasadena Avenue, Unit 4, Pasadena CA 91105
BiLDEN specializes in working on elegant modern spaces. It operates out of its office in Pasadena and is regarded for its collaborative process with clients, contractors, and consultants. It further infuses great environmentally responsible techniques and provides homeowners with a comprehensive construction management plan. Our editorial team was also impressed by its great landscaping and interior design work. The firm’s work is distinguished by its team’s excellent use of material, form, color, and texture. It also offers cost-effective, dynamic, and highly interactive approaches, in addition to great design, documentation, and construction management. This photo showcases its work on its Brooktree project.
This home challenged the firm with its extensive renovation and addition. It displays a beautiful mid-century modern design, as well as a courtyard-style residence in a verdant canyon. The firm’s team gutted the entire original house. They expanded its family room and kitchen with its entry being nestled beneath the new cantilevered roof.
Neo & Associates, Inc.
2115 Huntington Dr. Unit C, San Marino, CA 91108
Neo provides its clients with a complete range of architecture and design services. Its experienced team first begins its process by reviewing a particular site, in addition to the necessary city regulations and zoning rules. It collaborates closely with its clients throughout the entire process, from start to finish. The company operates out of its office in San Marino and has had the opportunity to work in some of the best areas and neighborhoods in Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bradbury, Commerce, Duarte, East Los Angeles, East Pasadena, El Monte, Glendale, and Hacienda Heights. The firm is led by Edward M. Osuch, who founded the firm in 1997. He specializes in 3D imagery but is also experienced and talented in all aspects of architecture and design. He is also LEED-certified, assuring homeowners of the sustainability of the company’s projects.
This project was first designed in 2015 and was completed in the following year. It spans 4,000 square feet and is located in Hollywood Hills. It features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a full kitchen with an excellent large marble island, a pool, and a lounge deck.
711 S 1st Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006
PDS Studio extends its services throughout the Los Angeles area and is the brainchild of its principal, Philip K. Chan. Under his leadership, the firm provides a unique and functional range of custom home design services. In addition to these, the firm is also known for its talent for numerous architectural themes, regardless of scale or complexity. This has enabled it to work on multiple luxurious custom homes. Its work is often distinguished for its team’s love of intricate finishes, custom fixtures, and great exteriors.
Featuring a great Spanish Colonial theme, this project displays the firm’s skills excellently. The firm used classic terracotta roofs and stucco exteriors to enhance the theme. They also opted for unique shuttered windows and exposed beams, reminiscent of charming English cottages.
Zprout Architecture
445 S San Gabriel Blvd. Suite #201, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Headquartered in San Gabriel, Zprout Architecture serves the entirety of the Southern California region, with offices strategically located in Los Angeles and San Diego. It is composed of a team of talented and experienced architects and building designers. Together, they have crafted a great architecture program that has enabled the company to complete countless of stellar spaces. They are also known for their great estimates and projections, assuring homeowners that their new projects will be finished on time and within the agreed-upon budget. The firm also maintains affiliations with various vital organizations like the AIA and has since curated an excellent clientele list for itself.
The firm is led by its founding principal, Jay Zapata. He draws inspiration from nearly two decades of industry experience. In addition to his residential work, he has collaborated with skilled contractors on commercial projects. Under his leadership, the company has become known for its innovative technical solutions and cost-effective approaches.
The Architech Group
235 E Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801
Established in 1986, The Architech Group operates out of its office in Alhambra. It specializes not only in residential projects but also in a wide range of various other project types. These include corporate offices, commercial renovations, senior housing, apartments, as well as mix-used developments. The firm is a proud recipient of a multitude of awards, particularly the Beautiful Design Award. Its work has also been featured in countless publications such as Designer’s West Magazine, Reader’s Weekly, and Japan’s PopEye Magazine. Yung Kao serves as the company’s founding principal who is registered to practice not only in California but also in Nevada, Hawaii, and Texas. He received a Master’s Degree in Architecture and a Master’s Degree in City Planning, both from the University of California, Berkeley. The featured project is an excellent embodiment of the company’s talent.
This project’s rectangular and angular finishes were elegant and unique. Its brick and concrete finishes gave it more of a unique flair, adding character to its modern exterior with its large windows. The interior also showcases modern finishes and airiness with a great open-concept floor plan.
Feng Xiao Architect, Inc.
2540 Huntington Dr. Suite #207, San Marino, CA 91108
Feng Xiao Architect specializes in urban design and the design of residential and mixed-use projects. It is known for its excellent master planning, entitlement, design, and documentation not only for residential projects but also mixed-use projects. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the firm can take on homes and spaces regardless of size or scale. It has also taken on numerous projects across the country and abroad. Feng Xiao Architect’s work has been acclaimed by many, including features in publications like URBANIZE Los Angeles. Showcased is the firm’s Windsor project.
Completed in San Marino, this home’s lot spans 12,250 square feet with the home itself stretching more than 3,500 square feet. Its shingle terracotta roofs and inviting entry patio create a welcoming entrance to the space, nicely complemented by its wrought iron finishes and sharp custom pillars.
