Calistoga is a small, rustic town located in Napa Valley surrounded by acres of vineyards. This beautiful suburban town offers a laid-back lifestyle and is known for its luxury resorts. The town’s real estate market consists of apartments, fixer-uppers, and craftsman homes. Homeowners who are renovating and building their homes will find the best residential architects in Calistoga located in town or in a number of adjacent communities.
Finding a reputable company to work on your home involves a lot jof research. The firms gathered on this list come highly recommended by past clients. Our editorial team took that feedback into consideration, as we reviewed portfolios and the level of expertise in designing the challenging landscape of Napa Valley. Many of these companies also practice green architecture and sustainable design solutions.
Kadello & Larsen Architectural Designs
9061 Conde Lane, Windsor, CA 95492
Windsor-based Kadello & Larsen Architectural Designs specializes in designing coastal and Mediterranean-style homes. Offering a wide range of architectural design solutions, the firm caters to different types of homes including country estates, subdivisions, and wineries. Established in 1993, the design studio stays up to date with the latest industry trends and practices using advanced technological tools.
The firm was formed through the partnership between Rick Kadello and Paul Larsen. The former colleagues share the same vision for excellence as reflected in every project. Having worked in one location for 28 years, the firm has solidified its relationship with vendors, contractors, and local officials. With deep knowledge of the local landscape, Kadello & Larsen provides expert advice in all aspects of architecture and design, and in all types of environments. While most of the firm’s projects are located throughout greater Sonoma, Napa, and Marin County, the company also extends its services to international clients.
Patrick Mervin + Associates
4868 Petrified Forest Rd. Calistoga, CA 94515
Founded in 1980, Patrick Mervin + Associates offers architectural design and construction solutions to homeowners across the greater San Francisco Bay Area, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. Specializing in craftsman and Tuscan designs, the firm caters to the residential, commercial, and winery sectors. From custom remodels and historic restorations to tenant improvements, the company is equipped to manage quite the range of small to large-scale projects.
With a unique approach in designing all types of structures, the firm integrates sustainable methods in every design to produce cost-efficient homes. Firm founder Patrick Mervin is a registered architect in California and Hawaii and is also a licensed general contractor in California. With a combined experience in architecture and construction, Partick brings a fresh perspective to the firm’s design-build process. The Napa Tuscan Villa serves as one of the company’s showcase projects. For this project, Patrick Mervin + Associates designed a Tuscan-inspired home nestled in the hills of Napa.
Zeitgeist Sonoma
723 Humboldt St. Santa Rosa, CA 95404
As a full-service architecture firm, Zeitgeist Sonoma provides architectural design and interior design solutions to homeowners in Santa Rosa, Calistoga, and nearby areas. Specializing in custom high-end homes and remodels, the design studio delivery’s fully integrated designs address the client’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Each design is tailor-fit to the client’s specific requirements resulting in functional, comfortable, and visually pleasing spaces. With a comprehensive background in the construction process, the firm offers a streamlined approach so that clients have a hassle-free experience.
Zeitgeist Sonoma was founded in 2001 and is led by firm principals Efraim and Jessica Kahn Wichmann. With an in-depth background, Efraim brings decades of experience to designing high-end residential homes. Jessica, on the other hand, focuses on creating functional spaces across a broad range of styles. One of the firm’s notable projects is the Petaluma Modern Residence. The firm designed an open floor plan and added a separate unit.
Signum Architecture
1050 Adams St. Suite D, St. Helena, CA 94574
In 2011, firm partners Jarrod Denton and Juancarlos Fernandez established Signum Architecture in St. Helena. Sharing the same values and passion for excellence, their combined experience has resulted in successful projects that range from minor renovation works to large-scale jobs. As a small and tight-knit firm, Signum Architecture offers a personalized approach to every project to ensure all aspects are properly handled and executed from start to completion. With a full spectrum of architectural services, the firm focuses on designing functional and practical spaces and focuses on winery, residential, and commercial projects.
Signum Architecture is deeply committed to sustainability and incorporates environmentally-friendly materials and green architecture into every design. As a pioneer in German Passive House technology in the U.S., Jarrod continues to raise the standards of design and advocate responsible architecture. The company is known for its fresh and creative designs and concepts. With a group of highly skilled architects and designers, the firm delivers efficient solutions to all types of structural and design challenges. Signum Architecture is recognized for designing California’s first and second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold wineries.
Strening Architects
2027 Nordyke Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401
For over a decade, Strening Architects has been providing superior architectural services to clients in Santa Rosa, Calistoga, and a number of additional towns in the neighborhood. Founded in 2008, the firm specializes in custom residential, hospitality, and winery projects. The company was built on the foundation of enhancing the quality of life by designing spaces that complement the environment. Each project is developed with fresh, creative, and responsible design solutions.
In 2008, Daniel Strening established Strening Architects. Inspired by his cultural experiences in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Daniel has developed a broad range of design practices. His focus is on integrating art and technology into every design. The firm is also dedicated to providing green design solutions to create a safe and healthy environment that clients can enjoy for generations.
One of the company’s showcase projects is the Healdsburg House. Strening Architects took on the challenge of maximizing the forest views of the property by extending the living area to the exterior space using sustainable materials.
Paul Kelley Architecture
541 Jefferson St. Napa, CA 94559
With deep roots in the Napa Valley, Paul Kelley Architecture is committed to integrating the contrasting elements of interior and exterior spaces that complement the environment. With over a decade of experience, the firm offers complete architectural solutions including renovations, sustainable design, historic restoration, and tenant improvements. The design studio caters to a wide range of styles ranging from modern and contemporary to Victorian homes. Founder Paul Kelley established the firm in 2008 and since then has earned a reputation for delivering superior quality design and service.
Paul Kelley Architecture is recognized for its award-winning projects. Specializing in green architecture, the firm integrates recycled materials and sustainable methods into every design. As a certified Master Green Building Professional, Paul has developed an impressive list of clients from renowned restaurants, wineries, historic properties, and private residences. Some of his clients include The French Laundry and Bouchon Bakery.
The St. John’s District Remodel serves as one of the firm’s notable projects. Paul Kelley Architecture successfully restored the property by rebuilding the home’s infrastructure. The result is a stunning retreat situated in a historic neighborhood.
Hunt Hale Jones Architects
444 Spear St. Suite #105, San Francisco, CA 94105
Top architectural firm Hunt Hale Jones Architects (HHJA) has been serving Northern California homeowners since 1993. Catering to single-family homes, multi-family units, mixed-use, and affordable housing, the firm is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations regardless of project size and scope. The vibrant firm focuses on designing spaces that enhance the client’s quality of life and environment. For 28 years, the firm has completed numerous projects including urban development and luxury homes.
HHJA is made up of a group of creative thinkers with a passion for sustainable designs and practices. Spearheading the firm is award-winning architect Richard Hunt who is a recipient of the 2019 Excellence in Homebuilding Award for Best in Architectural Design and Award of Merit. One of the firm’s most notable projects is a contemporary residence in Orinda where HHJA was tasked to transform a 5,600-square-foot space into an impressive five-bedroom home.
Backen & Gillam Architects
1421 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574
Since 1996, Backen & Gillam Architects has been developing small to large-scale projects for a wide range of housing projects. For 25 years, the firm has worked on low and high-income, senior living, student, urban, suburban, and wilderness housing projects. While capable of designing a variety of styles, the firm specializes in contemporary and Mediterranean designs.
Leading the firm is principal and partner Howard Backen. One of his award-winning projects is the Delancey Street Foundation located in San Francisco which received several awards including the 1992 Award of Excellence from the Urban Land Institute. Howard has also worked on various projects abroad including a ski resort in Korea and the Stars Restaurant in Singapore. His achievements locally and abroad have earned him a solid reputation as one of the premier architects in the area. In 2013, Backen & Gillam Architects published From the Land, featuring the firm’s outstanding projects for 22 years.
Amy A. Alper
1101 Loma Court, Sonoma, CA 95476
Award-winning firm Amy A. Alper, Architect specializes in the design of custom homes in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties. Amy’s stunning portfolio includes a variety of styles, ranging from modern farmhouses and modern-rustic estates to modern residential structures. Since its inception in 2005, the firm has produced numerous successful custom projects. Stewardship of resources, both budgetary and environmental, and exceptional service are the hallmarks of Amy’s practice. Working with the timeless qualities of light, texture, rhythm, proportion, and expressive detail, Amy crafts each project to suit both property and owner. A constant for the firm…helping clients envision and build a home that will house family memories.
Before establishing the firm, founder Amy A. Alper honed her skills working on high-profile projects including the Getty Center and the Carneros Inn. The firm’s impressive body of work has been featured in national and international building publications and books. In the last four years alone, projects have appeared in Residential Design Magazine, Interiors Magazine, Luxe Magazine, California Home and Design, Sonoma Magazine, and Mobilario Em Noticia. In 2021, the Calistoga Estate was awarded Best Residential Wine Country Residence and will be featured in the book, At Home in the Wine Country.
Other high-profile associations that have accredited the company include membership in the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Amy was a keynote speaker at the annual Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Conference in 2016 as well as a founding member of the AIA-Redwood Empire’s (AIA-RE) CRAN Chapter. She has served on the Boards of The Forum for Architecture and Urban Design and the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation. Learn more about them at alperarchitect.com
