Often regarded as one of the most recognizable areas in Los Angeles County—perhaps even Southern California—Beverly Hills is the embodiment of the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. The city has been popularized by films like Pretty Woman and even its zip code, 90210, is famous thanks to the popular television show of the 1990s. So it often comes as a surprise to many that Beverly Hills is actually a small town with only 35,000 residents. Unlike most small towns across America, it is lined with palatial estates and is called home by celebrities from Jack Nicholson to Warren Beatty. Home styles range from classic period revivals to modern and contemporary mansions. Other popular themes include Spanish colonial, traditional, and a range of rural European styles.
This article lists ten of the best architects in Beverly Hills and includes some of the brilliant minds behind this famous small town’s most iconic homes. These firms were chosen based on merit, work history, clientele, and style. Our team also took into consideration areas of expertise and specializations in niche services.
If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
This list includes both licensed architects and residential designers who can both design stunning homes but differ in other services offered. Architects are trained in design, engineering, and project management and have passed a licensing exam. Residential designers typically don’t manage projects and plans will need to be approved by a structural engineer. Whether you choose to hire an architect or a residential designer will depend on your project needs and complexity.
Dan Brunn Architecture
6363 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #503, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Extending its services not only to the residential market, but also to the hospitality, retail, and commercial sectors, Dan Brunn Architecture was established in 2005 and has since earned a reputation for itself. Its projects are distinguished by a fine attention to detail, an emphasis on geometric elements, and the use of straight, clean lines. The firm is led by its founder and namesake Dan, who has been dubbed a “Rising Star” by Architectural Digest. Under his watchful eye, the firm uses spatial choreography to make use of light in surprising ways and draws inspiration from the architecture in Brunn’s native Tel Aviv.
The firm has been distinguished several times throughout its run in the industry. It is the proud recipient of a Design Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Los Angeles and has been featured in several publications such as The Seattle Times, Design Box, and Professional Builder.
Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects
60 Brady St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Formerly Ehrlich Architects, Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC) was established by Founding Partner Steven Ehrlich, FAIA in 1979 as a small residential studio. Today, the 40-member team is headed by Ehrlich along with partners Takashi Yanai, FAIA; Patricia Rhee, FAIA; and Mathew Chaney, AIA. The firm is now Los Angeles and San Francisco-based and has become an expert in several building types other than custom-designed homes: libraries, courthouses, university centers, and government buildings. The studio has also received prestigious awards from industry organizations, including eight national AIA design awards. Ehrlich has also been honored to receive the AIA California Maybeck Award and the AIA Los Angeles Gold Medal for outstanding lifelong achievement in architectural design.
EYRC’s portfolio showcases its projects in California, New York, Texas, and Dubai. Among its best residential designs is this Crescent Drive home. Spanning 3,000 square feet, this home’s design primarily emphasizes light and simplicity. Located in a neighborhood mostly lined with Spanish revivals, the firm ensured to also utilize materials found in Spanish houses as well. From stucco, concrete, and wood, all these elements were used in a more contemporary way which resulted in this modern twist. Inside, this home features floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a walnut staircase, and a seamless blend of its indoor and outdoor spaces.
Gabbay Architects
9150 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 145, Beverly Hills CA 90212
Gabbay Architects specializes in commercial and residential projects both on a local and international level. Established by Yassi Gabbay, the firm was founded in an effort to cultivate his already extensive design portfolio. Yassi has been recognized twice by the Beverly Hills’ Architectural Commission and he now oversees the firm’s programming, construction, and, on occasion, designs. The firm is now led by principal Hamid Gabbay, an architect who has served as chair to the Beverly Hills Planning Commission, Fine Art Commission, and the Design Review Commission. With the aid of their combined experience, the firm has earned acclaim and recognition. It has been published in magazines like W Magazine, Houses in Beverly Hills, and Beverly Hills Design & Life.
The firm’s portfolio displays a variety of designs ranging from modern and contemporary mansions to luxurious European inspired estates to beautiful Spanish revivals. The featured project depicts one of its Mediterranean homes, which includes custom wrought iron railings, curved archways, and a neutral color palette.
Giorgio Dazzan & Associates
9424 Dayton Way Suite #217, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Giorgio Dazzan & Associates is a multi-disciplined design firm that provides an extensive range of architecture, planning, and interior design services. Headquartered in Beverly Hills with an office in Rome, the firm’s style draws on its principal’s Italian and American experiences. Giorgio has projects located all over the world and does not limit itself. The firm has taken on retail centers, recreational facilities, hotels, and mixed-use commercial work. It aims to provide solutions both on an aesthetic and technical level and assists with the smallest of details.
All of Giorgio Dazzan and Associates’s design concepts are provided by principal Giorgio Dazzan. The firm’s work has graced the pages of several publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Architectural Digest, and the Phoenix Business Journal. As for its designs, the firm’s portfolio depicts a gallery of classic Californian Spanish revivals including several architecturally complex contemporary homes, as you can see in the featured project below.
Paul Brant Williger
110 N Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Paul Brant Williger is an architectural firm that specializes in classic and traditional home styles. The firm is led by its namesake Paul, an architect with over three decades of experience in the custom residential architectural industry. Prior to establishing the firm, Paul worked as a lead architect for several other firms and served as a principal at Appleton & Associates before deciding to start a firm of his own. Initially the firm embarked on major custom residential projects in Woodside, Laguna Beach, and Beverly Hills.
Since then the firm has completed projects in Los Angeles, Montecito, and Malibu. With the aid of Paul’s leadership, the firm has had the chance to be featured in publications like Luxe, California Homes, and California Home & Design. Some of its best work can be seen in the recently published project above. This stately Spanish Revival Residences features classic terracotta roofs, arched entrances, covered Loggas, and stucco exteriors.
PHX Architecture
9696 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #205, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Established in 2002, PHX Architecture specializes in luxury residential projects in addition to lifestyle spaces such as golf clubhouses, boutique hospitality and restaurants. The firm is led by its founder and lead Architect, Erik B. Peterson, a proud recipient of the Young Gun Award from the AIA. He is licensed not only in California, but also in the states of Arizona, Idaho, Texas, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oklahoma. During a prestigious internship, Peterson had the privilege of working on several original Frank Lloyd Wright designs. He has been named the “Best Architect” by AZ Foothills Magazine and most recently received two Gold Nugget awards for his design on a luxury, residential project in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
Peterson assures each of the PHX’s clients receives the benefit of his experience. PHX’s projects often catch the attention of the media attention: it has been featured in publications like Luxe Interiors + Design, Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Traditional Home, Interiors Magazine Modern Luxury.
The featured contemporary two-story residence best depicts some of the firm’s best work. Located in the exclusive Cholla Heights community, this home offers wonderful views of the valley. Its landscape was designed to complement the home’s architecture and seamlessly incorporates the inside and the outside.
Richard Best Architect
1275 Beverly Estates Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Founded in Los Angeles back in 1988, Richard Best Architect was established with the principle of improving conditions and respecting the natural environment. It adheres to the “Triple Bottom Line” strategy from LEED, which emphasizes the importance of eco-conscious designs. The firm incorporates several sustainability practices into each of its projects. The firm is led by its namesake Richard Best, a nationally registered architect who has had the privilege of being mentored by renowned practitioner Charles W. Moore, FAIA. The firm has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, LA Architect, and Architect Magazine. It has also been distinguished with the Green Building of America Award and IREO “Best Practices Award” in addition to several prestigious academic fellowships.
The following hillside project displays some of the firm’s best work. Located atop the upper edge of a “mini-eucalyptus arroyo,” this home underwent two major additions designed by the firm. Originally a 2,000 square foot English cottage, it is now a luxurious 6,000 square foot modern home. It features a contemporary and linear floor plan, open-framed cathedral ceilings, and wood roof trusses.
Schmidt Architecture
8760 Holloway Dr., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Schmidt Architecture provides a full range of architectural services. They focus on single-family and multifamily homes and specializes in modern architecture. At its helm is James Schmidt, an architect with nearly three decades of experience in the Southern California market. He has also worked in China and Dubai, and has had his work published by many publications. The firm has also been recognized both on a statewide and national level. Most notably, it has graced the pages of magazines such as Artful Living, California Home + Design, View, and Luxe. It was also privileged with being a part of Luxe Interiors + Design’s annual Gold List back in 2017.
As previously mentioned, the firm primarily works on modern homes. Its portfolio showcases an extensive gallery of open concept floor plans, straight lines, large glass windows, and corner rooms, all of which you can see in the stunning residence pictured above.
Tim Barber Ltd. Architecture
8455 Beverly Blvd. Suite #409, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Based in Los Angeles, Tim Barber Ltd. Architecture specializes in traditional and transitional designs tailored to modern lifestyles. Their 25 years of work ranges from modern farmhouses to Spanish colonial revival estates and coastal cottages throughout the western states. They have also designed a LEED Gold rated home, and they bring green practices into every project. The studio is led by its namesake Tim Barber, an architect with a background in urban reclamation, historic preservation and adaptive re-use. Tim founded the firm in 1994, and works closely with every team member throughout the design and construction process. He also co-founded and served as President of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s Southern California chapter; and he supports a variety of non-profit organizations like the Los Angeles Conservancy, Heal the Bay and TreePeople. His love for classical and vernacular architecture inspires the firm to design ground-up homes in transitional styles and historic renovations/additions.
The featured project displays a Southern colonial residence: a ground-up home in Northern California. Adhering to a colonial revival style, this farmhouse showcases a symmetric gabled façade, shuttered windows, and covered verandas. Inside, the plan of the house brings it to the 21st century. It has formal living and dining rooms, an open kitchen/family room, a butler’s pantry, a gym and a wonderful paneled study.
William Hablinski Architecture
2150 Summitridge Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Since its inception in 1978, William Hablinski Architecture has established itself both on a local and international scale. The firm is renowned for its expertise in traditional and historic architecture and is known for its distinctive style, a style inspired by classic and vernacular buildings derived from its principal’s travels across the country and Europe. Under the close supervision of its founder William Hablinski, the firm has worked on projects for numerous celebrity clients including Tom Cruise and Katy Holmes, Warren Beatty, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Jim Carrey, and Jennifer Lopez. Its work has also been featured in prestigious publications like Architectural Digest, Builder Magazine, and the Journal of the Institute of Classical Architecture. And, as if all that wasn’t enough, it has been recognized with several accolades from the AIA and the American Society of Architectural Perspectivists.
The firm’s projects are memorable for their combination of the historic with the modern. Its portfolio showcases three particular themes: Mediterranean, classical, and contemporary. The featured project is an example of its Mediterranean work. This home’s terracotta tile roofs, arched windows and doorways, beamed ceilings, and unique ironwork all combine to render a California gem.
How can I find a contractor or home builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best residential contractors and home builders in and near Irvine. If you don’t see your city or project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
The Best Residential Architects in Irvine, California
The Best Residential Architects in Anaheim and Santa Ana, California
The Best Residential Architects in Long Beach, California
Residential Architects in California
About Our Rankings
This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.
Get Bids For Your Build
If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
