The second-largest city in California, Chula Vista is a warm, inviting locale, with more than 52 square miles of scenic landscapes and trails. Alongside various amenities that mirror the city’s welcoming neighborhood vibe, Chula Vista is also home to architects capable of designing some of the most beautiful homes.
This list presents numerous architecture firms that have been in business for over four decades; it also presents companies that are affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and have been recognized by publications like San Diego Home/Garden, Ranch & Coast Magazine, The Huffington Post, and Dwell. Like their own respective firms, the principals on this list have also been involved in the industry for many years and have years’ worth of experience that they have passed down to their teams.
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.
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. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Chula Vista, check out our cost guide article.
B + D Studio
PO Box 33137 San Diego, CA 92163
A boutique design firm, B + D Studio is known for its blend of modern, eclectic, and traditional homes. Over the years, the firm has created homes for various clients, from homeowners who have never worked with an architect, to large scale community tract home builders. One great example of the firm’s work is the Malaga at Rancho Santa Fe—a modern single story Spanish home that has earth-toned walls with clean, geometric shapes. B +D Studio has been recognized by San Diego Home/Garden.
Currently, the firm is handled by principal Todd Brazzon who has been serving clients in Southern California for nearly two decades. Before the firm, he graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and has worked for firms like Design International, Architectural Design Works, Inc., and Case Group Architects. Thanks to his experience, the firm has been commended for designing homes that are both timeless and functional.
Domusstudio Architecture
2800 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
This firm was previously known as Dominy + Associates Architects. But in 2001, founder Lew Dominy formally established it as Domusstudio Architecture to acknowledge the collaborators behind the firm. So far, this 33-year old firm has been most involved in the public, educational, worship, and residential markets. When it comes to the residential market, it has been recognized for the 150 luxury homes it has crafted in San Diego county. Among these beautiful homes is the Fitzsimons + Roman residence, which is based in a long-established neighborhood. To minimize the apparent size and mass of the house, its forms were made to look like jigsaw pieces, which were kept clean and simple with most of the openings on the south or north walls to maintain privacy and allow in natural light.
The firm has been honored with numerous awards; most recently, it was given the Merit Award in the residential category by the AIA’s 2013 San Diego Chapter. The firm has also been featured in publications such as Ranch & Coast Magazine, San Diego Home & Garden, The Coast News, The Huffington Post, and Dwell.
Aside from crafting beautiful homes, Domusstudio Architects has also been known to implement green practices even before they became industry standard. The firm currently has numerous LEED accredited professionals who have completed Silver, Gold, and Platinum LEED certifications. Alongside these professionals are company principals Jon Dominy, Wayne Holtan, David Keitel, David Pfeifer, and John Pyjar, who further add to the firm’s abilities and lead the team of creative, cohesive, and collaborative architects.
Marengo Morton Architects, Inc.
7724 Girard Ave., La Jolla 92037
Serving Southern California, Marengo Morton Architects, Inc. is a member of the AIA and the AIA San Diego, and has been recognized as a firm that has crafted uniquely styled homes that are a tasteful combination of the homeowner’s aspirations and the firm’s expertise. One great example of the firm’s beautiful homes is a modern minimalist home called Black Gold. Like its namesake, this home has an open layout and a white stone facade that highlights the structure’s clean, black linings and the interior lighting that has a striking gold appearance during and after the twilight hours.
Aside from crafting beautiful homes like this, Marengo Morton Architects, Inc. also does Commercial projects and Multifamily as well as development. The firm is currently guided by principals Claude-Anthony Marengo and Michael M. Morton. The beautiful home above is courtesy of Interior Designers Betty Torosian and Ed Webb, and builder RLP development.
Orsa Group Architects
38 3rd Ave., Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Orsa Group Architects is a firm with 48 years of experience designing structures for public agencies and private corporations. After working for such clients, Orse Group Architects was able to gather connections that have lasted 30 to 35 years. Though the firm is most recognized for these large projects, it has also completed notable residential works in La Jolla and San Clemente. Among the two locations, the most notable home is a Spanish revival style residence in La Jolla. A two-story home, it has a cozy ambiance and a dark earth palette.
The skill to design such projects can be credited not only to the team but to company principal Gary M. Orsa who took charge of the firm seven years after joining it. Over the years, Orsa has worked as principal-in-charge for several public and private clients.
sk7 design studios, inc.
3065 Rosecrans Pl., San Diego, CA 92110
Since 2010, sk7 Design Studios, Inc. has functioned in San Diego County as an architectural firm providing creative, intelligent, and comprehensive designs. So far, the most prominent designs the firm has completed are in the Spanish Revival and transitional styles. Though the firm has designed many of these beautiful homes, Rancho La Bella—a transitional home with an outdoor living area and pool cabana that the company designed—is one of its most notable works. With an open layout that welcomes the outdoors, this home is perfect for small parties and summer getaways.
sk7 design studios, inc. is currently managed by principal architect Sam Koob. A graduate of the University of Minnesota and the New School of Architecture & Design, Koob has over ten years of experience designing new custom homes, remodels, and additions for various residential homes.
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 Long Beach. 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.
Residential Architects in California
Interior Designers in California
Design-Build Firms 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.
