Atop the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula—neighboring other cities in the Palos Verdes Hills—you will find the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, or simply, RPV. With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Catalina Island, and Los Angeles, readers will find that this affluent suburb is a great place to visit, and even more so to live in. Though small in size, RPV packs a mighty punch when it comes to the housing scene. Zillow lists the typical home value of homes in Rancho Palos Verdes at $1,365,103. But not to worry, the best residential architects in Rancho Palos Verdes are more than capable of building homes of all architectural styles and sizes across a range of budgets.
The top residential architects on this list have been ranked according to their company profile, experience, services offered, customer satisfaction, awards received, and media features and coverage. With these firms’ unique designs and services, and their high levels of quality, clients are sure that their discerning tastes and preferences will be satisfied, whichever firm on the list they choose to work with.
Colega Architects
4334 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230
Colega Architects is a design-focused architectural practice based in Culver City, CA. Specializing in high-quality custom homes, multi-family developments, and mixed-use projects, the firm is dedicated to developing innovative design solutions and providing exceptional service.
As a licensed general contractor Colega Architects has had the opportunity to build some of the homes that it has designed. The firm likes to think of itself not as a contractor that designs, but as architects that build. Its design-build approach enables Colega to retain the utmost quality, integration, and implementation of the projects it designs. For its consistent quality and polished approach to design and construction, the firm was awarded the 2020 “Golden A’ Design Award” at the prestigious A’ Design Award & Competition, the world’s largest and most diffused international design awards. Colega Architects has also been featured on the pages of Dwell Magazine, and A’ Design Publication.
Cozen Architecture + Lighting
719 Yarmouth Road, Suite 204, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
At Cozen Architecture, design begins with the basic premise that each site is unique and must be treated as such. For the firm, each new project is seen as a new puzzle to be solved with unique approaches and solutions. This point of view has been driving the firm’s practice forward since its founding in 1994 by Carolbeth Cozen, AIA.
In the time since its establishment, Cozen Architecture has designed and supervised numerous award-winning residential, tenant improvement, restaurant and commercial projects in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. At the head of the firm is founder and principal Carolbeth, whose background and experience span many areas of expertise in architecture. She has appeared as a Green Design expert at the Environmental Expo, an influential designer on the TV series “Décor,” and as a keynote speaker at AIA events. Carolbeth is also a board member on the regional AIA Board of Directors, the local Planning Commission, and the Palos Verdes Estates Homes Association. With her active involvement in various building organizations and her constant exposure to the latest and emerging technologies and design trends, Carolbeth drives the firm’s thriving practice forward, as Cozen Architecture continues to grow through the years.
Jeannette Architects
296 Redondo Avenue, Long Beach CA 90803
Jeff Jeannette, the founder of Jeannette Architects, started his career as a framer for homes. Because he got an early start in the industry, his construction knowledge makes him creative and well-rounded in both design and product details. Jeff received his architectural degree from the University of Arizona, and today, his firm specializes in custom residential architecture design for new homes and remodels.
As a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP), and a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Jeff and Jeannette Architects strive for basic design considerations like passive and active solar design, cutting edge heating/cooling & electrical technologies, specification of durable recycled, recyclable, healthy materials and designing with the intent to maximize light and ventilation into every possible space. Jeannette Architects is also the firm behind one of the first Net Zero Energy homes in Naples, Long Beach. The home is equipped with high-efficiency components, including the insulation, the lighting, the water and air heating systems, the appliances. Gray water recycling, solar panels, and high-performance windows allow the owner to enjoy utility-free living and even pumps out excess energy to charge electric vehicles.
Joseph Spierer Architects
707 Torrance Blvd. Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Joseph Spierer Architects builds more than just structures; it builds relationships. The firm always has the best interests of clients in mind, and it demonstrates that commitment through its passion, and the quality and value of its fine architecture.
Joseph Spierer, principal of the firm, has over 15 years of experience practicing design. Having worked for five architecture firms before starting his own gave him a unique perspective and a belief in innovative approaches to traditional ideas, transcending conventional thinking to take designs to the next level. Joseph and the firm’s strong sense of inventiveness and originality enable Joseph Spierer Architects to offer practical and elegant solutions to everyday life. The firm has generated beautiful designs that have landed on the pages of Dwell Magazine, South Bay Magazine, Architect Blueprint, Home + Design Magazine, Best of Oceanside Living Magazine, and Oceanside Economic Development News.
Michael Kemp Architects
2366 Roscomare Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Michael Kemp Architects has been providing exemplary architectural, design, and planning services throughout Southern California and Nationwide for over 10 years. The firm works closely with its clients through all phases of the project to ensure that the project is the most creative and responsive to a client’s individual personality, needs, and aspirations.
In addition to highly creative solutions and technical expertise, the firm believes strongly in providing the utmost quality of service to its clients. Michael Kemp Architects achieves that standard through offering comprehensive services that cover custom residential, multi-family residential, restaurant and nightclub, retail space, commercial office building, interior office space planning, fine art gallery, urban design, and site analysis and capacity study services. As the firm cultivates its steady growth, it continues to refine its practice, one satisfied client at a time.
Michelle Anaya Architects
225 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite 203 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Michelle Anaya Architects is an award-winning, published architectural and interior design firm established in 1983. Located in Manhattan Beach, California, the firm has a diverse portfolio with a national presence.
Michelle Anaya Architects designs unique, rich environments based on classic design theory, environmental psychology, and a highly developed understanding of its clients’ needs. The firm’s mission is to listen carefully to the needs of its clients while designing beautiful spaces. A great example of the firm’s work is this Via Barri Remodel in Palos Verdes Estates. This estate home was very dated, formal, poorly lit with floral upholstered walls and dark wood. The first floor was broken into multiple levels. In order to address these concerns, Michelle Anaya Architects raised the sunken floors and made changes to the architecture to create a comfortable, graceful flow. With creativity and vision, the firm transformed this house into a fresh and welcoming family-friendly home.
NRG Architecture & Design
6034 Mossbank Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
After gaining valuable experience working for several prestigious Los Angeles architecture firms, designing projects for celebrity clients and even royalty, Nevert Guirgis, owner and principal of NRG Architecture & Design, founded NRG Architecture & Design. She has since been cultivating and practicing her passion for architecture through her own firm.
Nevert believes that from childhood, almost everyone aspires to have a dream home, and as they grow into adulthood, they also begin to conceive their ideal workspace. Nevert and her team at NRG achieve these ideals through a fulfilling process, which ends in a tangible reality. With Nevert’s vast experience, ranging from small additions, large estate homes to commercial projects, she brings projects to fruition creatively and affordably with her expert guidance. Over the years, she has established excellent working relationships with several building departments, including Los Angeles, the South Bay, Orange County. Those solid connections make the realization of her clients’ projects feel effortless.
Obelisk Architects
3800 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505
Established in 1997 by Nagy Bakhoum, Obelisk Architects was designed to be an architecture firm with a focus on collaboration with its clients to produce a combined vision that maximizes opportunity. Located in the South Bay, Torrance, the firm makes it a point to be part of the community and visible within it.
Obelisk Architects specializes in timeless architecture based on historic precedence and unique design solutions. The firm’s practice involves a primary emphasis on high-end commercial projects, but it also provides specialty design for retail, ecclesiastical, and residential clients. The firm is adept at customizing its services to meet clients’ specific needs. As a result of all these qualities, the firm has built a reputation as one of the top firms working in the South Bay today.
Ottolia + Barnes Architecture
5533 Bayridge Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Ottolia & Barnes Architecture is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm with over 25 years of experience in a variety of building types. The firm’s practice is founded on the principles of creating professional relationships, providing personal service, and maintaining design excellence.
The firm was founded by Domingo Ottolia and Dorothy Barnes-Ottolia, who act as managing and design principals respectively. Domingo’s experience encompasses a large variety of private and public housing developments, community and sport centers, special-care facilities, and commercial developments in California and throughout the United States. Dorothy, on the other hand, has a wealth of experience spanning residential estates, historical renovations, international corporate headquarters, financial institutions, restaurants, health and exercise facilities, and exquisite hotel resorts in the United States and Asia. Together, Domingo and Dorothy form the powerhouse team that leads Ottolia + Barnes Architecture to success through every project it takes on.
Peters Architecture
23177 La Cadena Drive, Suite 101, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Founded in 2006, Peters Architecture has established its presence within Southern California as a highly respected design firm. The company believes that the basis of any project begins with the cohesion of people, continues with the exchange of ideas, and ends with enduring relationships. The firm’s practice combines the discipline of professionalism while maintaining a very human approach.
Photo by Clark Dugger Photography.
While the firm takes on projects of any scale, its expertise spans single-family, multifamily, and workspace design and architecture. The Peters Architecture team specializes in creating warm and welcoming single-family homes, meshing multiple families into one cohesive and thoughtfully designed enclosure, and creating clean and bright places of work that are clear reflections of the creativity and magic that comes from within while optimizing the efficiency needed to flourish. This unique design approach has resulted in stellar work, which has been featured in publications like the Los Angeles Times, California Home+Design, The Spruce, Atomic Ranch, and Home Adore.
Pritzkat & Johnson Architects
306 Vista Del Mar Suite A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Pritzkat & Johnson Architects specializes in custom residential architecture, designing distinguished homes that combine a high level of artistry and functionality while realizing its clients’ dreams and often exceeding their expectations.
The firm builds most of its homes in the coastal cities of Southern California, designing creative and functional spaces that fit seamlessly into the natural and built environment of the region. As a result of its excellent work in design, construction, and remodeling, Pritzkat & Johnson Architects has been featured in publications like the Southbay Digs Magazine and the Easy Reader/ Beach Magazine. The firm was also a recipient of the Gold Award from the Professional Remodeler Design Awards in 2013.
S K Architects
4040 Palos Verdes Dr. N, Suite 201, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
S K Architects is a full-service architectural firm that provides innovative architectural design strategies and services. The firm designs single and multi-family residential, commercial, medical & dental, institutional, educational, governmental, restaurant, and food services projects. S K Architects is a forward-thinking practice that understands the creation of architecture is a collective enterprise. As a result, it fosters strategic collaborations between its clients, engineers, and building contractors to achieve a client’s goals.
Under the leadership of principal Sina Khajavi, the firm emphasizes attention to detail as a trademark of its practice. As a result, the firm produces pleasing, functional designs. SKA is also accomplished at incorporating design elements and materials into its buildings which increase efficiency and are eco-friendly.
Tomaro Architecture
2617 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Ste 100, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Since its inception in 1990, Tomaro Architecture has maintained the highest standard of excellence in design and construction while committing to complete client satisfaction. The firm believes that clients deserve respect, reassurance, and professionalism and that listening carefully to them and being responsive to their needs results in the most successful projects. Tomaro’s observance of this philosophy has resulted in a clientele composed predominantly of referrals and repeat clients.
Tomaro’s expert team of architects and support staff provide guidance through every step of the design process, helping to make the client’s dream a reality. Tomaro appreciates and encourages close relationships between owner and architect, and believes that open dialogue and effective communication is essential to a successful design process. The firm recognizes that a well-designed building has an immeasurable impact on its occupants, and that’s why its creative designs integrate functional spaces and flowing circulation into cohesive and intriguing buildings. Lastly, the firm’s forward-thinking architecture emphasizes natural light and spaces that capture views, like this home completed in collaboration with Simich Construction and photographed by Lauren Pressey.
