For those interested in living in San Jose, we have created a list of the best residential architects in the area. These firms are experienced in the field and know how to balance creativity and innovation with meeting all industry standards. The homes they have designed are a result of their close collaboration with clients.
BLAINE architects + Marshall interiors
1690 Rogers Ave. San Jose, CA 95112
The team at BLAINE architects + Marshall interiors prioritizes creating beautiful spaces that fit each unique client, ensuring that clients can connect with the final design on an emotional level. To achieve this, the team places a deep focus into every facet of a project, from large areas to small details. BLAINE architects + Marshall interiors’ work is meant to be remembered and enjoyed, which is reflected in the fact that numerous publications have praised the firm’s work. These publications include Archello, Contemporarist, Architecture + Design community, and CA Modern Magazine.
Currently leading the firm are Megan Blaine, Keith Blaine, and Karina Marshall. The former two are both members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), while Keith Blaine is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C). Megan began her career with residential projects before transitioning to focus on multidisciplinary projects for commercial clients. Keith, meanwhile, started with healthcare and education projects after earning his architecture degree. The Blaines later founded BLAINE architects in 2015. Marshall’s interest in interior and architectural design led her to work on several residential and commercial projects before she founded Marshall interiors in 2018.
Arch Studio Inc.
1155 Meridian Ave. Suite #210, San Jose, CA 95125
Arch Studio, Inc. was founded by Robin McCarthy, AIA, in 2004 to meet the residential and commercial construction needs of clients in Central California. The firm uses a collaborative approach that incorporates client feedback and inspiration, ensuring that they create spaces that reflect individual lifestyles and tastes. Collaboration also allows the firm to assist clients with design, material, and permit plan decisions. Each space completed by the firm features thoughtful and meticulous space planning and home design. Additionally, Arch Studio, Inc. is a Certified Green Building Specialist.
McCarthy’s fascination with design and architecture inspires her work. She learned about the vernacular architecture of the Monterey Peninsula and incorporated what she saw into her projects. Her dedication to detail has allowed her to work on big projects like Hog’s Breath Inn and Mission Ranch Resort, as well as a variety of high-end homes. McCarthy is a member of the AIA Santa Clara Valley and National chapters. She is also a Cal Poly Architecture Grad and California Licensed Architect.
Camargo & Associates
3953 Yolo Dr. San Jose, CA 95136
Maurice Camargo, AIA, founded Camargo & Associates in 1985. Each home he has built since is meant to serve as a pillar of the community it is a part of, for his designs incorporate historical features that connect to the technological culture of Silicon Valley. This is the area that holds most of Camargo’s clients, though other clients can be found in San Francisco and the South Bay area, many of whom requested his services for single-family homes. A majority of the requests he receives focus on creating a place for a family to live together, so Camargo typically describes his clients as people who want to go home for comfort and privacy.
Camargo & Associates worked on the Hailey Residence, a home nestled into the hillside and located on a 16-acre plot in Los Gatos. A key part of the firm’s design includes a circular kitchen at the center, which is connected to a circular staircase leading to a rooftop hot tub. The rooftop also gives the homeowners a 360-degree view of the stunning area.
Kyle Chan Architect
3561 Homestead Rd. Suite #222, Santa Clara, CA 95051
With almost two decades of experience, Kyle Chan has built a portfolio featuring projects for both commercial and residential clients. These mostly include office tenant improvement projects and new residential home constructions, though Chan currently focuses on custom single-family homes and remodels. He makes sure to keep his services affordable since he believes that quality design does not need to be expensive. Based on Chan’s philosophy that structures should reflect the client’s vision, lifestyle, and needs, clients also have the opportunity to learn in depth about the project process while working with Chan.
The Purisima Residence is one of Chan’s projects in Los Altos. It is a modern farmhouse-style home with five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The symmetrical exterior was made possible by offsetting the two-car garage, which eliminated the bulk. Upon entering the double-height foyer, guests are greeted by crystal chandeliers that light up the chrome and glass staircase. The master suite has a spacious bathroom, two walk-in closets, and a vaulted-ceiling bedroom.
TOPA Architecture
1150 N First St. Suite #140, San Jose, CA 95112
TOPA Architecture was founded in 2007 with the goal of meeting and exceeding client expectations while respecting budgets, creativity, and schedules. Since its inception, the firm has been working to achieve design excellence for all of its project types, which include structures for the religious, restaurant, retail, technology, and residential sectors. As a client-centric firm, TOPA Architecture’s designs are also meant to help form and restore communities. Its team believes that providing quality service results in improving people’s lives, from the project owners themselves to the people in the community. Its work has been highlighted in publications such as Architect Magazine and The Mercury News.
Ramiro Torres is TOPA Architecture’s founding principal. His childhood interest in architecture led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the California Polytechnic State University. After receiving his license to practice, Torres made sure to observe equity and inclusion to ensure his designs leave a positive impact. He encourages his team to find creative ways to integrate architectural services with community improvement efforts.
