Ventura is decorated with a variety of home styles ranging from Greek Revival to neo-electric styles. Nowadays, people are looking into living in a comfortable and modern space. Residents are continuously seeking fresh ideas that will elevate the way they live. Over time and many trends later, architects have developed their own style on how to approach each project.
Ventura is lucky to house many talented and experienced residential architects. The only thing to do is to choose the right architect for your dream home. To make it easier for you, we have curated a list of the best residential architects in Ventura. Each firm’s years of experience, recognitions, service area, and styles have been taken into consideration. For a home exquisitely designed by the city’s best architects, take a look at our list below.
Archipelago Workshop
PO Box 1772, Ventura, CA 93002
Archipelago Workshop is an award-winning and well-recognized architectural firm in Ventura. The architectural firm is led by seasoned architect CJ Paone, American Institute of Architects (AIA). Since opening its doors in 2003, the firm has designed countless residential spaces ranging in various sizes and styles. The firm’s adept designers are knowledgeable in creating custom architectural designs and landscape architecture. Its forward-thinking designs have won multiple AIA Merit Awards, Honor Awards, and Design Awards in the last few years.
Archipelago Workshop believes that living well is synonymous with beautiful spaces. Featured is the firm’s modern home in Ventura. Archipelago Workshop was faced with the challenge of transforming the mid-century home into a modern abode for its owners. The firm designed a spacious living area with a modern peninsula-style gas fireplace and a steel hearth extension. The fireplace acts as a divider between two entertainment areas. Archipelago Workshop’s works are finely designed as featured in publications like Architect, C magazine, Men’s Journal, and The Art of Outdoor Living.
Arketype Architects
275 San Clemente St., Ventura, CA 93001
David Ferrin has built his design and construction expertise for the last 30 years. His rich background in the industry has helped him establish Arketype Architects in 2001. Ferrin’s expertise in architecture encompasses residential designs, multi-family residential, mixed-use, and small commercial developments. The firm values design that answers today’s challenges like sustainability, affordability, and the role it will play in the built environment.
Arketype Architects’ environment-forward and contemporary designs are clearly seen in its portfolio. The firm led the architectural design and building of this mid-century home in Ventura. The project included interior and exterior renovation and a second story addition. As seen in the photo featuring the home, Arketype Architects used cork floors, reclaimed wood bases, and fiberglass windows and doors for a more modern feel. The firm’s outstanding designs have been featured in publications including Ventana magazine.
Bruce Labins Architect
830 E Santa Clara St., Ventura, CA 93001
Bruce Labins Architect is one of Ventura’s oldest and trusted architects, specializing in architecture, historic preservation, and 3D digital modeling. Bruce is a Ventura-resident who established his architectural firm in 1988. His diverse background in design is brought by many of his projects throughout Southern California. The firm creates designs that are timely with high regard to standards and efficiency.
The firm’s design principles revolve around creativity, imagination, and an understanding of how spaces affect its inhabitants. Its portfolio is home to a wide range of styles. Featured is the Holt residence located right in Ventura. Bruce Labins Architecture designed a charming craftsman-inspired home. The team was faced with a challenging hillside location, yet the design was exquisitely sensitive to the landscape and was seamlessly built.
Chappell Architecture
175 S Ventura Ave. Suite #104A, Ventura, CA 93001
Chappell Architecture opened its doors in 2010 spearheaded by craftsman and architect Dylan Chappell. Through the years, the firm has completed over a dozen projects in California. Chappell is a licensed architect with a rich background in design and leadership. His expertise includes designing restaurants, homes, educational facilities in Kuwait, Mexico, and throughout California.
The firm’s AIA, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Accredited Professionals are capable of designing and delivering stunning commercial and residential spaces. This rustic and sophisticated home can be found a few miles away from Ventura. Chappell Architecture designed the beautiful estate overlooking the Channel Islands and the Pacific ocean. One of its highlights is the 16-inch sliding glass doors that open the home to the California Coast.
Coastal Architects
505 S A. St. Suite #200, Oxnard, CA 93030
Coastal Architects is one of Southern California’s award-winning architectural firms. Jeffrey Zook, AIA and Michael Sanchez, APA are two equally established professionals who started Coastal Architects in 2005. Both leaders are equipped with diverse design specialties earned through various industry experiences. Its adept team of architects and designers develop designs through advanced technology including BIM software to further provide a full spectrum of design.
Coastal Architects specializes in a wide variety of projects from custom homes to hotels and restaurants. A majority of its clients praise the firm’s efficient processes and great customer service. The firm’s quick responding team quickly addresses any upcoming or current issues to avoid damage. Coastal Architects’ main goal is to make the design and building process easier for clients.
Daniel Saltee Architects
21 S California St. Suite #204, Ventura, CA 93001
Daniel Saltee is a well-versed architect who was born and raised in Ventura. Saltee’s interest and passion for architecture started at an early age. Later on, he received his formal training from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and has worked with prestigious firms in Los Angeles. His diverse experience and knowledge in design became his firm foundation in establishing Daniel Saltee Architects.
Daniel Saltee Architects’ AIA-certified architects design with pure creativity and innovation. The dedication and professionalism of the team are reflected through its works. Visit the firm’s portfolio to further understand the type of work and style it is capable of doing. From commercial spaces to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), the firm is able to deliver efficient and forward-thinking solutions.
James Heimler Architect, Inc.
19510 Ventura Blvd. Suite #210, Tarzana, CA 91356
James Heimler Architect, Inc. is a leading architectural firm in California with years of experience in designing residential homes. Principal architect, Jim Heimler, has an abundance of experience in designing different home styles. Its team of NCARB, AIA, USGBC LEED-Accredited Professionals offers a wide range of styles that fit perfectly in the city’s historic neighborhood. Also, its designs have won multiple awards from industry associations recognizing the firm’s expertise in architecture.
With various architectural works in California all the way to Shanghai, the firm has the ability to offer clients world-class design options. One of the firm’s eye-catching projects is the Dwyer residence in Los Angeles. It features an authentic and warm Mediterranean style from its exterior down to its interior finishes. The Dwyer residence is a perfect example of how the firm designs authentic spaces through fine quality and details.
Mainstreet Architects + Planners
422 E Main St., Ventura, CA 93001
Since 1983, Ventura has found a reliable design partner in Mainstreet Architects + Planners. Nicholas Deitch is one of Mainstreets’ founding senior principals. His leadership backed by years of profound experience has guided the team to complete many projects. Deitch specializes in integrating architecture and planning with sustainability. Mainstreet Architects + Planners’ contribution to architecture and urban design has built its reputation among clients and the communities it serves.
Mainstreet Architects + Planners’ diverse residential and commercial projects established the firm’s integrity and vision. The firm’s portfolio is home to a number of high-end residential, yet affordable homes. Mainstreet’s architects make the functionality, sustainability, and comfort of homes a priority. Its residential designs heavily focus on livability and its aesthetic contribution to its environment. Each home is custom-designed to fit the needs and lifestyle of its valued clients.
Picciotti Design
404 N Catalina St., Ventura, CA 93001
Creating remarkable custom homes and renovations has been Picciotti Design’s trademark since 1999. Founder Martha Picciotti is a Boston native with a deep passion for design and 40 years of industry experience. Her design style has been influenced by New England’s diverse architecture and the sculptural forms of the rocky Atlantic coastline. Her works are rooted in integrating the landscape with structures. Martha is an advocate of both traditional and contemporary design and this is reflected in the diversity of her work. She believes great design is a collaborative process between the architect and client to create unique environments that enhance the quality of daily life.
The firm’s projects are a true head-turner and have been featured in Ventana, Ventura Life & Style, Coastal Living, and Design House magazines. The portfolio contains many homes designed by Martha. Styles range from contemporary to traditional to Spanish, and are grouped together on her website. For contrast, Seahorse, a contemporary home features exposed steel I beams and a glass wall, while Manzinata, a Spanish home captures the warmth and sophistication of California Mediterranean.
Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects
285 N Ventura Ave. Suite #102, Ventura, CA 93001
For more than 40 years, Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects has been translating stories into home designs all over California. Aside from its three offices in California, the firm also has a sister company located in Japan. Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects (RNT Architects) specializes in a multitude of services including, but not limited to, architectural design, urban design, site analysis, and sustainability, among others. Its designs are guided by collaboration, evolution, exploration, and analysis. These steps help the team assess each project and provide the best design solution.
The firm works under the leadership of three well-versed principals — Ralph Roesling, Kotaro Nakamura, and Chikako Terada. Each leader brings a distinct knowledge and style to the team. Its world-class designs have won recent awards including the 2020 AIA San Diego Energy Savings Award, 2020 AIA San Diego Urban Design Award, and more than 20 design awards in the last five years. The Lundby residence is one of the firm’s energy-efficient high-end homes. The home’s design promotes a modern lifestyle through high ceilings, an abundance of natural light through large bay windows, and wide open spaces.
Roy Colbert Architecture
2590 E Main St. Suite #100, Ventura, CA 93003
Roy Colbert is a seasoned architect with various design experiences gained from working with some of California’s renowned firms. In 1981, after building his portfolio, Colver felt the need to start a firm on his own, establishing Roy Colbert Architecture. Since its inception, the team has worked all over California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Mexico.
The firm is well-versed in designing residential and commercial spaces varying in size and style. Featured is the firm’s expansive Ventura Beach house taken from its residential works. Roy Colbert Architecture took advantage of this property’s location on the coast of California. The team designed an open living design with glass dividers and windows that allow indoor spectators to marvel at the beautiful natural scenery.
Sol Haus Design
PO Box 384, Ojai, CA 93024
Sol Haus Design is one of California’s leaders in home designs, ADU, building design, and energy-efficient homes. The firm is capable of designing homes integrated with the latest in green technology and sustainability. Vina Lustado founded Sol Haus Design in 2012 backed by more than 20 years of profound corporate design experience. For years, Lustado lived off-grid in her tiny home, which has also been featured in many publications. Her design influences come from her Philippine heritage, learnings in Los Angeles, and her escapades in Europe.
The stellar firm and its award-winning designs have landed the pages of Dwell, Tiny House Nation, Inhabitat, and Ventura County Star among others. A great example of their work is this beautiful Ojai Guesthouse. With a shoestring budget, they were able to work with their client to transform a garage into a modern, airy guesthouse with light spilling in all around.
SPH Design Architecture
1507 Callens Rd. Suite G, Ventura, CA 93004
SPH Design Architecture is one of Ventura’s trusted architectural firms founded by Steven Penn Hsu. The firm is adept at providing professional architectural, planning, and design services. Hsu has more than 20 years of thorough background in architectural design. This allowed him to broaden his expertise to include residential and commercial design, estate planning, facility and campus design, and master planning. Together with his team, the firm has completed numerous projects in and around Ventura.
SPH Design Architecture is focused on creating meaningful spaces for clients with the timeline and budget in mind. These designs are meant to evolve side by side with the rapidly changing world. Many of its projects have been awarded and recognized in various publications, including the Los Angeles Business Journal. Featured is one of the firm’s Spanish-inspired residential designs. Modern and Spanish-inspired homes are among the popular designs that can be seen in their portfolio.
The Akeena Group
499 Arnett Ave., Ventura, CA 93003
The Akeena Group is a woman-owned licensed architecture and general construction company serving Ventura since 1985. It is led by industry professional, Laura Kay Dunbar. Her keen eye for sharp details and great client service has built her reputation in the industry. Dunbar is joined by an adept and skilled team of designers who continuously create innovative spaces. Each project’s design is seamlessly integrated with the firm’s construction processes. This collaboration diminishes any problems that might arise during the construction phase.
Akeena Group is well-versed when it comes to designing and building commercial, residential, and government buildings. With a wide range of projects, the firm is able to cater to the different needs of its clients. Some of Akeena Group’s works have a traditional and Spanish-influenced design fit for California’s historic neighborhoods.
