--- title: "Sanctuary Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sanctuary-architects-pfvwus-pf~1224810167 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1224810167.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sanctuary Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/627313f00e811add_1715-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "7730 Herschel Ave, Suite O, La Jolla, California 92037, United States" latitude: 32.8455 longitude: -117.2521 phone: "(619) 980-1627" website: http://SanctuaryArchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 24 years_in_business: 33 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 407 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # Sanctuary Architects > Designing Beautiful, Sustainable Homes in San Diego \| 5x Best of Houzz Original Houzz profile: [Sanctuary Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sanctuary-architects-pfvwus-pf~1224810167) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** La Jolla, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, University City, Point Loma San Diego, La Jolla, Ocean Beach San Diego, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar Heights San Diego, Hill Crest San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (24 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2013–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 33 years in business ### Business highlights - Online consultation - Best of Houzz winner - 33 years in business Sanctuary Architects excels in creating extraordinary homes of consistent design quality and diverse styles. Honored with 9 Home of the Year awards and distinguished for historical preservation, we are committed to creating homes that are both beautiful and a joy to live in. We are expert in the use of 3D computer technologies throughout the process, bringing great certainty about the outcome of your home. As LEED accredited architects, our hope is that we can soon stop using the term "green" to distinguish sensible design from what came before. That may mean looking back to simpler ways and forward to products and technologies that make sense in a sustainable economy. Mark Lee Christopher, educated at the University of Michigan and a licensed architect for over thirty years, started his practice in La Jolla, California in 1987. Since then, the firm has excelled in creating extraordinary buildings of consistent design quality and diverse styles. Christopher’s experience, creativity, passion and ability to discern exactly what a client is looking for is what has earned him numerous awards and most importantly, the loyalty and respect of his clients. Christopher values the integrity and lasting quality of good design and is committed to creating environments that are both beautiful and a joy to experience. Mr. Christopher also served as adjunct professor of environmental sciences at NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego and is LEED certified. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Historic Building Conservation - Construction Drawings - Custom Home ### Areas Served - San Diego - University City - Point Loma San Diego - La Jolla - Ocean Beach San Diego - Del Mar - Rancho Santa Fe - Del Mar Heights San Diego - Hill Crest San Diego - Mission Hills San Diego ### Typical Job Cost $750,000 - 5 million Depending on the scope of the project. Once the scope of work can be defined, I am happy to set a fixed fee, rather than hourly rates. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sanctuary Architects | | Address | 7730 Herschel Ave, Suite O, La Jolla, California 92037, United States | | Phone | (619) 980-1627 | | Website | http://SanctuaryArchitects.com | | License Number | C8842 | | Years in business | 33 | | Followers on Houzz | 407 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.instagram.com/sanctuaryarchitects/ - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/mlcarchitect - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanctuary-architects ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sanctuary Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sanctuary-architects-pfvwus-pf~1224810167) - **Website:** http://SanctuaryArchitects.com - **Phone:** (619) 980-1627 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: C 8842 - Type: ARCHITECT - Issued by: CALIFORNIA ARCHITECTS BOARD **Certifications & Awards** - •Nine San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyle Magazine Home of the Year Awards - •Two San Diego Magazine Best Home Awards - •AIA Honor Award - •City of San Diego Historic Resources Board Award of Excellence - •Member National Trust for Historic Preservation - •LEED - •BBB A+ Rating - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2013–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/better-business-bureau-pfvwus-pf~1830530549) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 24 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — P C, Sept. 2017** > With Sanctuary Architects, we received the dedicated efforts of a highly-experienced architect whose previous background also included substantial real-world construction experience. Mark is an extremely detailed architect who worked extraordinarily hard to squeeze out every possible advantage within the physical constraints of our challenging construction project. ### All 24 reviews **★★★★★ — Scott Crosby, Nov. 2021** > Mark is a world-class architect and the creator of the finest house in Crown Point. His inspired reimagining of a 1927 Spanish bungalow (1750 sf) into our dream project (4700 sf) elicits "wows" from passers-by and countless cell phone photos (to the point we sometimes pretend to pose for them in the kitchen). If and when we have another major undertaking like this, Mark will be our first call. He is, without exaggeration, the best possible choice. His services are fairly priced for the quality on offer, but, of course, you get what you pay for. **★★★★★ — Paul Butler, June 2020** > I have know Mark for 6 years now on a professional and personal level... I felt comfortable from the very beginning with Mark and referred him to my very best clients. That client hired Mark to design what would ultimately be a 7M home in Del Mar. Mark was creative and tireless on this challenging project that resulted in Del Mar design review board approval taking 2 years. Mark made me look like a hero to my client. **Comment from Sanctuary Architects:** > Thank you for your kind words, and your continuing friendship! **★★★★★ — Mary Gluck, Aug. 2017** > After looking for several years for an architect to design the house of our dreams we found Mark Christopher. Our house design was so complicated - not just with the design but also the structure. We feel so blessed to have worked with Mark for the last two years and we are now excited to see this dream built which would have never happened if we had not found Mark! **★★★★★ — Jim Freeman, Dec. 2016** > Mark helped us with the restoration and remodel of our 1905 Craftsman/Victorian home in Bankers Hill. We had a lot of work to do to restore it to its original 1905 look in order to get the historical designation approval from the city. Mark did a fantastic job working with the city and getting all of his plans approved and signed off on. We could not have done it without him. We received our historical designation in June of 2016. Thank you for a job well done Mark! **Comment from Sanctuary Architects:** > Thank you, Jim. It was a delight to work with you and Jing. Congratulations on preserving an important piece of San Diego history. **★★★★★ — Ruth Gautereaux, Dec. 2016** > Mark Christopher is an extremely talented architect, well-versed in contemporary as well as historic design. He relates easily to clients and colleagues and is capable of meeting budgets and deadlines. **★★★★★ — Jan Horn, Dec. 2016** > Mark's work shows the transformative power of how exquisite architecture can make us feel better. His houses are simply stunning. Architectural details are subtle, sublime, and exacting. He is a master of his craft and anyone lucky enough to be his client will never regret it. I wholeheartedly recommend Mark. **★★★★★ — jacquelinerdo, June 2016** > Mark has been an incredible asset during our design process for our functional and timeless family home. His expertise and vision has helped translate our ideas into our dream home. **★★★★★ — TFLA Landscape Architects, July 2014** > Mark Christopher masterfully develops creative yet timeless designs that reflect each individual client's needs and desires. He offers sophisticated designs with clean lines and keen attention to detail. This equates to thoughtful designs with no wasted space. Additionally, Mark's projects provide a heart and soul essential to excellent design. > > With a deep understanding of design and construction techniques, Mark is a creative thinker, able to solve space-use issues that enhance his designs. In addition, Mark stretches the imagination and is a pleasure to work with. As a bonus, his presentation skills allow his buildings to come alive in complete three-dimensional, rotating space. **★★★★★ — bluelp, May 2014** > Mark is a thoughtful architect who thoroughly understands how to craft an attractive, creative solution from his client's needs and desires. He is careful to understand the detailed limitations and potentials of a remodel or new construction site. He is mindful of the changing needs of a family over time, as children grow up and leave, etc... We enjoy our interaction with him and trust his judgement. **★★★★★ — langchuck, May 2014** > Mark Christopher is an excellent architect. He has a great understanding of a client's needs and is able to articulate those needs into very comprehensive and beautifully detailed plans, plans that eventually lead to a wonderful home. **★★★★★ — Stevens Turner Construction Inc., May 2014** > In a world of many designers, Mark is a true consommé in the architectural arena. A master of space, his floor plans are superior in functionality, making the traffic flow effortless and easy and his elevations outstanding, using both passive heating and cooling technology, with artistic flare, giving every house his signature look. Mark is truly one of the modern day Frank Lloyd Wrights' > > Steve, Stevens Turner Construction Inc. **★★★★ — jimneri, May 2014** > I have had the pleasure of working with Sanctuary on several beautiful homes. Mark's attention to detail always raises the bar for the landscape architecture and the value he places on client and consultant collaboration is proved on every project. **★★★★★ — Tony Parker General Builders inc, May 2014** > I had the pleasure of meeting Mark in 1988 and have worked on several projects with him over the years. Mark is a very talented architect; his creativity and professionalism show in all his projects. He is one of the true masters of his trade. **★★★★★ — terryschwartz, May 2014** > We were leaning towards choosing Mark Christopher as the architect for our Del Mar home because of the rave reviews from former clients and the artistic details on view in his homes. Once we called him, Mark's easy going yet confident manner immediately won us over as he described his experience using Archi-cad, an amazing 3-D design program. Being out-of-town owners, we liked Mark's high-tech capabilities, knowing we would not only be able to view his exterior designs online, but would also see how our ideas looked INSIDE after he input the parameters into Archi-cad. We can virtually wallk around our future home including seeing the actual views out each window! Mark has great esthetic sensibilities and often comes up with unique solutions to solve tough constraints. We have enjoyed our collaboration so far and look forward living in the finished product!! **★★★★★ — SD HomeCare, May 2014** > I've been working in construction for over 30 years and the last 20 as a Contractor and I can tell you from experience that Mark Christopher is an outstanding Architect both to work with and to have design your project. His attention to detail is unparalleled, his expertise, evident in all of his work and his personality and character make him a pleasure to work with. I don't think I am overstating when I say I couldn't recommend him highly enough. > Don Steigerwald **★★★★★ — Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures, March 2014** > We recently worked with Mark of Sanctuary Architects on a residential project and could not have been more impressed. From our first interaction it was clear how dedicated he is to his craft and clients. He was prepared with all layouts and drawings making it very easy for the flooring and bath layouts to come together on our end. Mark is very involved with his customers and is part of the process from the preliminary all the way through, you can tell that he makes himself extremely available to them. Mark was also a great facilitator during selections and helped pull out the customers creativity and really harness their needs. We look forward to working with Sanctuary Architects again in the future and highly recommend them to our clients. **★★★★★ — oancira, Nov. 2013** > Sanctuary Architects designed the exterior remodeling of our 1924 Spanish Mediterranean Revival mansion. Mark Christopher creative design seamlessly incorporated the existing architecture style in the improvements and additions. We are extremely pleased with the > outcome and the resulting increase in our property's value. Fantastic job! **★★★★★ — Jonathan Hangartner, Nov. 2013** > We worked with Mark Christopher on our residential project which was completed 5 years ago. As much as we loved the house in every way when we first moved in, five years later we only appreciate his skill even more. I can't count the number of times strangers drive up and go out of their way to tell us how much they love the house, and its not uncommon to find people standing out front with their own builder or architect talking about the house. We love it even more as time passes because it lives beautifully, and seems to adapt to our needs as our kids grow up. Mark took the time to understand our family dynamics and has designed the space so beautifully that we use every square inch of it. Finally, Mark is always a pleasure to work with, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. **★★★★★ — Samuel Michan, Oct. 2013** > Mark was very professional, he delivered an amazing project , great attention to details, the result is one of the best houses in la Jolla. I will hire them again! **★★★★★ — dmb3338, Feb. 2013** > I bought a small house in La Jolla, California with the intention of adding a second story. This is a difficult project because of the shape of the lot and various local building restrictions. After interviewing several architects, I hired Mark Christopher because I liked his professionalism, the quality and design elements of his work, and his attention to detail. I also felt we could work well together. > > At this point, after much discussion, we have preliminary plans and are working on the budget. One of the virtues of the way that Christopher works is that we plan and budget everything down to the door hinges. He develops a virtual model so that one can “see” the finished product before it is built. I expect this will be very useful for me because I find it difficult to visualize the final product from plans. **★★★★★ — williamfpool, Jan. 2013** > The home design was insipred with a high level of detail in the plans. The use of sophisticated software in the preparation of the plans allowed for useful 3-D viewing. The vast knowledge and experience of Sanctuary Architecs will result in an outsanding product that my wife and I can throughly enjoy for a lifetime. **★★★★★ — doitagain, Jan. 2013** > Mark Christopher introduced me to what an architect is supposed to do. I have used him on 3 projects - the first in 1989 on a 1958 California Ranch-style house. Then in 1991 on an English Cottage and again in 1996 on a 1926 Moorish/Spanish house. In each case he created additions which enhanced the original look of the house, improved the flow of the house, and most importantly, did it without evidence of an addition. He is easy to talk with, understood what I wanted and at times had to convince me to take a second look. He saw things I didn't see and described them to me in a way I could understand. > My regret is that I do not have another house to remodel. **★★★★★ — Susan Parkinson, Jan. 2013** > Mark Christopher is an excellent architect. He has been working with us on creative designs for our home remodel in the San Diego area. Mark is personable and easy to work with. He is a great communicator and listener and he strives to design in accordance with our lifestyle and our architectural tastes. He pays meticulous attention to details and comes up with creative ideas that are a joy to behold. Although we have not yet been through the construction process, we are familiar with Mark's work as we have seen the beautiful results of his work in the home our one of our neighbors. ## Selected projects - [Lighthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lighthouse-pj-vj~7584014) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 7 - [Del Mar Terrace Butterfly House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/del-mar-terrace-butterfly-house-pj-vj~6063886) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 20 - [Via Esperia 3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/via-esperia-3-pj-vj~6451147) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 6 - [Crown Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crown-point-pj-vj~6164146) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 6 - [Mission Hills Canyon Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mission-hills-canyon-residence-pj-vj~96277) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 5 - [Sunset Cliffs Coastal Contemporary Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-cliffs-coastal-contemporary-residence-pj-vj~540962) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 16 - [Del Mar Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/del-mar-remodel-pj-vj~78664) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 7 - [Awards and Press](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/awards-and-press-pj-vj~2372817) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Windansea Mexican Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/windansea-mexican-contemporary-pj-vj~737327) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: A new contemporary Mexican style home in a beach community of La Jolla, California - [Fallbrook Spanish Eclectic Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fallbrook-spanish-eclectic-residence-pj-vj~78665) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 6 - [Bankers Hill Arts and Crafts Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bankers-hill-arts-and-crafts-residence-pj-vj~78661) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 6 - [Bellevue House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-house-pj-vj~594707) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: New single family classic beach craftsman with basement. This home nestled in the Bird Rock La Jolla area, has all the comforts for the modern family. It is constructed with all the energy conservation essentials available on the market today, including photovoltaic electric panels. This is a HERS certified rated house. - [Sunset Blvd Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-blvd-residence-pj-vj~19703) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 4 - [Del Mar Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/del-mar-residence-pj-vj~96267) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 15 - [Hampton Inspired La Jolla Coastal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hampton-inspired-la-jolla-coastal-pj-vj~96260) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 14 - [Town Home Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/town-home-interior-pj-vj~96258) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 5 - [Fallbrook Modern Ranch House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fallbrook-modern-ranch-house-pj-vj~7749694) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 29 - Description: I call this the Oreo house. 40 years of practice have taught me a few things about remodels and additions. Namely, now to contain the tendency to rebuild the entire house. I this case, I elected to concentrate the most impactful work on a slice of the center of the house, call it the cream filling in an Oreo. The plan is to make two big cuts across the house and remove the center slice and rebuild that portion as a two story structure containing all the upgrades that would best enrich this older… - [Calumet Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calumet-residence-pj-vj~7635192) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 17 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sanctuary-architects-pfvwus-pf~1224810167) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/1063296785.m3u8?s=035c63afae294e18ddab03c1e0206d00145f4b58&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in creating extraordinary homes, including custom homes, new home construction, home additions, and remodels. Our portfolio showcases diverse styles, from Mid-Century Modern to Spanish and Modern, always with a focus on consistent design quality and creating beautiful, joyful living spaces. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, we provide comprehensive architectural services from initial concept through construction. Our process includes detailed architectural design, construction drawings, and we offer onsite services to ensure the design intent is realized, bringing certainty and quality to your project's outcome. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely, designing fully custom homes is a core part of our expertise. We pride ourselves on creating extraordinary, unique residences tailored to each client's vision, ensuring consistent design quality and diverse styles that are both beautiful and a joy to live in. **Do you specialize in specific architectural styles?** Yes, we have extensive experience across diverse architectural styles. Our portfolio includes projects in Mid-Century Modern, Spanish, and Modern styles, among others. We excel at creating extraordinary homes that reflect consistent design quality, regardless of the specific aesthetic. **Do you have experience with luxury or high-end homes?** Absolutely. We specialize in creating extraordinary, high-end homes, evidenced by our numerous accolades, including nine San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyle Magazine Home of the Year Awards. Our focus is on consistent design quality and crafting residences that are both beautiful and a joy to experience. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Lead response](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184294268/list/lead-response) — 1 idea - [mid century modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104115767/list/mid-century-modern) — 3 ideas - [Contemporary white exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98517433/list/contemporary-white-exteriors) — 35 ideas - [Wilkinson](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42795146/list/wilkinson) — 5 ideas - [Gluck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39023332/list/gluck) — 19 ideas - [Sanchez](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13132730/list/sanchez) — 37 ideas - [Mason Carriage House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5177216/list/mason-carriage-house) — 4 ideas - [Woolf Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/774276/list/woolf-residence) — 3 ideas - [Rieger Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/771545/list/rieger-residence) — 22 ideas - [Pool Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/771531/list/pool-residence) — 5 ideas [See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/markchristopher) ## Community Q&A **Q: Do you have information about the stucco and trim paint colors** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your inquiry about the stucco and trim paint colors on this home. Actually, the trim is canterra stone, carved in Mexico. The stucco color is a custom color created by Expo Stucco. They are able to match any color you bring them. I often start by selecting a paint color, since there are so many, then having Expo create a matching formula. Mark **Q: Image use?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi - I'm a writer working on a slideshow for Sunset.com about great rooms with subway tiles. I contacting you about the possibility of using this lovely image for the slideshow. Please let me know if it's possible to use this image with caption credit on Sunset.com. We do not have a photo budget for this project and I understand if you an only allow permission for pay. Thanks so much for your time. — Jess A: Hi Jess: Thank you for contacting me about use of this photo. Yes, I'd be pleased to have you use it. It is, by far, the most viewed image I have on Houzz.com. Please give photo credit to James Brady and design credit to Mark Christopher of Sanctuary Architects and Shawna Biel, interior designer. SanctuaryArchitects.com. Let me know if you need any other information. Please keep me on your list of resources for future articles. I have a wealth of information from 40 years designing fine custom homes in Southern California. Please feel free to call me anytime at 619 980-1627. Thank you! Mark **Q: What kind of flooring is being used in sunset cliff house?** *(in Photo Questions)* What kind of flooring is being used in sunset cliff house? A: Thank you for your query. The floor used is Durango travertine. Any stone flooring supplier should have it. It is commonly used in Southern California because it is quarried in Mexico. Also, there is a denser version from Turkey. **Q: Is there any concern for too much grout?** *(in Photo Questions)* i.e. having a large bathroom floor covered in small marble tiles? Does having too much grout cause any issues? A: Sarah: Thanks for your question about grout with this form of tile. Actually, the grout serves an important role in keeping the floor slip-resistant. I, generally, like to keep the grout lines thin, particularly when the tiles is small, but the edges of the stone, combined with the grout lines tend to grip the bottom of you feet when wet and help increase friction. For the same reason, we have long used mosaic tiles for shower floors. This is just an extension of that tradition. Hope that is of some assistance. Mark **Q: Railing** *(in Photo Questions)* Who made and installed the railing? A: Thanks for your inquiry regarding the railing. As is usually the case, the GC selected the fabricator. Feel free to contact RGB Construction in San Diego. Thanks, Mark **Q: Floor grout color** *(in Photo Questions)* What color is the grout on the floor? A: I tend to use a natural grey grout color because it is so versatile and because I usually want the grout lines to be distinct from the stone or tile itself. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*