---
title: "Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mark-d-lyon-inc-pfvwus-pf~1384247366
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1384247366.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc."
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1f03522f0eb9655a_8132-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "410 Birdrock Avenue, La Jolla, California 92037, United States"
latitude: 32.8455
longitude: -117.2521
phone: "(858) 459-1171"
website: http://www.mdla.net
rating: 4.6
review_count: 9
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 245
last_updated: 2026-08-26
---

# Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mark-d-lyon-inc-pfvwus-pf~1384247366)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** La Jolla, CA
- **Serves:** San Diego, University City, National 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, Logan Heights San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego, Mission Valley San Diego, Tierrasanta San Diego
- **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (9 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2015), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc. is a full service Architectural & Planning firm offering expertise services for Residential, Coastal, Commercial, Hospitality and Historic Restoration.

Founded in 1987, the firm has completed projects throughout Southern California. The firm has earned the reputation for imaginative and sound design solutions, efficient project management and adherence to both schedule and budget.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Drafting
- Home Restoration
- Historic Building Conservation
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Design
- Staircase Design
- Deck Design
- Garage Design
- Laundry Room Design

### Areas Served

- San Diego
- University City
- National 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
- Logan Heights San Diego
- Mission Hills San Diego
- Mission Valley San Diego
- Tierrasanta San Diego

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc. |
| Address | 410 Birdrock Avenue, La Jolla, California 92037, United States |
| Phone | (858) 459-1171 |
| Website | http://www.mdla.net |
| Followers on Houzz | 245 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Architect-Mark-D-Lyon-Inc/143910755674083?fref=ts

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mark-d-lyon-inc-pfvwus-pf~1384247366)
- **Website:** http://www.mdla.net
- **Phone:** (858) 459-1171

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Voted Best Architect by The La Jolla Village News 2012 - 2019

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2015), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 9 reviews**

### All 9 reviews

**★★★★★ — User, Feb. 2016**

> Excellent architect ! Mark really listens and asks insightful questions. He took my collage of pictures that I had collected, listened to my vision and worked with the existing house/lot parameters to transform the house. Patiently walked me through the design and plan process and when I forgot something, happily walked me through the elements. Such an effective listener that his first draft pretty much nailed the vision I had in my head. From there, we adjusted and tweaked but the overall concept was quickly agreed. Equally, Mark has assembled a strong team - all a delight to work with. And when you need an expert who knows the city code inside and out and it's impact to your design, Mark is it. My remodel is about to commence and I can't wait to see the finished result.

**★ — Woodbridge, Nov. 2015**

> Beware! This architect bated me in by offering a preliminary review which was fair but then handed me a contract for additional services which I explained I wasn't ready to start and Didn't sign. Then a few weeks later he sends me a bill for over 75% of the feed on the contract that I never signed or approved. Won't return emails...be warned!

**Comment from Architect Mark D. Lyon, Inc.:**

> I would like to take a moment to respond to this review.
>
> I enjoyed working with this individual and am disappointed our relationship did not continue. I respectfully disagree with the statement "The Architect baited me in". This individual had two meetings with my staff and following the preliminary review, this individual authorized us to proceed with design services with full knowledge of the scope of services. This individual paid me for those professional services as a resolution of our dispute.
>
> Since this individual could be considered a competitor, I think his review is a bit manipulative and suspect.
>
> I look forward to some day reconnecting and hopefully put our dispute behind us.
>
> Respectfully,
> Mark D. Lyon

**★★★★★ — michaela0008, April 2014**

> I retained Mark Lyon to redesign as well as add a second story to my 1925 Spanish Eclectic home. When I first met Mark I told him I wanted to retain the historic charm of my home both inside and out yet have the house equipped with modern, updated features and conveniences. Once the construction is completed, my expectation is that my home will be an exceptional example of how to integrate modern features into a historic home, and how to properly integrate indoor/outdoor living spaces. Mark is a highly skilled architect and one of his greatest assets is his willingness to listen and his patience to work closely with his clients. His final design not only incorporated my ideas but greatly improved upon them.  I could not be more pleased with Mark’s work product.
>
> Beyond being a phenomenal architect, Mark and his staff are very helpful and friendly and always made me feel that my project was their highest priority. Additionally, Mark is well-versed in local building requirements and procedures.
>
> I would highly recommend Mark and his exceptional staff!

**★★★★★ — Bothwell Co, Feb. 2014**

> I have worked with Architect Mark Lyon and his team on a number of residential projects and I highly recommend them. In addition to having an excellent design aesthetic Mark and team are professional, experienced, organized, responsive, and pleasant to work with. They are a top notch firm and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.

**★★★★★ — kdraud, Feb. 2014**

> We hired Mark to design a second home for us - He has done an amazing job!  He is skilled at listening to our vision and preferences and translating that into what will work with the space we chose.  Mark has an excellent foundation of knowledge and in a constant dialogue with us as to how the ideas on paper will work in our busy family life.
>
> Other thoughts - He produced a timeline early in the process and has updated it as we have moved along and new things come up, which is very helpful in planning the project.  He is extremely adept at navigating the complex world of permits and regulations in the area.
> Mark and his staff are very organized and on top of things.  And they are all very warm and pleasant and easy to work with!  They are tech savvy and can work long distance if you are not local during the planning process.
>
> We have done several whole house renovations over the years - Mark is the best architect we have engaged - we highly recommend him!

**★★★★★ — Wichmann Landscape Architecture, Feb. 2013**

> In my capacity as a landscape architect and a frequent design team member with Mark Lyon, I know first hand of Mark's creativity,  architectural knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail.  Whether a commercial or residential project, it is always a joy to work with Mark and his firm.

**★★★★★ — gjcooper, Feb. 2013**

> Architect is derived from the Greek word Architekton.  Which translates
> "Master Builder."  A good architect creates a synergy which melds art, form,  and  technology while overcoming bureaucracy.
>
> Mark Lyon is an outstanding architect.    From our first meeting  to our last
> handshake at the completion of our project he was in positive control.
>
> Our dilemma was to remodel a worn out 1950's ranch style home and make the changes blend with our neighborhood while  adding a more
> vibrant usuable living space.  Mark with his  infinite creativity devised a
> "Ranch Revival" which employed what we now refer to as VSD..."Volumetric Spatial Drama."
>
> We added 1500 sq. feet without any additional internal walls.  The reaction from folks varies from wow to holy cats!!!
>
> The light, the angles of the new design creates one gigantic dynamic sculpture.  Of course that is only part of the accomplishment.  The unseen variables are dealing with the myriad of technical requirements and the bloated permitting process and it's mind numbing compexities.
> Mark was able to take the technical and explain it in laymen's terms...a true mark of understanding and to tame the bureaucracy.
>
> Our project which was major remodel took a little over 5.5 months.   It was
> on time and on budget because we had a great plan.  All due to an
> outstanding architect.
>
> Gregory Cooper

**★★★★★ — Wright Co, Jan. 2013**

> I am a General Contractor in La Jolla, and have worked with Mark Lyon for at least twenty-five years. His expertise in architecture and design is unsurpassed. It has been a pleassure to work with him on each and every project that we have been involved with. He has met all deadlines and budgets throughout all of the years we've worked together. I highly recommend him.

**★★★★★ — dmehl, Jan. 2013**

> Mark has designed a new ocean front  home for us in La Jolla.  He has been a pleasure to work with;  both knowledgeable and professional.  We are very pleased with the design, and Mark has been very responsive to our goals for the home.  He is very easy to work with.

## Selected projects

- [Tuscan Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuscan-sanctuary-pj-vj~6685058)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Point Loma](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/point-loma-pj-vj~6258415)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [The Breakers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-breakers-pj-vj~6258110)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 20
- [Contemporary La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-la-jolla-pj-vj~2597069)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
- [Contemporary San Diego](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-san-diego-pj-vj~2243841)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [La Jolla Farms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-jolla-farms-pj-vj~1863876)
  - Location: La Jolla, CA
  - Photos: 29
- [Beach Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-craftsman-pj-vj~1770936)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
- [Contemporary Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-ranch-pj-vj~1718021)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
- [Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-pj-vj~1523469)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 23
- [Historical](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historical-pj-vj~1161777)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 19
- [Modern, La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-la-jolla-pj-vj~905527)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 38
- [La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-jolla-pj-vj~158924)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11
- [Mediterranean Coastal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-coastal-pj-vj~157122)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 45
- [Spanish Coastal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-coastal-pj-vj~157109)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 29
- [Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-pj-vj~156062)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 21
- [Modern Coastal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-coastal-pj-vj~156039)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [El Vuelo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/el-vuelo-pj-vj~22136)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 38

[See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mark-d-lyon-inc-pfvwus-pf~1384247366)

## Ideabooks

- [Peto - Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115461671/list/peto-exterior) — 9 ideas
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114134411/list/wish-list) — 1 idea
- [Feeley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105894412/list/feeley-residence) — 5 ideas
- [Contreras Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2308715/list/contreras-residence) — 1 idea

[See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/archmark)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What is the brand and color of the tile.  It is AWESOME!** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: We agree it is pretty Awesome! This is a project that was completed several years ago. The Owner hired a separate Interior Designer. Unfortunately we do not have the information of the brand and specific color but it is a Mosaic pattern.

**Q: RattanWicker Chairs** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi I was wondering where I could find those exact chairs I have been looking for those forever. Any help would be great. Thanks

A: Hi, Thanks for inquiring about the Wicker Chairs! Unfortunately, our firm did not do the Interiors for this project. If we come across some information in the future, we'll write you back.

Thanks, 
Architect Mark D. Lyon

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-26.*