--- title: "GRAHAM architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/graham-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1543589265 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1543589265.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "GRAHAM architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9df35aec0217b0dd_3026-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States" phone: "(949) 715-2365" website: http://www.grahamarchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 289 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # GRAHAM architecture Original Houzz profile: [GRAHAM architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/graham-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1543589265) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Laguna Beach, CA - **Serves:** Newport Beach, Laguna Beach - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves A boutique design firm specializing in high end residential. The firm is best known for elegant restraint and an overall feeling of serenity. Our design work explores the relationship between the dwelling and the landscape. Large windows and sliding doors are often used to frame views and visually blend the indoors and outdoors with nature. Soft muted colors like beige, brown and gray are often combined with tactile surfaces to provide interest. Pools, water features, courtyards and gardens are typical of our work. We strive to create buildings that remain timeless, have a positive effect on people’s lives and offer a comfortable place to live. We do not have a style of architecture, each project is a unique response to our clients lifestyle and a particular site. However, our work has been described as “warm modern” with an emphasis on materials such as wood and stone. Our design work is often characterized by simple forms clad in natural materials and textures. The end result is casual elegance that embodies a sense of warmth and luxury. The hallmark of our practice is timeless design, material richness and exacting detail. Carlton was educated at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in Architecture. He worked for several years in Los Angeles with award winning Architects like Frank Israel and Mark Mack before moving to Laguna Beach to open GRAHAM Architecture. Carlton is a licensed Architect and is registered in California and Texas. He has worked for over 18 years in the profession. ### Areas Served - Newport Beach - Laguna Beach ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | GRAHAM architecture | | Address | Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States | | Phone | (949) 715-2365 | | Website | http://www.grahamarchitecture.com | | License Number | C-29041 | | Followers on Houzz | 289 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [GRAHAM architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/graham-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1543589265) - **Website:** http://www.grahamarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (949) 715-2365 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2015: Service (Client Satisfaction) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — Dale Waldo Landscape Architecture, Sept. 2016** > I am a Landscape Architect who has had the opportunity to work with Carlton and I am familiar with his other work as well. Carlton is unbelievably talented and is strong in all aspects of architecture. His creativity is amazing and at the same time his technical and code knowledge is excellent - quite a combination. I would highly recommend Carlton to anyone who is considering remodeling or proposing new construction. He makes the process fun and you will be impressed with the results. **★★★★★ — danadowers, Nov. 2014** > I have worked with Carlton Graham on five projects and have had a stellar experience each time. He is a genuine, dedicated professional with a sincere desire to fulfill his clients’ needs and exceed their expectations—and he always hits his mark. Carlton is readily available to his clients whenever he is called upon to answer questions and creates a seamless, stress-free environment. His attention to detail is surpassed only by his artistic creativity. His fresh, unique designs have impressed me time and again over the past 25 years I have been his client and friend. **★★★★★ — lknight9, Oct. 2014** > After interviewing several Architects we selected Carlton Graham to design our new home. It was a complex project build on the water. It took incredible talent to design a house that capitalized on our ocean views while meeting our target budget. Many Architects have tried to build on our lot before and never were able to get the project approved by the City. We recently moved in and can't believe how livable the house is. Carlton likes a warm mix of natural materials and our home does not feel cold or stark. Carlton is passionate about Architecture and Interiors, he designed all the cabinetry and lighting in the house. We also really loved how involved he is in the construction phase with the Builder. I would highly recommend him if your looking to hire an Architect. **★★★★★ — Rosemarie Allaire Lighting Design, June 2014** > Graham Architecture is a highly detailed, meticulous design firm based in beautiful Laguna Beach. > I have had the pleasure of colloborating with Carlton Graham on many occasions and he is a skilled Architect with a clear vision and direction for each project. **★★★★★ — sadie1998, Sept. 2013** > Graham Architecture beautifully executed plans for our project in Newport Beach, California. They interpreted all of our wishes and beyond, and diligently followed up to make sure this dream became a reality. > > Carlton was not only available to us and our contractor from start to finish but was an integral part of the process. His hands on approach, great work ethic and amazing creative talent made the entire process smooth. > > The details in the design are impeccable. So glad we found his firm! **★★★★★ — jwgrotte, Sept. 2013** > "We are elated with the outcome of our project. GRAHAM architecture > did an amazing job keeping both my wife and myself happy with choices. > > GRAHAM architecture made the transition from the original house to the new area beautifully. > > There is still a balance with the aesthetics of the house. > We are planning on using GRAHAM architecture again with our next home. > I would highly recommend Graham Architecture. **★★★★★ — Michael Fullen Design Group, Aug. 2013** > We recently completed a custom home with Graham Architecture. The process was a creative collaboration with the team including the homeowner. Careful attention was given to the clients requirements as well as the building process to ensure an exceptional product. > I would highly recommend Carlton Graham to any of our clients. ## Selected projects - [BLUFFTOP House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blufftop-house-pj-vj~309943) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: A 7000 s.f. custom residence on a blufftop overlooking the pacific ocean and Newport Bay. Each room offers guests a panoramic view. The home features a dramatic 75 foot long copper roof that floats over the rear patios to shade the owners from sun and rain. Extra large sliding and bifold doors open 30 foot spans that connect the occupants with nature. A light palette of materials was chosen to remind the owner of the beach and create a sense of calm. Materials like split faced texas limestone, s… - [BEACH House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-pj-vj~309898) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: A truly unique site, more than an acre directly above a private beach. This 11,000 s.f. home is broken down into 5 separate buildings, each no more than one story. The design breaks down the appearance of mass by burying the buildings into the site and covering several structures with planted roofs. Floor to ceiling windows and doors slide open to connect the owners with nature. Due to the harsh ocean environment, materials like teak, antique granite, limestone, copper, concrete and corten steel… - [BAY House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bay-house-pj-vj~309846) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: A custom 6,500 s.f. residence for a large family. The house is built right on the water and enjoys 180 degree views of the bay. The design opens to the southern california climate with large sliding mahogany doors that merge the interior and exterior spaces. Enduring materials such as copper, limestone and mahogany insure the house will last for many years to come.The design was inspired by Japanese Architecture with its attention to craftsmanship and fine woodworking. - [ART House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-house-pj-vj~309827) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: A custom 8000 s.f. residence for a client who loves Bali and the warmth of tropical modernism. The design was inspired by the owners frequent trips to the Aman Resorts in Indonesia. In addition to a feeling of serenity, the house was carefully designed to showcase the owners extensive contemporary art collection. The house is a mix of timeless materials such as teak, mahogany, copper and honed limestone surfaces. The interior is a warm palette of hand rubbed plaster with detailed mahogany wood a… - [BELLEVUE House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-house-pj-vj~309981) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: A 7000 s.f. custom residence on a 2 acre site with dramatic views of the ocean, city and coastline. The design is inspired by the owners love of clean lined, modern museum like spaces to display their collection of contemporary art. The house is often used to entertain large groups of people. Dramatic floating roofs draw inspiration from Asian Architecture and Frank Lloyd Wrights " Robie " House. Low maintenance materials like a zinc roof, indiana limestone cladding, steel and exposed concrete w… [See all 5 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/graham-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1543589265) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can you please advise who/what product was used on exterior wood/clad.** *(in Photo Questions)* Good afternoon, can you please advise who and what product was used on the exterior wood cladding/details. Thank you - much appreciated A: The wood eaves are stained vertical grain cedar and the windows/ doors and cladding is all stained mahogany. All were custom made from scratch for this house. **Q: the panels around the bath tub, are they light boxes ? Thank you** *(in Photo Questions)* the panels around the bath tub, are they light boxes ? Thank you A: No, they are just exterior windows with frosted glass and mahogany frames. **Q: island and walking space info** *(in Photo Questions)* .hi- can you please give me the island deme tío a as well as the clearance space between the island/back was and island/couch A: The island is 3'-6" wide and 16'-6" long. There is a walkway of 3'-6" behind the island and a walkway of 5'-3" in front of the island to the sofa back. **Q: Stucco color** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you share the brand & color of the smooth stucco? A: It is a custom color I created and it's made by Merlex Stucco. You can give them any paint chip of your choice and they will make a 12" x 12" sample for you to approve **Q: Love the floor** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this honed sea grass limestone? A: Yes, I highly recommend seagrass limestone in any room. The light gray color and natural shell texture has a great way of hiding dirt, it just disappears. **Q: What is this stone?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is this stone? A: The wall stone is carmel cream select limestone veneer in a split faced texture and the floor is seagrass limestone --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*