--- title: "Arch Studio, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arch-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1887525223 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1887525223.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Arch Studio, Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/96e38c620d5d69cb_6278-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1155 Meridian Avenue, Suite #210, San Jose, California 95125, United States" latitude: 37.296 longitude: -121.8939 phone: "(408) 859-8723" website: http://www.archstudioinc.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 39 best_of_houzz_awards: 19 followers: 1714 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # Arch Studio, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Arch Studio, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arch-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1887525223) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Jose, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Campbell, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cambrian Park, Monte Sereno, New Almaden, Willow Glen - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (39 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 19 awards (2013–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Robin McCarthy is a California licensed architect who specializes in residential architecture. My company, Arch Studio, Inc., is a full-service architectural design studio that can help you plan your design project from beginning to end. We specialize in custom residential remodels, additions, and brand new construction. Please check out my website www.archstudioinc.com for more information. Best of Houzz 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 - in Design, Service, and Client Satisfaction. Your portfolio was voted most popular by the Houzz community. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Structural Engineering - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Staircase Design - Site Preparation - Laundry Room Design - 3D Home Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Home - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Jose - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Cupertino - Campbell - Menlo Park - Los Gatos - Saratoga - Cambrian Park - Monte Sereno - New Almaden - Willow Glen ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 5 million Please contact me for cost information. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Arch Studio, Inc. | | Address | 1155 Meridian Avenue, Suite \#210, San Jose, California 95125, United States | | Phone | (408) 859-8723 | | Website | http://www.archstudioinc.com | | License Number | C29767 | | Followers on Houzz | 1714 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/arch-studio-inc/225378137515859 - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/robin-mccarthy-aia-cgbp/a/2b0/833 - Blog — www.archstudioinc.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Arch Studio, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arch-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1887525223) - **Website:** http://www.archstudioinc.com - **Phone:** (408) 859-8723 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California Licensed Architect, Member of AIA, Certified Green Building Specialist - **Best of Houzz:** 19 awards (2013–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 39 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Carolyn Cox, May 2024** > Our family has worked with Robin on two custom home builds. One in San Jose and one at a lake in central California. She is an excellent collaborator, brings experience and creativity to each project and is very timely helping us make key decisions to keep the project moving. We collaborated on the land, where certain parts of the house would take best advantage of a setting sun, where the office should be etc. She came up with three ideas that we refined to make it our home! And she not only collaborated with us but also the civil engineer, the structural engineer and the builder. She's brought creativity to each project with the overall home design as well as materials - mixed metal and composite roof, tiles, wood beams, and natural stone. She is very responsive and knowledgeable on timelines and required information needed for permit submissions. She helped quickly turn around a recent resubmittal that was required for our propane gas plan. Highly recommend Robin for anyone looking to build your dream home! **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you Carolyn! It has been a joy to work with you and your family for the past 5 years on 2 projects. I appreciate your kind words. **★★★★★ — fuzzybunny2, Dec. 2021** > I LOVEEE Robin. We are building our first house and the biggest stress factor for me was how to hire the right team since we didn't know anything about construction. I had been stalking Robin for two+ years because her work is amazing so she was an easy first contract for us to sign. > > But quite frankly, Robin has surpassed my expectations. She is the kindest, most talented, and above all else cares deeply about the best quality outcome for you as her client and I feel so so much more confident with her on our side. On top of producing the best designs taking into consideration what we wanted, she's always available to answer our many questions, provide guidance on the construction process, and so patient with all my pestering questions and over ruminated tweaks. We hired her for both the house plans as well as the design and her design work is also IMPECCABLE. I'm so excited to work on this new build with her and her team! **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you so much dear client! We have enjoyed tremendously working with you and your family on the design of your new home during 2021, and look forward to a great 2022 build! **★★★★★ — kelli, Aug. 2020** > Robin is absolutely wonderful to work with!! She is so warm, kind and easy going. After our first meeting I felt like I had already known her for a long time! She gave us two excellent designs to choose from. Robin incorporated everything we were hoping to get out of our remodel and she designed such a great floor plan. She also took into consideration what kind of house would fit well with our neighborhood. Robin helped us with interior design items as well. She is very knowledgeable and walked us through the entire remodel process very patiently. Robin has great style and ideas, check out all of the beautiful photos of her work! She is amazing and you will not be disappointed. We couldn't be happier with our home and we highly recommend Robin! **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you so much Kelli for the wonderful and kind review! I am really glad that you are enjoying your finished home, and that the design works well for you and your family. You are great clients, and I enjoyed working with you on your home renovation! **★★★★★ — andre magozo, March 2020** > Robin and her team designed our project in Redwood City and we are thrilled about how they understood our briefing and developed an awesome solution. > As they say: Proportion is everything. **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you so much Andre! We really appreciate your kind words! It was a pleasure to work with you on this project, and I look forward to seeing it complete! **★★★★★ — Robert Borello, Oct. 2019** > I hired Arch Studio to complete a redesign of an existing 1 bedroom, 1 bath home in Willow Glen. I demolished the home and worked with the existing foundation adding an additional 300+ sq. ft turning the home into a 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath. We also added a detached 600 sq. ft. 1 bedroom, I bath ADU unit. > Words can't describe how wonderful it was to work with Robin and Heather. They helped me through all phases of the project including construction drawings, interior design which included flooring, tile selection, paint colors, light fixtures, plumbing accessories down to towel bars. Robin and Heather were both committed to the project as if it was there own. If you are thinking of building a new home or remodeling an existing home I highly recommend giving Arch Studio a call. **★★★★★ — Full Circle Construction, June 2019** > Your work looks great, keep at it and I'll be following, thanks for sharing and I wish you success! Best of luck. **★★★★★ — John Li, Jan. 2019** > We hired Arch Studio on our recent house remodel. Robin was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. She redesigned our house as a modern style craftsman style home and we loved how she was able to hit every item on our wish list by maximizing our living square footage with no wasted space. Hiring a contractor was one of our biggest stress, but Robin helped out with a great referral and they work very well together to bring our vision to life. While this entire project was tiring and stressful, we were happy that we had Robin throughout. **★★★★★ — jmurray@oneworkplace.com, Nov. 2018** > Robin and her assistant Heather were very helpful with my 900 sq/ft project. She had lots of ideas and feedback for my home addition. She was very professional and easy to communicate with. She also helped in finding me a contractor for my project. I would highly recommend her for any design work for any size project. I'm very pleased with her services. **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you so much for your wonderful review Jim! It was a pleasure to work with you on your project, and look forward to the construction! **★★★★★ — kmarchak, Nov. 2018** > We have been working with Robin for almost a year now to design our new home. Robin has been great to work with. She is very professional, has great ideas and she is up to date with current trends. We have had a lot of questions from the start and Robin is always quick to help. She and Heather have done such a nice job helping us design our dream home. We actually get to virtually walk through our home as we move along the process which is awesome to have the 3D model available. We have enjoyed working with Robin so much as our architect that we just hired her on as our designer. We look forward to having her help us as we move forward to decorate our home. Thanks Robin for all your hard work. **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you Kate for your kind words of our work and my staff. We have certainly enjoyed working with such great clients, and look forward the construction of your dream home in 2019! **★★★★★ — Brooke Shaw Builder, Oct. 2018** > Brooke Shaw Builder has worked with many architects and (Robin the owner) Arch Studio,Inc. has been a pleasure to work with. As a contractor Arch studios plans are very detailed to work with. Good plans make for a great project. I would highly recommend her firm for new construction to remodels. Robins entire team is top tier. > Brooke Shaw > Brooke Shaw Builder **★★★★★ — Mara Young Landscape Architect, Oct. 2018** > I have worked with Robin on several projects to provide landscape plans for the new homes she designs. I have found her to be very creative and have enjoyed working with Robin and her staff. **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you so much Mara for your kind words- I have really enjoyed our collaboration and look forward to many more projects together! **★★★★★ — Louis Chen, June 2018** > We found Arch Studio on Houzz and we were very happy with their work. Robin provided three proposals for our addition and remodeling project, and was very responsive in providing revisions once we decided to go with one of the design. She was able to incorporate our needs into the floor plan, and the result was an open design with good flow. We appreciated Robin's design even more after we moved in, because she took care of the details and everything just makes sense. We enjoy the house very much, and get a lot of compliments from neighbors and friends. **Comment from Arch Studio, Inc.:** > Thank you Louis! I appreciate your kind words, and you were equally great clients! I hope that you and your family enjoy your new home. ## Selected projects - [Willow Glen Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/willow-glen-modern-pj-vj~7545935) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: California Living in a new 2-story residence completed in 2024 with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The Great Room steals the show with soaring 2-story ceilings, gourmet kitchen, large windows with amazing daylight and all of the modern comforts of home. Integration of Indoor and outdoor entertainment. Architect: Arch Studio, Inc. Interior Design: LJL Designs Photography: Kristen Carlson Construction: TMI Construction - [Richards Ave Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richards-ave-home-pj-vj~7386527) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: A new warm and inviting Farmhouse Style 2-Story Residence with full basement. This home has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths with thoughtful space planning throughout the home. - [Ellen Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ellen-avenue-residence-pj-vj~6833394) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Brand new 2-Story 3,100 square foot Custom Home completed in 2022. Designed by Arch Studio, Inc. and built by Brooke Shaw Builders. - [Los Altos Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-farmhouse-pj-vj~6191986) - Location: Los Altos, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This brand new 3,500 square foot Farmhouse Style home combines the open California Ranch and Farmhouse Styles. - [Cherry Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cherry-avenue-residence-pj-vj~6415188) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This brand new 4,900 square foot 2-Story Residence, 900 square foot 3-Car Garage, and 500 square foot Pool House was custom-designed for wonderful and active family of five located in the heart of Willow Glen. Architect and Interior Designer: Arch Studio, Inc. Structural Engineer: Steve Cox, Parker Resnick Engineers Interior Staging & Styling: Hector E. Campuzano, Cypress Hue Builder: Ridgeway Homebuilders Photography: David Eichler, David Eichler Photography - [A Cottage Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-cottage-remodel-pj-vj~7270750) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: 2023 Coastal Style Cottage Remodel 2,200 square feet in Willow Glen, CA. - [Craftsman Style Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-style-residence-pj-vj~6745897) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 19 - [Craftsman Style Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-style-retreat-pj-vj~7101465) - Location: Mountain View, CA - Photos: 29 - [Willow Glen Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/willow-glen-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~5902606) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: New 3,100 square foot single family residence located in family friendly neighborhood of San Jose's Willow Glen, California. This home was designed by the team at Arch Studio, Inc. and illustrates the California lifestyle with the Great Room Open Concept, covered Outdoor Porch with see-thru fireplace, and an abundance of natural light. - [Willow Glen Coastal Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/willow-glen-coastal-farmhouse-pj-vj~6551590) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: 2021 - 3,100 square foot Coastal Farmhouse Style Residence completed with French oak hardwood floors throughout, light and bright with black and natural accents. - [A Classic Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-classic-shingle-style-pj-vj~7245173) - Location: Redwood City, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: This 4,680 square foot, 5 bedroom, 5 bath home combines the sophistication of a Hamptons estate with CA outdoor living! Our team worked closely with our clients who are a family of five to create a custom and one-of-kind home. They love to entertain and enjoy the views of the lush backyard and expansive lawn through the floor-to-counter windows. The first floor enjoys expansive, soaring ceilings and large gallery walls for art installations, as well as a separate au-pair suite and a sophisticate… - [Willow Glen Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/willow-glen-cottage-pj-vj~5906956) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 39 - Description: 2019 -- Complete re-design and re-build of this 1,600 square foot home including a brand new 600 square foot Guest House located in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, CA. - [Cloud Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cloud-avenue-residence-pj-vj~5618484) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 30 - Description: 2019--Brand new construction of a 2,500 square foot house with 4 bedrooms and 3-1/2 baths located in Menlo Park, Ca. This home was designed by Arch Studio, Inc., David Eichler Photography - [PROJECTS ON THE BOARDS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/projects-on-the-boards-pj-vj~5042438) - Location: Redwood City, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Renderings of the many projects that we have currently "on the boards" and under construction. Photos coming soon... - [Menlo Park Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/menlo-park-farmhouse-pj-vj~4047430) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 34 - Description: 2018 Brand new 2-story, 2800 square foot residence designed by Arch Studio, Inc. Architecture & Interiors Mark Pinkerton VI360 Photography Edward Yu Structural Engineering Mara Young Landscape Design GSI Homes, Inc. - [New Dutch Gambrel in Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-dutch-gambrel-in-menlo-park-pj-vj~10598) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 46 - Description: Inspired by the luxurious homes in the South Hampton's, this 7,500 square foot residence located in the heart of Menlo Park, California blends formality with artistic detail. The Dutch Colonial front exterior commands presence nestled behind tall redwood trees. This home was designed by Robin McCarthy, Architect, Arch Studio, Inc. in collaboration with Jon Jang Architecture, Applewood Investments, and built by Peter Valerio Construction in 2009. - [Grand Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-street-residence-pj-vj~6786261) - Location: Redwood City, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: New Residence designed by Arch Studio, Inc. for a family of four in a beautiful historic neighborhood in Redwood City. - [Hamptons Style Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hamptons-style-residence-pj-vj~5808507) - Location: Redwood City, CA - Photos: 1 - [West Menlo Park Shingle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-menlo-park-shingle-pj-vj~614597) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 30 - Description: Brand new construction 3,500 square foot home located in Menlo Park, Ca. Cape Cod-style home has a contemporary interior and an open, flowing floor plan that is perfect for family living or entertaining in style. The gourmet kitchen features Mont Blanc quartzite countertops, a center island and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen opens up to the expansive family room with a gas-burning fireplace, built-in cabinets and bookshelves and a Dolby surround sound home theater. Retreat to the elegan… - [Windsor Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/windsor-shingle-style-pj-vj~439161) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Brand new construction of a custom 5,500 square foot Shingle Style home located in downtown Menlo Park. Contemporary interiors with walnut floors, quartz, granite slabs and porcelain tiles. Designed by Arch Studio, INC. [See all 48 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arch-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1887525223) ## Ideabooks - [1022 Corvette](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67351786/list/1022-corvette) — 28 ideas - [Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159923603/list/beach-house) — 7 ideas - [Bunk Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159787362/list/bunk-room) — 2 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76071001/list/wish-list) — 13 ideas - [Redondo Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72533651/list/redondo-kitchen-ideas) — 17 ideas - [Shibley House Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114292304/list/shibley-house-ideas) — 5 ideas - [Marchak Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122043566/list/marchak-residence) — 2 ideas - [Mallet Court](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120508877/list/mallet-court) — 1 idea - [Kieslich Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120306880/list/kieslich-ideas) — 1 idea - [1537 CHERRY AVE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119463951/list/1537-cherry-ave) — 6 ideas - [Cloud Ave](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119753843/list/cloud-ave) — 1 idea - [ARCH Home Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76042054/list/arch-home-ideas) — 6 ideas - [Fleming Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115676821/list/fleming-kitchen-ideas) — 9 ideas - [330 Grand Street](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115572575/list/330-grand-street) — 7 ideas - [Redondo House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48999336/list/redondo-house) — 64 ideas - [College Avenue Design Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115728774/list/college-avenue-design-ideas) — 1 idea - [FLEMING House Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114292198/list/fleming-house-ideas) — 1 idea - [LOW Exterior Finish Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109890327/list/low-exterior-finish-ideas) — 4 ideas - [Riordon Interior Paint Colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101363909/list/riordon-interior-paint-colors) — 8 ideas - [Barton Way](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71894149/list/barton-way) — 36 ideas [See all 38 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/archstudioinc) ## Community Q&A **Q: kitchen wall color** *(in Photo Questions)* What color wall paint in the kitchen A: Thank you for your interest! The wall color is Grandma's China (CSP-365) by Benjamin Moore. Happy New Year! **Q: Love this tile -- where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Would love a pointer to where I could source this beautiful tile. Even a descriptor of the shape would be helpful. Thank! A: Hi and thank you for your interest! This is a Walker Zanger tile called 6th Avenue Collection. It is a curved Chevron mosaic in glossy white. Check out their website and you can probably find a local vendor. **Q: Shower materials** *(in Photo Questions)* This bathroom is so smart with the dark vanity and the elegant shower. Could you please share what tile (size, material, name and source) you used? Thanks so much. A: Thank you so much! Please email me at robin@archstudioinc.com and I will share with you tiles and stone. **Q: color of exterior** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the exterior color please? It’s beautiful. A: Thank you so much! The exterior color is Benjamin Moore White Dove. **Q: What’s the kitchen floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, This house is beautiful! I love the light, airy feel. What is the name is the flooring in the kitchen? We are remodeling our kitchen and we’re thinking of going with a lighter floor like this. Thank you! A: Thank you so much. It is one of our favorites. Here is a link to the floor that we used for the project: https://hfdesignllc.com/product/styles/hardwood-flooring/brentwood-hills/melrose/ **Q: Can you tell me if the height of the top portion with windows on** *(in Photo Questions)* the garage is 24" or larger? I want 3 over 3 windows and not sure if 24" is too small. TIA A: Hi, I am not certain I completely understand the question, but the window above the garage is a bedroom window that is 5 ft. wide by 5 ft. tall double casement. The grid is split in the middle making each pane about 30 in. x 30 in. Thank you for your interest! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*