--- title: "Island Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/island-architects-pfvwus-pf~1954635729 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1954635729.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Island Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d3e33da7020274b7_1462-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "7626 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, California 92037, United States" latitude: 32.8455 longitude: -117.2521 phone: "(858) 459-9291" website: http://islandarch.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 410 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # Island Architects Original Houzz profile: [Island Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/island-architects-pfvwus-pf~1954635729) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** La Jolla, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, Point Loma San Diego, La Jolla, Ocean Beach San Diego, Del Mar, Del Mar Heights San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Just as an artist becomes recognized by the intricacies of his brush stroke and interpretations of light, so too does an architect, by the manner in which he juxtaposes architectural elements and composes a view. Distinct in the subtle attributes of understated elegance, an Island Architects home embodies architecture as an art form. Headed by Drexel Patterson and Tony Crisafi, this accomplished team has been creating time-honored residences of quiet luxury throughout Southern California, nationally and internationally for more than a decade. Known for floor plans that seem to flow effortlessly in a continual unfolding of spatial events, Island Architects creates homes that embody the essence of their clients’ dreams with their own discerning vision. With their eye keenly trained on the ultimate context of the finished product, their homes appear to emerge as though they had always been an integral part of the environment. While the quality of their work stands on its own merits, Island Architects is a 20 person firm whose allegiance and reputation within an elite circle of equally talented builders, subcontractors, craftsmen and artisans, lends an enormous amount of credibility and confidence to any discriminating client embarking on the process of building their home. From Villas in the Virgin Islands to estates in the rolling hills of Ohio’s horse country, to a grand old lodge in the Tetons and a pastoral country estate on the shores of Lake Geneva and back to La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe, this firm consistently produces some of the nation’s finest homes. For more information contact our La Jolla, California office at 858-459-9291 or send an email to ia@islandarch.com. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Kitchen Design ### Areas Served - San Diego - Point Loma San Diego - La Jolla - Ocean Beach San Diego - Del Mar - Del Mar Heights San Diego - Mission Hills San Diego ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Island Architects | | Address | 7626 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, California 92037, United States | | Phone | (858) 459-9291 | | Website | http://islandarch.com | | Followers on Houzz | 410 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/islandarch - Blog — http://islandarch.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Island Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/island-architects-pfvwus-pf~1954635729) - **Website:** http://islandarch.com - **Phone:** (858) 459-9291 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz Design Awards, 2014-2016 - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 17 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — minif, June 2016** > We wanted to build our dream home and knew that Island Architects had to be our guys. Working with Tony and Haley was a wonderful experience. They walked us through the entire process and gave us so many incredible ideas. They met with us at crazy hours to suit our schedules and were around constantly to answer all the questions we had. They really listened to our wishes and designed the most beautiful home for us. They also saw the whole project through including picking paint colors, lighting, tiles and pool finishes. We were truly delighted with the project and have recommended them to all of our friends! **★★★★★ — nedavossoughi, May 2016** > Two years later and we still could not be happier with our choice to go with Tony Crisafi from Island Architect. He has not only met but exceeded all of our expectations. In a nutshell, Tony is a remarkably talented architect with impeccable taste and vision. In addition, he is a true professional that intrinsically wants the home owner who has commissioned him to get their dream home. He is a great listener and excellent communicator. In addition to being an architect, Island functions as a true project manager, taking an incredible amount of stress off the home owner. Even two years later, Tony has been responsive and helpful and willing to help facilitate any issues that have come up. We feel very well-taken care of. > > > > We built our dream home in Del Mar Mesa and wanted to find a firm and architect who would build an elegant, truly custom, timeless design that just simply felt good to be in. This is that intangible quality that you feel but can’t describe when you are in a space that is welcoming and comfortable. It creates a since of peace and tranquility, a notion that you belong here and you don’t want to leave. This was the hardest thing to find after walking through countless custom homes designed by other architects. From the very first home, designed by Tony Crisafi that we set foot in, we knew this guy got it. In addition to being beautifully designed with tasteful details, the rooms lighting and dimensions were all just right. After seeing several of his homes, we realized that this is a consistent quality and not an exception. > > Our home has met every expectation. It looks beautiful in an understated elegant and timeless way. Light pours through every section but is never harsh. It has an open feel but yet provides surprises at every turn. Most importantly it leaves you feeling positive in every single space and leaves our family and guest always feeling welcome to be there. > > > > Perhaps even more impressive than the actual design of the home, is the service and care we received during the entire process. He listened to us as we described the vision we had and then tempered it and guided it with his expertise and experience, making sure we got what we wanted in a way that worked. This was key for us. The firm has enough resources to investigate and study ideas and concepts in a timely manner, affording us the opportunity to make an informed decision about unique design concepts. We always received responses quickly and thoughtfully. They managed to keep the project moving forward efficiently during the entire process. Even during construction, their involvement and responsiveness proved invaluable as the helped solve issues that arose and helped support our contractors insuring a smooth ride during construction. They made sure we remained on budget and on time. > > > > Another critical piece was their recommendations and involvement with our interior designer and construction firms. They suggested John Bianchi at Bianchi Construction and Hilda Espino at Diarq Designs. These were amazingly talented people and worked in beautiful harmony with Tony. Both John and Hilda were such blessings during the process and we are so grateful for their involvement. > > > > > -- > Amir M. Karam, MD > Director/Founder, > Carmel Valley Facial Plastic Surgery **★★★★★ — ashiraziderm, May 2016** > We have done 2 projects with this firm and we've really enjoyed working with Tony Crisafi. They are a very talented, detailed, and creative architecture firm. They are very committed to their projects, very professional, experienced, and can do a variety of styles. It's been a pleasure working with Tony and the firm, they are prompt, responsive, and simply talented. Their pictures speak for the quality of their work. We have been very happy with them. **★★★★★ — kathihansen, May 2016** > Island Architects designed and planned our gorgeous home and we could not recommend them more highly. From the first 'walk around' the lot where we volleyed ideas, to the Island Architects co-hosted dinner at our home the evening the keys were turned over to, were the best possible experiences. Everyone at Island is professional, talented, creative, but also friendly and approachable. We were as involved as we wanted to be, and our every question idea answered, our every idea considered. We'd heard horror stories about homebuilding, but Island (recommended by our builder, and who, in turn recommended an outrageously talented interior design team) made our experience completely pleasurable. That everything went smoothly, there were so few surprises (and the inevitable small ones that arose easily addressed without delay or interference with the creative ideas already underway), was due in no small part to the scrupulous planning and professional experience of all of Island's creative team. We had so much fun working with Island, and to this day are amazed by all the lovely details in our fabulous house. Island is the best of the best. We'd hire them again, in a heartbeat. **★★★★★ — Chris Barrett Design, April 2016** > I have known and admired Tony and Drex for many years. Most recently I had the privilege of working with Drex and his team on a project in La Jolla. I am so impressed with their talent, passion and creativity. > Working with Drex was an absolute pleasure. He is a true collaborator and a true talent! His thoughtful designs were followed through from concept to completion. > His scope of knowledge coupled with his years of experience and excitement for beautiful home design are invaluable to me and ultimately to his clients. **★★★★ — Tom Grunow, April 2016** > Drex and Tony, with their associates have been steadily building a quality reputation in La Jolla for 20 years. They have designed some of the most attractive residences in town. Working with them on their design development is a magical experience! **★★★★★ — cyndimol29, April 2016** > We have had the pleasure to work with Island Architects in multiple phases of building our dream house. We are currently in the last phase of construction and although most find this a daunting process, being under the guidance of IA has made this a fun and pleasant experience. Tony and his team really put their hearts into the project for their clients and go above and beyond in client satisfaction. I couldn't have built from the ground up without their expertise and care. Without a doubt, I feel we are in the best hands for making our dream home a reality. **★★★★★ — donfehr2, April 2016** > Island Architects did a great job of designing the interior of the condo we wanted to > remodel to incorporate everything that we wanted in somewhat limited space. They > were very helpful in selecting a contractor and we are very pleased with the finished > result **★★★★★ — david94104, March 2016** > As a Structural Engineer, I always enjoy working with Island Architects. The staff is easy to work with and always willing discuss value engineering concepts to provide clients cost-effective designs with losing any of the Architectural intent. **★★★★★ — vivi\_dan, March 2016** > I've been admiring Island Architects work for over 10 years and now feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them on our new modern dream home. Tony and Cori are a pleasure to work with, their creative ideas, advice and recommendations are priceless. They're very good in listening to your ideas and translating your vision onto paper. My husband and I have been working with Tony and Cori for over a year and are very happy with the experience. **★★★★ — jsimonsen1949, March 2016** > My wife and I have hired Island Architects for our third home. Each project has resulted in a home that we have cherished and believe has been designed to the highest architectural standards and creativity. **★★★★★ — cksmith, March 2016** > Island Architects are amazing architects. Their designs are timeless, beautiful and creative. As a builder we have had the privilege to work with Drex and Tony numerous times in both California and Hawaii. ## Selected projects - [Coronado Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coronado-residence-pj-vj~1359817) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Transitional Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-traditional-pj-vj~1734988) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Mediterranean Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-estate-pj-vj~568883) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Rancho Santa Fe Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-santa-fe-residence-pj-vj~570929) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Contemporary Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-beach-house-pj-vj~560813) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Contemporary Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-residence-pj-vj~570904) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Modern Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-residence-pj-vj~568929) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Rancho Santa Fe Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-santa-fe-estate-pj-vj~568868) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Jackson Hole Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jackson-hole-estate-pj-vj~568829) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Eclectic Modern Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-modern-residence-pj-vj~560812) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Muirlands Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/muirlands-home-pj-vj~568631) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [French Country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-country-pj-vj~560814) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/island-architects-pfvwus-pf~1954635729) ## Community Q&A **Q: Beautiful project** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the window covering and who is the manufacturer of the covering that appears to be rolled up at the top of the large doorway Windows? A: Thank you! We are grateful for your favorable response. This project is an example of where architecture, interior design and landscape architecture work their magic. I'm sorry not to be able to answer your question. ...you will have to contact the interior designer JAM for their sources. Many thanks! **Q: What color paint are the walls?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Sorry I can't answer that, you'll have to contact the interior designer JAM who spec'd the paint color palette. Thanks! **Q: Blinds** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes these large blinds? A: This is actually not a blind in the conventional sense. It is exterior mounted and made of 3/4" square steel tubing and rolls along a track. It gives some visual screening from the neighboring property. Thanks for your question! **Q: Love the whitewash and metal look. Where is kitchen island from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your interest. The island was custom built and the material is stainless steel. **Q: Name of artist who's picture is at the end end of the hallway?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, we did not source the art for this home and do no know the name of the artist. **Q: Stone color and grout color please** *(in Photo Questions)* Would love to know the name of the stone manufacturer. A: Thank you for your inquiry. The stone is an antique terra cotta parefeuille and the grout color used with it is either natural or ivory. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*