--- title: "CJ Paone AIA | Archipelago Workshop — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cj-paone-aia-archipelago-workshop-pfvwus-pf~1955192097 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1955192097.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "CJ Paone AIA | Archipelago Workshop" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0ab3dbc3020d898a_6515-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "P.O. Box 1772, Ventura, California 93003, United States" latitude: 34.2846 longitude: -119.2222 phone: "(805) 451-6914" website: http://cjpaone.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 197 last_updated: 2026-08-27 --- # CJ Paone AIA \| Archipelago Workshop > Ventura's Award Winning Architecture + Landscape Design Studio Original Houzz profile: [CJ Paone AIA \| Archipelago Workshop](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cj-paone-aia-archipelago-workshop-pfvwus-pf~1955192097) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Ventura, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Oxnard Shores, Ventura, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Goleta, Santa Paula, Pacific Palisades, Carpinteria, Montecito, Ojai, Oak View, Santa Ynez, Meiners Oaks, Channel Islands Beach, Somis, Summerland, Montana, Rincon Beach - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Archipelago Workshop is an award-winning, full-service architectural studio founded in 2003. We specialize in residential and landscape architecture and custom architectural details for projects in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles, California, in Montana, and beyond. Like the island chains for which we are named, our projects are individually distinct but part of a greater whole in which built spaces – and those who live in them – connect organically with the surrounding environment. We draw deep inspiration from the elegance of nature and from the rich diversity of cultures around the world. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Barn Design & Construction - Deck Design - Landscape Plans - 3D Home Design - Remodeling - landscape architecture - landscape design ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Oxnard Shores - Ventura - Santa Monica - Santa Barbara - Camarillo - Goleta - Santa Paula - Pacific Palisades - Carpinteria - Montecito - Ojai - Oak View - Santa Ynez - Meiners Oaks - Channel Islands Beach - Somis - Summerland - Montana - Rincon Beach ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 10,000,000 $500,000 - 10,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | CJ Paone AIA \| Archipelago Workshop | | Address | P.O. Box 1772, Ventura, California 93003, United States | | Phone | (805) 451-6914 | | Website | http://cjpaone.com | | License Number | c-32287 (california) | | Followers on Houzz | 197 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ArchipelagoWorkshop - Blog — https://vimeo.com/archipelagoworkshop ## Offers Architecture + Landscape Design Studio ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [CJ Paone AIA \| Archipelago Workshop](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cj-paone-aia-archipelago-workshop-pfvwus-pf~1955192097) - **Website:** http://cjpaone.com - **Phone:** (805) 451-6914 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: C 32287 - Type: Architect - Issued by: California Architects Board **Certifications & Awards** - 2019 AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards Merit Award - 2016 AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards Honor Award - 2015 AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards Merit Award - California Licensed Architect (c-32287) - AIA \| National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certified - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2026), 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) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) - [AIA Santa Barbara](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-santa-barbara-pfvwus-pf~2115496248) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Erin Ellwood Design, Sept. 2017** > I'm an interior designer, and was working on a project with clients that weren't completely satisfied with the solutions their architect was coming up with. I recommended that they meet with CJ Paone to get another perspective, and a more modern, fresh approach. My clients ended up hiring him, and he has been a huge asset to this project! He's a very thoughtful, deep thinking man with great taste, and a lovely calm demeanor. I would strongly recommend CJ for any ground up, or renovation projects - as he has the ability to really listen to a clients needs, and accommodate them in an elegant and very professional way. **★★★★★ — Janice Fetto-Pace, Jan. 2017** > We had a large landscape project lasting approximately 9 months. Now that it is over, I miss CJ! He was always professional, listened to your concerns and input, communication on all levels was excellent, and was my calm in many a storm. We were amazed at CJ's vision for our project, and lucky us, we get to live in it's reality. **★★★★★ — Natural Concepts Landscaping Contractors, Aug. 2016** > We've been fortunate enough to be able to perform several installations of CJ's designs. He's an incredibly talented designer who listens carefully to his clients' ideas and takes careful note of the ways they aspire to enjoy their spaces, then incorporates these into something that goes far beyond their initial vision. **★★★★★ — User, July 2015** > CJ designed and organized the building of our IPE deck. He took our input and his output was a 800sqft 2-level deck and a new patio door. CJ was flexible and allowed me to use my metal working skills to create my own hand railing. > I would describe his design as beautiful and functional. We couldn't be happier and enjoy it everyday. **★★★★★ — EJ S, July 2015** > CJ came into our lives through a mutual friend and, having met him before seeing his work, we immediately liked his energy and thought that someday maybe we'd have a house and a project that would warrant his talent. > > Before we bought our first home, we called him to come out and take a look and give us his opinion about what our options might be when it came to the remodeling dreams we had. > > As we stood in the empty house brainstorming, we realized we were all on the same page and that we'd work with him....just that pesky question of whether we'd be able to afford him. > > You see, we had a thought that I think many first-time-home-owners share: architects are a luxury, a non-required piece that we could never afford. > > That could not be further from the truth. > > Instead, I'm absolutely certain that by anticipating issues before them became problems before they could snowball into outright catastrophes, he's saved us literally thousands of dollars in changes of mind, unexpected costs or just dumb mistakes. > > We have had, and continue to have, an absolute blast working with CJ. He's what I would call a gentle visionary. In other words, he absorbs your ideas, no matter how vague, and works with them in his mind until he's got his own way to articulate them, and then does so with clear concision. We never got the sense that we were at the mercy of any kind of ego or locked-in thinking. > > And he executes it all with genuine artistic beauty -- his perspective sketches of what the finished remodel would look like I mean to have framed. > > As we moved forward, he connected us with a contractor he felt suited our particular needs, has made himself available for site visits and has encouraged us to develop our own voice and vision in the re-design of our home by listening well and helping flesh out ideas. > > We're looking forward to continue our remodel with phases 2 and 3 over the next few years -- a suggestion he made to help us realistically work within our budget. > > Speaking of, he never advocated for taking on debt we couldn't handle or overspending, just doing things right the first time and holding off on stuff that could wait. **★★★★★ — briantreilly, Dec. 2014** > My wife and I hired CJ to assist with designing a remodel consisting of a new 2-car garage with a master bed and bath above. Sounds simple enough, but we faced unforeseen challenges with modern city requirements imposed on a structure built in 1951. CJ brought many constructive ideas, options, and solutions to keep the project moving forward. Without his experience, patience, and fresh perspective the project would have stagnated, and we would have never achieved the results we did. He was our advocate, even when we didn't realize we needed one. > > Prior to this project, we had worked with other architects who were good at their craft, but had a sense of arrogance about them and never really listened to our ideas. CJ listened to us, and wanted to understand our desires prior to starting any activity. He took our vision and blended them with his experience to yield a design which met all of our expectations. In the end, we were very satisfied with the results. **★★★★★ — jessicateich, Dec. 2014** > C.J. Paone is an immensely talented and resourceful architect. No detail is too small to command his attention; no problem too complex for him to solve. He cares about every facet of a project, from its aesthetic integrity to its daily functionality. He won't rest until he gets it right. But he is also extremely personable, easy to talk to and work with, so his perfectionism only serves the client, but never exerts any pressure. Many times, when others had decided that something was "good enough," C.J. kept working on it until it was truly right. He has a great eye, a great sense of humor, and is funny and thoughtful as well as tremendously professional. Always on time, always prepared, and he's thinking about the project even when not on site. (Just today he texted me to say he'd found the perfect fixtures for my husband's office— we'd been looking for months— during one of his weekend jaunts!) He would be an asset to any project, should you be lucky enough to get him. **★★★★★ — fostervc, Feb. 2014** > I am a homeowner in Ventura who remodeled a 2 story house and added two rooms and a staircase. I was the general contractor on this project and hired CJ Paone as the architect. Although CJ was the architect, he also turned out to be committed to the entire project from start to finish, provided invaluable insight into many design features I would never have anticipated or seen, provided references to other professionals needed during the project, and acted as a sounding board for many of the more difficult decisions. He was always available during the project, is great with people and is focused on solving problems and providing multiple solutions. I have recommended him to numerous people and would do so again. And now that the construction is behind me, people always ask who the architect was and are always impressed with the house remodel. Most important, I am pleased with how it turned out and would use CJ on any project that I was working on. Great part of the team. Thanks CJ! **★★★★★ — lesliejordanconsulting, Feb. 2014** > I've worked with CJ Paone on a residential project and also retained him for four medical facilities. In every project I have been impressed with CJ's professionalism and agreeable manner. > Specifically these are his excellent qualities: > Has an architect's interest and skill set in solving design problems for best quality in finished product. > Understands and incorporates parameters into project program including budget, local code, ADA compliance, equipment requirements, scheduling demands and on-site changes. > Demonstrates a high level of communication know-how with a focus on best solutions, while managing the full spectrum in working with sophisticated clients, various trades and management teams. > An astute designer and problem solver; pragmatic and versatile. > CJ provides timely services; he is always prepared and purposeful in his work. I'd recommend him for pre-construction site assessment and architectural, interior or landscape design services. **★★★★★ — Kurt Jordan Photography, Feb. 2014** > CJ Paone was hired by Amir Moghadam to complete the exterior detailing for his personal residence in Calabasas. The 16,000 sq ft residence exterior was clad is custom limestone from Italy that required perfect programing for communication and development of all orders processed by the Italian manufacture. Design details, job tickets, estimations, were handled with outstanding professionalism. The job developed into further landscape design and specification as noted in the attached image. CJ is an architect that comes to the table with solutions, a positive attitude, and the ability to meet those critical deadlines. An asset to any project! ## Selected projects - [Contemporary California Surf Shack \| Santa Barbara CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-california-surf-shack-santa-barbara-ca-pj-vj~5546004) - Location: Carpinteria, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Originally a near tear-down, this small-by-santa-barbara-standards beach house sits next to a world-famous point break. Designed on a restrained scale with a ship-builder's mindset, it is filled with precision cabinetry, built-in furniture, and custom artisanal details that draw from both Scandinavian and French Colonial style influences. With heaps of natural light, a wide-open plan, and a close connection to the outdoor spaces, it lives much bigger than it is while maintaining a minimal impact… - [Pool, Pool House, Terraced Landscape \| Somis, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-pool-house-terraced-landscape-somis-ca-pj-vj~954524) - Location: Somis, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Table to Farm \| AIA Merit Award 2015 The story: an entrepreneur who spends her days in the city conceiving and managing high-concept restaurants and other creative real estate ventures needed a retreat. A place that would take her closer to the type of land that supplies her customer's tables, and that reflected her love for wide-open spaces. Cue: Somis, CA. While a little more hipster than Hooterville, the country house plus avocado ranch she found there overlooks sweeping valleys and alluvial… - [Tres Corderos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tres-corderos-pj-vj~7798469) - Location: Camarillo, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: In designing this new house, sited on a working citrus ranch, we were guided by both the farmhouse vernacular, with its utility and simple forms, and a desire to honor and perpetuate the property’s long agricultural history. Nestled into an orchard and oriented for views and light, the design has a three-part massing that both properly scales the home and visually distinguishes each part according to its intended use: the central house, where a great room serves as a hub for social activities or… - [Floating Home Santa Barbara Harbor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/floating-home-santa-barbara-harbor-pj-vj~7798473) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This early-70’s floating home was purchased by a recently returned Santa Barbara native looking for a home that would mesh with his active and creative lifestyle. However, weakened by over 50 years of exposure to a marine environment, the craft needed significant updates to its flotation system, structural framing, walls, and interior. Inspired by the dwellings of coastal Swedish towns, Archipelago Workshop provided iterative design concepts, structural engineering guidance, technical drawings,… - [Steel Clad Modern Farmhouse \| Somis, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/steel-clad-modern-farmhouse-somis-ca-pj-vj~1049584) - Location: Somis, CA - Photos: 16 - [Working Ranch Pool and Landscape \| Ventura County](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/working-ranch-pool-and-landscape-ventura-county-pj-vj~2085548) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 12 - [Modern Farm-style Pool House \| Somis,CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farm-style-pool-house-somis-ca-pj-vj~1126040) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: AIA Merit Award Winner 2015 This modern-farm-style pool house, part of a larger site redesign, overlooks a rich agricultural valley with sweeping views that extend to the Pacific Ocean. Created for a farm-to-table restaurant developer, we built a rural retreat that has minimal impact on the land that supplies her customers' meals. The significant slope and questionable stability of the original site presented practical design challenges. To address these, the hillside was over-excavated and re-c… - [Bento Box Live Work Studio \| Ventura CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bento-box-live-work-studio-ventura-ca-pj-vj~2083225) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: AIA Merit Award Winner 2016 We took advantage of unused space at the back of an extra-long residential lot and progressive zoning that supports in-fill to design this highly-configurable studio loft. Inspired by the minimalist Japanese lunch boxes that only reveal their nature when opened, the space is connected visually and physically to the outdoor deck and yard via a large glass pivot door, and can be easily re-arranged for working, reading, sleeping, and entertaining \| Ventura, CA - [Gibraltar Mountain View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gibraltar-mountain-view-pj-vj~7799643) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This classic post-and-beam house sits on a ridge in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA. With stunning views of Gibraltar Rock, Mission Canyon, and Cielito Overlook, the house’s original designers sited it perfectly and implemented an elegantly simple structural system based on a clear design vision. Unfortunately, several subsequent owners lacked that same clarity and made questionable remodeling choices based on passing style fads, effectively turning the house into something it was… - [Hillside Pool Landscape + Cabana \| Pacific Palisades CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-pool-landscape-cabana-pacific-palisades-ca-pj-vj~2303170) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Lush multi-level landscape and pool on a steeply sloped Pacific Palisades hillside. - [Modern Ranch Kitchen Remodel \| Ojai, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-ranch-kitchen-remodel-ojai-ca-pj-vj~5544804) - Location: Ojai, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: A vintage ranch-style home turned modern with the kitchen now at the heart of the home. The remodel features a mostly white palette with pops of color, over-sized lighting fixtures, a large-scale walnut-topped kitchen island, open shelving and wide-open spaces. - [Nichols Canyon Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nichols-canyon-residence-pj-vj~5746376) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: While the upper/street level of this hillside walkout came with an airy, open, LA-canyon-in-the-seventies vibe, the lower level most definitely did not. Working with light and space, and regulated by the rhythm of natural materials, we opened wide the once highly compartmentalized lower portion of the residence to match its better-half upstairs. Now, a new office + screening space replaces a small, dark bedroom and bath on one sub-level, and, a few steps below that, a fully transformed master be… - [Tiny (Pool) House \| Modern Farm Style in Pacific Palisades CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiny-pool-house-modern-farm-style-in-pacific-palisades-ca-pj-vj~2303051) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 5 - [Topa Topa Foothills Landscape \| Ojai CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/topa-topa-foothills-landscape-ojai-ca-pj-vj~2221659) - Location: Ojai, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: this large-scale landscape, created for an on-site family wedding, draws both inspiration and materials from the property’s location at the base of the topa topa mountains. situated on a dry creek bed, the site required considerable excavation and recompacting, yielding an abundance of boulders that were incorporated into long, dry-stacked retaining walls. flagstone patios and steel trellises front and back let the owners take in both sunrise and sunset views of the surrounding mountains and val… - [Hillside Terraced Front Yard \| Ventura, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-terraced-front-yard-ventura-ca-pj-vj~1838874) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: To make up for a nearly nonexistent back yard, we terraced this hillside, ocean-view site’s more spacious but previously unusable front. Concrete planters echo the home’s simple geometry and also serve as launching pads for the owners’ high energy twin girls to a responsibly-sized grass lawn. The design also defines the home’s main entrance, guiding visitors to the front door while adding a hedge for privacy at street level. - [Palisades Home Theater + Home Office](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palisades-home-theater-home-office-pj-vj~2306186) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: taking advantage of a steeply sloped site, this professional-quality home theater and listening room makes use of found space beneath the home’s existing foundation. concrete walls are covered with acoustic materials and a secret cabinet in the “library” houses A-V equipment, avoiding further reductions in already-low ceiling heights. the room is also used as a home office, and includes a subway tiled bathroom and shower with vintage plumbing and lighting fixtures \| pacific palisades CA - [Making a Mid-century Modern Again](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/making-a-mid-century-modern-again-pj-vj~2498922) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: A modern, peninsula-style gas fireplace with steel hearth extension, mahogany panelling, and rolled steel shelves replace a dated divider, making this mid-century home modern again. - [Coastal Hillside House \| Ventura CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-hillside-house-ventura-ca-pj-vj~481623) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: Pre-renovation, the owner of this hillside home had to actually go outside and climb a rickety staircase to the street-level kitchen above to get his morning coffee. The hike had one advantage, though: a sweeping 180° vista of the Pacific Ocean far below, a view that could only be guessed at from inside through one small window and a set of French doors. The design challenges were clearly about making connections: upstairs to down, inside to out, and modern (favored by the owner) to Mediterranea… - [Second Story Master Addition \| Ventura, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-story-master-addition-ventura-ca-pj-vj~1692897) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: playful, light-filled second-story pop-up addition of a master suite and rear balcony to traditional ranch home. \| ventura ca space includes vaulted ceilings with a considered geometry, open plan bath, sitting area and balcony. - [DePauw Site Design + Pool + Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/depauw-site-design-pool-landscape-pj-vj~1263312) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: overall site plan + pool + deck + drought-tolerate landscape + hardscape for new home development \| pacific palisades, ca [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cj-paone-aia-archipelago-workshop-pfvwus-pf~1955192097) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/1165804749.m3u8?s=79139116c7750e6b29b51255a828eed2e5b82ce4&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** Yes, we provide comprehensive project management services that include navigating permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals. We guide our clients through each step, ensuring all necessary documentation and submissions are handled efficiently to keep your project on track. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a wide range of residential projects, including custom homes, new home construction, home additions, and extensive home remodeling. Our expertise also extends to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and unique structures like pool houses, always with a focus on custom architectural details. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Absolutely. We are a full-service architectural studio, meaning we guide you from initial concept and design through to the completion of construction. Our project management services ensure a cohesive process, overseeing the project's execution and maintaining design integrity every step of the way. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Yes, designing fully custom homes is a core part of our expertise. We specialize in creating unique residential spaces tailored precisely to our clients' visions, lifestyles, and the surrounding environment, ensuring every detail reflects their individual needs and preferences. **Do you specialize in specific architectural styles?** We are deeply inspired by nature and global cultures, which often translates into a modern aesthetic that connects organically with the environment. Our projects, like the Somis Ranch House or Modern Surf Shack, showcase a distinct style emphasizing elegance, light, and integration with the landscape. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Community Q&A **Q: exterior color gorgeous** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you please please share the exterior color? Thank you A: Hi, it's a custom white color by Ben Moore. Thanks for the inquiry. It really is even better in person. More important than the exact color is the fact that it is flat paint with no gloss. This makes all the difference. **Q: floating shelf** *(in Photo Questions)* What kind of bracket did you use for the floating shelves on the wall? And are those butcher block or solid wood shelves? A: Yes they are. **Q: Hood for range?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the clean look of the countertop. Is there some sort of a hood for the range ? A: Hi there! We used a downdraft type hood that is mounted behind the stovetop and raises out of the island. **Q: Can you tell let me know about these chairs?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where might I find them? They look rattan with a bold fabric pattern. This “shack” is awesome. Thanks! A: Hi John. The chairs were refurbished antiques. Thank you for the kudos on the 'shack'! **Q: What color is the floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi there. The floor is french oak with a custom washed look stain. **Q: Peninsula Fireplace** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you tell me the manufacturer of the peninsula fireplace? A: Hi there, it is a Montigo fireplace with a custom surround (www.montigo.com) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*