--- title: "Nelson de Leon/Locus Architecture Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nelson-de-leon-locus-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~2013360955 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013360955.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Nelson de Leon/Locus Architecture Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7633dcb30b15959e_1438-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "500 S. Dixie Hwy, Ste. 307, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States" latitude: 25.7205 longitude: -80.2728 phone: "(305) 740-0120" website: http://nelsondeleon.houzz.com rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 468 last_updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Nelson de Leon/Locus Architecture Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Nelson de Leon/Locus Architecture Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nelson-de-leon-locus-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~2013360955) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Coral Gables, FL - **Serves:** Miami, Miami Beach, Doral, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, Sunset, South Miami, Miami Shores, North Bay Village, South Beach, Fisher Island - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2018), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Locus Architecture aims to provide professional architecture and interior design services notable for thoughtful, imaginative design, technical command, and dependable project control, in an environmentally responsible practice. Buildings for better or worse, affect the physical and psychological well being of all of us who live and work in them. Hence we try to be mindful of those qualities which provide comfort. These include thermal, acoustic, and visual comforts, naturally, but also the pleasure and mental ease which one derives from special places. We value the natural environment and believe that the built one can and should be harmoniously integrated into it. Buildings regulate our relationship to the outside world; the world not just of sunlight, rain, trees and breezes, but also of communities of other living creatures. And so, to the traditional design criteria of cost, function and appearance, we add the environmental criteria of sustainable resource use, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Whenever possible, we select building materials which need less energy to produce, pollute less, are less toxic, and deplete limited natural resources less than conventional ones. Many forces shape our designs: our client’s practical needs, their aesthetic ideals, their budgets, the physical setting and climate of their projects. Because of this, we have no set stylistic program. Every place is unique and our prospect is that when we have reconciled these distinct and sometimes conflicting influences; we have also beautified the built and natural worlds. We think that, while architecture mirrors the culture that makes it, it can also, like a prism, help to refract and shape it. Today, it is sensible to build a world which is restorative, promoting a sound environment and healthful living. Feel free to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! ### 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 - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Outdoor Kitchen Design ### Areas Served - Miami - Miami Beach - Doral - Coral Gables - Cutler Bay - Palmetto Bay - Coconut Grove - Pinecrest - Key Biscayne - Sunset - South Miami - Miami Shores - North Bay Village - South Beach - Fisher Island ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 2,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Nelson de Leon/Locus Architecture Inc. | | Address | 500 S. Dixie Hwy, Ste. 307, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States | | Phone | (305) 740-0120 | | Website | http://nelsondeleon.houzz.com | | License Number | AR13937 | | Followers on Houzz | 468 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Locus-Architecture-Inc-138401689540944/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Nelson de Leon/Locus Architecture Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nelson-de-leon-locus-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~2013360955) - **Website:** http://nelsondeleon.houzz.com - **Phone:** (305) 740-0120 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LEED AP, AIA member, Board of Architects member City of Coral Gables - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2018), for Service, Design. **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: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Susan Bannon, Nov. 2017** > Locus was a joy to work with for our residential project. Nelson helped us conceptualize what we wanted to achieve, got the drawings pulled together beautifully in less time than we were expecting, and helped navigate the Coral Gables permitting process. Worth every penny. **★★★★★ — Michael Falsetto, July 2017** > Locus Architechture Inc and Nelson De Leon were a pleasure to work with. Our project consisted of updating and repairing an older home in Coral Gables that had a number of design challenges. Nelson proved to be innovative and careful. He took the time to understand my family's concerns and nailed it. We got exactly what we were looking for and Nelson was there to help through the process from beginning to end and then some. I would highly recommend for those looking for a trus professional. **★★★★★ — Lee Schrager, July 2017** > Nelson was always available to us - he took great care in listening to our ideas and thoughts about what we envisioned for our new home. He takes great pride in his work, and strives for complete client satisfaction. We really appreciated how he monitored the contractor, staying on top of him to ensure that the project kept moving along. **★★★★★ — Igort del Haya, Jan. 2016** > Both my wife and I consider this process of designing and building a "house of your dreams” full of possibilities to be one of the most complicated but rewarding projects that we have ever undertaken. Locus Architecture and Nelson guided and educated us through every step on the endless options continuim and how these selections would impact the esthetics and functionality objectives that Locus helped us develop and refine. It was truly a great experience to work with Nelson and Locus and we couldn’t be more happy with our home! **★★★★★ — hlmartinufiu, Nov. 2015** > I have had the pleasure of working with Nelson de Leon/Locus Architecture for the past 15 years. Their work is thoughtful and has a sense of timeless beauty. Their projects always seem to capture a feeling of time & place, whether it is modern or classically inspired. Their attention to detail is unmatched by other architectural firms in the South Florida region. Nelson de Leon / Locus Architecture delivers outstanding work in the field of architecture. > > H.L. Martin, Landscape Architect **★★★★★ — Coco Palenque, Jan. 2015** > My husband and I hired Mr. de Leon and his firm to renovate our historical home and do an addition. The pictures don't do our home justice. They can be seen under Mr. de Leon's profile as the Santa Maria renovation and addition. As a historically designated home, the laws are different for renovation and construction. Mr. de Leon's firm handled everything professionally, knew all the differences that applied to our home and we never had any issues with permits or certificates from our city. After the renovation, our home was photographed for several publications and on countless tours for either kitchens or historic homes. I highly recommend Locus Architecture for their professionalism and their knowledge about historical homes. **★★★★★ — armandoolivera, Nov. 2014** > Provided architectural services for a remodeling of a Coral Gables historical house built in 1925 along with a major addition of approximately 4,000 square feet. The project started in 2012 with a lengthy permitting process and completed in early 2014. > The scope of the project included the structure, all mechanical and electrical systems along with most of the interior work (wall and ceiling finishes, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, etc.). **★★★★★ — Riviera Development, Dec. 2013** > As a real estate Broker who has worked with a high end development firm for the last 9 years, I have had the pleasure and extreme good fortune of working with Locus Architecture on the bulk of our projects. Locus has produced time and time again the highest quality product in all aspects from the conception of the design to the final finishes. I have been very lucky to represent the sale of the beautiful homes that were designed by Locus. **★★★★★ — jjhutson, July 2013** > Nelson De Leon/ Locus Architecture was our architect for addition of a free standing wood studio/garage building to our historic Chinese Village House in Coral Gables, Florida. These houses were bulit in 1925 and designed by Yale Architect Henry Kellam Murphy. The designed had to blend with the unique design of the existing house, yet have subtle differences defining that it was a modern addition. The design had a triple slope gabled roof with brillant yellow ceramic tiles, sixteen clear story windows (hurricane rated custom red frames), three additional casement windows four feet above the floor and a beautiful custom garage door with three opague lights , cedar exterior, painted red and 150 MPH rating built by Designer Doors. The main work area of the studio has 13 ft ceilings to allow the clear story windows to cast open light througout the shop.The garage studio also had to be built with Dade County wind storm regulations. Nelson developed a wonderful design that complimented the main house creating a street facade that has recieved wide approval and praise in our community. Nelson guided us through a difficult approval process with historic architecture review and zoning acquiring the variances and permits needed to get started buliding the structure. He worked with us during construction helping with technical issues . Finally after almost a three year process from initation of the concept to completion of the project the wood studio/ garage was finished and I could move my power tools into the shop an start making furniture again. The first design out ofthe shop was a Contempory modern coffe table with Peruvian walnut and white oak trestle frame. **★★★★★ — lernestodg, July 2013** > Very good Architect ! > > I hired Nelson de Leon for my Project. He has design my home and manage the project and I'm very satisfy. **★★★★★ — Jackie Smith, July 2013** > I have been looking for my dream home for over 10 years. I live in Coral Gables, Florida and the style I was searching for was with the traditional Spanish architecture. > George Merrick, The founder of Coral Gables, meant for the city to be the first gated community in the USA. He visioned the wealthy who lived up North to visit during the cold winter months. So, these Landmark homes had small closets to accommodate summer wear. > > One day, as I drove around the neighborhood, I stumbled upon " Casas Sevillanas". A group of Spanish style homes. All designed by Nelson de Leon. My heart pounded with a thrill. I knew I had found home. > > I decided to build my own. In every step of the way Mr. De Leon was Immaculate with his design and had impeccable taste. > > My family and I are moving this week in to our new home. It is truly a one of a kind master piece. The charming, tiles, walkways, courtyard and loggias will seduce you into feeling you are in a village of Spain. > > I couldn't be more happy and grateful for our gorgeous new home thanks to the art of Nelson de Leon. JACKIE SMITH. ## Selected projects - [Santa Maria Residence--historical restoration and additions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-maria-residence-historical-restoration-and-additions-pj-vj~4169) - Location: Coral Gables, FL - Photos: 4 - Description: Addition to historic colonial - [Casas Sevillanas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casas-sevillanas-pj-vj~2473) - Location: Coral Gables, FL - Photos: 5 - Description: The Casas Sevillana village is located in Coral Gables, it is comprised of 7 courtyard houses all inspired by 18th century spanish baroque houses from Sevilla, Spain. - [San Lorenzo House--historical restoration and additions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-lorenzo-house-historical-restoration-and-additions-pj-vj~815389) - Location: San Lorenzo, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Historical restoration and additions - [Pine Island House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pine-island-house-pj-vj~816855) - Location: Pine Island, FL - Photos: 16 - [Casa Calatagan, Philippines](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-calatagan-philippines-pj-vj~15800) - Location: Calatagan, Calabarzon - Photos: 9 - Description: Modern Vernacular - [Golf View House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golf-view-house-pj-vj~2248652) - Location: Coral Gables, FL - Photos: 2 - Description: contemporary, modern, tropical - [Steamboat Springs House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/steamboat-springs-house-pj-vj~891733) - Location: Steamboat Springs, CO - Photos: 28 - [Hardee RD-New Pool Trellis and Gardens, Historic Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hardee-rd-new-pool-trellis-and-gardens-historic-home-pj-vj~2215776) - Location: Coral Gables, FL - Photos: 17 - [Smith Res (Casas Sevillanas)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/smith-res-casas-sevillanas-pj-vj~819843) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - [Valencia Townhouse Phase 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valencia-townhouse-phase-1-pj-vj~886294) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Chinese Village Art Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chinese-village-art-studio-pj-vj~162509) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Cottages of Clam Cove, Camden, Maine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottages-of-clam-cove-camden-maine-pj-vj~347624) - Location: Camden, ME - Photos: 5 - [Casas Andaluzas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casas-andaluzas-pj-vj~347616) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Torre-Pinecrest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/torre-pinecrest-pj-vj~2474) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Santa Maria Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-maria-residence-pj-vj~4248) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Golf View Way](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golf-view-way-pj-vj~1294267) - Location: Steamboat Springs, CO - Photos: 18 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nelson-de-leon-locus-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~2013360955) ## Ideabooks - [Withers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79205650/list/withers) — 14 ideas - [Nel+V House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77019/list/nel-v-house) — 7 ideas - [outdoor spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47912155/list/outdoor-spaces) — 2 ideas - [641 San Lorenz0](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1539128/list/641-san-lorenz0) — 18 ideas - [Maloof Res](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3416296/list/maloof-res) — 6 ideas - [Smith Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49077/list/smith-residence) — 40 ideas - [Reyes--Sunrise Res](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111449/list/reyes-sunrise-res) — 8 ideas - [Diaz Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62807/list/diaz-residence) — 37 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/nelsondeleon) ## Community Q&A **Q: Windows and doors** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi! Beautiful project. Can u please tell me what brand windows and doors u used? I'm looking at the cgi sentinel and going to add the grid but they looking cheaper in person than they do in ur photo. Thanks! A: CGI Sentinel is the "low end line'---you need to look at CGI Estate with high-profile muntins (grids). **Q: Balcony railings** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you share where you had the balcony railings made? A: Railings were designed by Locus and custom made by a local metal contractor. **Q: Beautiful. Are the cabinets made out of Wenge?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: they are stained. **Q: Love the sink** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the make and size of the sink? This question was asked previously but not answered. Thanks. A: kohler: memoirs --18 3/4" **Q: Island material** *(in Photo Questions)* What stone is the island. A: Italian marble---Zebrino. **Q: Columns** *(in Photo Questions)* Can u tell me the color paint on columns A: Locally in Miami, however, the company is no longer in business. There are several companies that do similar work--but you have to be very involved in the process to have them look like real stone. 90% of cast columns look awful...i.e. fake. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*