--- title: "Pretty Smart — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pretty-smart-pfvwus-pf~2114264248 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114264248.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Pretty Smart" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5ff33bde02339071_3112-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2730 E 4th Street, Long Beach, California 90814, United States" latitude: 33.7716 longitude: -118.148 phone: "(323) 304-4475" website: http://www.pretty-smart.net rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 322 last_updated: 2026-11-05 --- # Pretty Smart Original Houzz profile: [Pretty Smart](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pretty-smart-pfvwus-pf~2114264248) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Long Beach, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica, Lakewood, Culver City, Manhattan Beach, Beverly Hills, Seal Beach, Orange County, Palos Verdes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves We believe design is a an enjoyable process of inquiry, discovery and growth. Our projects develop out of a close collaboration between client and consultants and aim to create warm, beautiful and functional spaces. Pretty Smart draws influence from the full depth and breadth of design history, but lessons learned from mid-century masters most clearly resonate with our sense of clean lines and functionality while maintaining a feeling of warmth, comfort and connection. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Project Management - 3D Home Design - Additions - Architecture - Interior Design - New Construction - Permit Drawings - Remodeling - Whole Home Renovations ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Long Beach - Huntington Beach - Santa Monica - Lakewood - Culver City - Manhattan Beach - Beverly Hills - Seal Beach - Orange County - Palos Verdes ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 1 We wear a lot of hats and are willing to tailor our service package to meet your needs and budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Pretty Smart | | Address | 2730 E 4th Street, Long Beach, California 90814, United States | | Phone | (323) 304-4475 | | Website | http://www.pretty-smart.net | | License Number | 34533 | | Followers on Houzz | 322 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/PrettySmartDesignFirm - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=15464225&trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Pretty Smart](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pretty-smart-pfvwus-pf~2114264248) - **Website:** http://www.pretty-smart.net - **Phone:** (323) 304-4475 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA, California Licensed Architect, NCARB Certified, Best of Houzz - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2021), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — David Cramp, Jan. 2023** > Daniella did a great job for us in designing our remodel and addition project. She has a great process of progressing from concept to final permit set of plans. Each step of the way we were given options that we reviewed and discussed. Pricing was always taken into account and part of the discussion. As the design progressed the options got more granular. The final permit set of plans went through plan check with very minimal comments (3) and now we're all set and into construction. **★★★★★ — Brittenham Design \#1 LLC, June 2020** > Daniella did outstanding work and coordination to complete our project. We will be working together on our upcoming opportunities and investments. **★★★★★ — Aaron Volkoff, May 2020** > Daniella and her team are awesome! After testing the waters with a few other designers and architects, it was clear that Pretty Smart was the only option for us. They were very attentive to our needs while providing constructive feedback and ideas. It was so refreshing to have someone actually hear us. We gave Pretty Smart what we wanted and they turned it into our forever home. There is not one change we would make. Also, Pretty Smart worked seamlessly with our contractor, the city and engineers. We were very fortunate to be able to have someone else carry the load. A remold is stressful enough without having to learn the ropes of permits, codes, etc. Pretty Smart either took care of all of that or worked the entities that did. **Comment from Pretty Smart:** > Thank you Aaron, It was great seeing the project come together! **★★★★★ — Ray Corbell, Nov. 2019** > We are in the midst of our first home renovation and Daniella and her team have made the process smooth and efficient. She listened intently to our design ambitions and provided thoughtful guidance on how best to achieve them. Pretty Smart handled all designs, permit submissions and even helped us arrange/conduct our contractor interviews. All services have been provided at a very reasonable price and we would highly recommend Pretty Smart to anyone else considering a home renovation. **Comment from Pretty Smart:** > Thank you for the great review, Ray! It has been such a pleasure working with you and Czarina on this renovation. **★★★★★ — Molly Hudak, Dec. 2018** > It has been a pleasure working with Daniella. A friend whose home Daniella designed introduced and recommended her for my project and I've been very happy every step of the way. She listened to my many suggestions and used or enhanced each one ending in a perfect design for my new home. Working with a difficult contractor, Daniella handled setbacks efficiently and calmly and continually demanded excellence from him when even I was willing to settle for second-rate. I don't know what I would have done without her advice and expertise throughout the project. If I ever need an architect or designer again, she will definitely be my first call. **Comment from Pretty Smart:** > Thank you Molly! I love the transformation we achieved in your home! **★★★★★ — Bonnie Bateman, Aug. 2018** > Daniella is a very good architect and designer.. My girlfriend used her last year and was very pleased with her detail of the project. She works well with contractors and subs. Also returns calls very quickly and is always knowledgeable and well informed with answers. My project has just started but I am very confident that Daniella will do a five star job finishing it. I would strongly recommend her as an architect and designer. **★★★★★ — Cindy Larson, Aug. 2018** > Daniella Carter of Pretty Smart is a secret gem! She's modest about her services, but will delightfully surprise with high level skills and work. She can turn around CAD spontaneously and create clear views of all aspects of a project in the works. She relentlessly works with contractors and suppliers seeing every part and piece of the project come together. Depths of knowlege and experience from her career come through to share in your design, yet she willingly incorporates her clients wishes creating a beautiful end result. I highly recommmend Daniella and assure you will will be very glad you brought her into your project. **★★★★★ — meir snir, March 2018** > An amazing designer and architect with fantastic vison applying very practical solutions to very difficult and complex issues... She was a major and very key player in the overall success of our project. > > We plan to utilize Pretty Smart again, on our phase II project. **★★★★★ — Fern Snir, March 2018** > We hired Daniella Carter (Pretty Smart) to help us with our home renovation. Initially we thought it would be strictly for design services but as the project got more involved, we realized that we needed architectural services as well. Daniella drew up all the plans for the project and submitted them to the city for approval. She was an integral part of the entire renovation process, from initial design to helping us hire a contractor, to obtaining a structural engineer, to keeping the project on time and on budget. What was most impressive was her ability to introduce new ideas to us, but at the same time listen to our preferences and concerns. She definitely had us think "outside of the box" and we ended up with a beautifully designed home. > Daniella is a delight to work with and we look forward to continuing our relationship on "phase 2" of the project. **★★★★★ — Suzanne Haddad, March 2018** > Pretty Smart was an excellent choice for our project. My husband and I wanted to remodel our two bathrooms, and decided to have a his and hers. Pretty Smart came in and listened carefully to our likes and concerns and turned out thoughtful designs that were perfect for our wishes and needs. The designs were different from each other yet cohesive, the flow with the rest of the house (which is old) was fantastic. It was particularly exciting to see the range of their materials sourcing, they have access and knowledge so you can end up with a beautiful and unique design for your space. Pretty smart worked great with the contractor and has all the technical knowledge to give you confidence that your project is being done well. **★★★★★ — Ashley Miller, Oct. 2016** > Daniella has been the absolute best to work with! She is professional, knowledgeable and she truly made all the difference in our home renovation. Her keen eye and attention to detail helped us avoid some major (and costly) design issues—and her work is stunning. I recommend her highly to anyone. **★★★★★ — Kevin Norton, Dec. 2015** > Daniella was our architect for an addition/remodel. We had to deal with a historic district and Danielle did a great job for us. We had to do multiple changes to keep the city and commision happy and she was great dealing with the city. ## Selected projects - [Venice](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/venice-pj-vj~902588) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Melrose](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/melrose-pj-vj~823872) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Hollywood Riviera](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hollywood-riviera-pj-vj~657103) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 40 - [Palisades Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palisades-kitchen-pj-vj~341596) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Laurel Canyon - Ranch House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laurel-canyon-ranch-house-pj-vj~666918) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Modern Farmhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~640150) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Hermosa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hermosa-pj-vj~322895) - Location: Hermosa Beach, CA - Photos: 7 - [Charing Cross](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charing-cross-pj-vj~323868) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Holmby Hills Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/holmby-hills-estate-pj-vj~333340) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Bluff Heights Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bluff-heights-craftsman-pj-vj~517937) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Dona Teresa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dona-teresa-pj-vj~322876) - Location: Studio City, CA - Photos: 9 - [Miller](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miller-pj-vj~7293957) - Location: Long Beach, CA - Photos: 17 - [Los Altos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-pj-vj~2547591) - Location: Long Beach, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Complete interior and exterior renovation of a single family home in The Plaza neighborhood in Long Beach, California. The goal was to create an airy, open floor plan with indoor-outdoor living and entertaining spaces. We also designed a small addition for a new ensuite bath for the master bedroom. Architecture and interior design by Daniella Carter of Pretty Smart. www.pretty-smart.net. - [Long Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-beach-pj-vj~2507268) - Location: Long Beach, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Interior renovation and addition to a post-war home in Long Beach, California. The homeowners are parents to a large family of 8 children and frequently entertain large groups. The goal was to design the kitchen as a hub with many spaces and functional zones, and to have it open and accessible to the rest of the home. Architecture and interior design by Daniella Carter of Pretty Smart. www.pretty-smart.net - [Belmont Heights Craftsman Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belmont-heights-craftsman-bungalow-pj-vj~2506701) - Location: Long Beach, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: An Interior renovation and addition to a craftsman bungalow in the historic Southern California neighborhood of Belmont Heights, located in Long Beach, CA. Restaurant owners and professional chefs, the homeowners wanted an open floor plan conducive to entertaining and dinner parties, along with a better connection between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. We met these design goals while also complying with California Historic Preservation Codes. Architecture by Pretty Smart. www.pretty-smart… [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pretty-smart-pfvwus-pf~2114264248) ## Community Q&A **Q: What brand hinges/hardware did you use for the laundry door?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Megan, Thanks for the question. The hinge hardware was provided by the casework fabricator, they used Hafele and Blum products. **Q: Very cool design** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the source of the pendant lights? A: What species of wood is on the countertop and the ceiling trim? **Q: what is the counter material and color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi, Actually is it Carrara Marble. Thanks for asking. **Q: I love the backsplash** *(in Photo Questions)* Where's the backsplash from? A: Thanks! We love it too. It is Coelus Blue tile set in a herringbone pattern. We purchased it from Surfaces USA in North Hollywood Ca. **Q: Are the floors wood or porcelain?** *(in Photo Questions)* Are the floors wood or porcelain? A: These floors are wood. **Q: Lighting** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the pendant lights from? A: West Elm --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-05.*