--- title: "Robert A. McGraw Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/robert-a-mcgraw-architect-pfvwus-pf~402701899 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~402701899.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Robert A. McGraw Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f3737b0c0fce7f96_5565-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "305 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States" latitude: 33.5429 longitude: -117.7813 phone: "(949) 494-0812" website: http://mcgraw-architect.com rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 401 last_updated: 2026-10-12 --- # Robert A. McGraw Architect Original Houzz profile: [Robert A. McGraw Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/robert-a-mcgraw-architect-pfvwus-pf~402701899) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Laguna Beach, CA - **Serves:** Irvine, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Corona del Mar, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, San Joaquin Hills, Capistrano Beach, East Irvine, El Toro, Maui, Newport Coast - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2015), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - Offers Custom Work With over thirty years of local and national architectural experience, we provide skillful design and management of residential projects both renovation and new construction. We specialize in personal attention to our clients and are committed to creating buildings that are functional, comfortable, inspiring and affordable. Quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives. We take seriously the initiative for a more sustainable environment. Our designs utilize the most up-to-date ideas on conservation and environmental responsibility. As we work with our clients to help them realize their dreams and desires for their homes, we stay committed to high standards of functionality, efficiency, beauty, and affordability that enhance their lives, our local community and our world. Our office is a small office in which the staff works closely with our clientele, guaranteeing personal satisfaction from the earliest stages of concept and design through the often arduous Design Review and Permitting process and on to the realization of the project. We measure our success by our clients' satisfaction. Bob McGraw, our senior architect, hails from New York (both city and Woodstock) via Aspen, CO, and has been practicing architecture in Laguna Beach for over 26 years. He guides his clients through the often complex permitting process with skill and knowledge. Bob's experienced and accomplished residential work adds to the quality of many lives in Laguna Beach and the surrounding area. His commercial projects include Mother's Markets, Whole Foods, Laguna Drugs, Mozambique to name a few. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes - Ushering projects through City Requirements ### Areas Served - Irvine - Costa Mesa - Mission Viejo - Newport Beach - Lake Forest - Laguna Niguel - San Clemente - Aliso Viejo - San Juan Capistrano - Dana Point - Laguna Hills - Ladera Ranch - Laguna Beach - Laguna Woods - Corona del Mar - Foothill Ranch - Portola Hills - San Joaquin Hills - Capistrano Beach - East Irvine - El Toro - Maui - Newport Coast ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Robert A. McGraw Architect | | Address | 305 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States | | Phone | (949) 494-0812 | | Website | http://mcgraw-architect.com | | Followers on Houzz | 401 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — https://www.mcgraw-architect.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Robert A. McGraw Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/robert-a-mcgraw-architect-pfvwus-pf~402701899) - **Website:** http://mcgraw-architect.com - **Phone:** (949) 494-0812 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2015), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — jbci, Feb. 2017** > Bob was the architect on our 1927 historic reconstruction in Laguna Beach. He was great to work with and he is wonderful in dealing with the City and all the departments involved with historic construction. It was a long and tedious process and Bob was an integral part of getting this project finished and we are thankful he was there! **★★★★★ — Adrienne Fayne, April 2016** > Our project is a complete remodel of a 70 s house in Laguna Beach. We found Robert by asking several people in the area who they would recommend and his name came up over and over. We are building a soft modern and he has come up with ideas we never would have thought of. He is easy to work with and listens to our ideas and follows through. He works very well with the City. We would use him again and recommend him highly. **★★★★★ — Jon Encarnacion Photography, Jan. 2016** > I had the pleasure of photographing the Davidson renovation for Robert A. McGraw architect. I enjoyed shooting this project very much and working with Bob, and Sheryl his assistant. The communication leading up to the shoot date was good and the vision was clear. I had freedom to use my creative eye to find the best angles and use lighting to shoot this project. I highly recommend working with this company. I hope to photograph another project for them very soon! **★★★★★ — Lucidi Construction Inc., April 2013** > I have worked with Bob on many projects from remodels to new homes and have had great success when the project was allowed to be completed. He is good with the city and the owners. **★★★★★ — sanmelita, April 2013** > Bob was very easy to work with, and appreciated our sense of a modern home. His knowledge of the Design Review process in our town was extremely helpful. We would recommend him highly. **★★★★★ — patrickfreeman, April 2013** > Robert McGraw was the architect that renovated my home in Laguna Beach twice. The second time the size expanded from 1450 sq st to 2550 sq ft (liveable). The Scope of Work was the entire lot and complete rebuilding(inside out) of a 1950 beach cottage into a modern,CRAFTSMAN STYLE 1 story beautiful home that is also very liveable. !! Besides designing ebvery detail,Bob worked closely with the contractors to insure the final result(which is SPECTACULAR0)!! **★★★★★ — stevekinaly, March 2013** > Mr. McGraw has designed a custom single family home for me. His space utilization / design were excellent. He navigated through all the obstacles of the city stringent development requirements and codes. I’m very pleased with work process. > > I recommend Bob Architectural services any time **★★★★★ — michelle goerlitz, March 2013** > Bob McGraw is very easy to work with and has great local knowledge. His ideas are up to date with styles without losing functionality in the design of a home. Bob's managing of the permit process has made it flow seamless this far. The city in which we are building, has plenty of obstacles to work your way through. Bob has found a way to do this in a cost effective professional way. I highly recommend Bob McGraw for any project from small to extremely large. **★★★★★ — bradbright, March 2013** > I have used Bob for a number of projects in Laguna Beach ane have always been happy. Bob really trys to help/work with clients and can do a wide range of styles well. Plus he is easy/fun to work with. Go see him! **★★★★★ — W H, March 2013** > After interviewing several Architects for our new home design in Laguna Beach, my wife and I settled on Robert A. McGraw. This was, by far, the best decision that was made during the entire building process. Mr. McGraw’s eye for detail, space, and design, along with his experience, knowledge, and talent, make for a 100% positive outcome on any design conceived. Our relationship with Mr. McGraw was effortless. His approach is top notch professionalism, with an emphasis on impeccable detail. Everything was well explained throughout the entire design process, and all questions were answered with courtesy, respect, and sincerity. > We have lived in our Robert A. McGraw designed home for 7 years now. We are reminded daily just how well the layout, lighting, space and functionality, coexist in harmony, all while complimenting our family’s lifestyle and entertainment needs, without flaw. > We would certainly use, and recommend, Architect Robert A. McGraw again. **★★★★★ — jasminn, March 2013** > We hired Bob a couple years ago for a remodel of our home. As our family grew, our project needs did as well . Bob did an amazing job with our plans and understood our needs and vision. He is great to work with and made the sometime stressful project as pleasant as possible. Our plans turned out wonderfully! **★★★★★ — whydoineed, March 2013** > We are thrilled with the design prepared by Mr. McGraw. He changed the architecture from a non-descript box to a craftsman style house. Mr. McGraw resigned the interior space in such a way that even though we only added 250 square feet, the interior feels much larger and more open. In addition, Mr. McGraw was masterful in utilizing every square inch to maximize the useable space of our modest size house. ## Selected projects - [Parker Desert Oasis • On the Boards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parker-desert-oasis-on-the-boards-pj-vj~6851978) - Location: La Quinta, CA - Photos: 6 - [Barber • On the Boards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barber-on-the-boards-pj-vj~6851748) - Location: La Quinta, CA - Photos: 5 - [Daneshmand Residence • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/daneshmand-residence-custom-home-pj-vj~5886123) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: In December of 2008, a devastating fire destroyed the home located on this gorgeous hilltop property in Laguna Beach. The 4,145 sq.ft. home built in its place is an elegant replacement, taking advantage of the sublime views and providing space for entertaining as well as for quiet family life. On the entrance level, the living area, dining area and kitchen open completely via an aluminum clad wood sliding pocket door system to a large deck. The lower levels include family bedrooms and guest bedr… - [Desert Minimal • On the Boards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/desert-minimal-on-the-boards-pj-vj~6851952) - Location: La Quinta, CA - Photos: 5 - [Soft Moroccan \|\| La Quinta, CA • ON THE BOARDS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soft-moroccan-la-quinta-ca-on-the-boards-pj-vj~6850868) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Goerlitz Canyon Contemporary • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goerlitz-canyon-contemporary-custom-home-pj-vj~5693516) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: This beautiful canyon contemporary home sits on a steep double lot. The solution is three floors of luxurious living space, ocean views, several outdoor living spaces, natural light, luxury finishes and a pool in a beautiful canyon setting for an active family in Laguna Beach, CA. The result is a dramatic exterior, while maintaining a low profile to neighbors, sound mitigation and overall mass reduction. - [Fayne Residence • REMODEL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fayne-residence-remodel-pj-vj~3243135) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 72 - Description: This home sits on a beautiful on a beautiful large lot overlooking the ocean and hillsides of Laguna Beach, but it was dilapidated, dark and in need of new life. The dated home was transformed into an exciting, light, fresh and contemporary living space. The exterior was enhanced with reclaimed wood and modernized with clean lines. Stacking doors open large expanses of the home to the outside. The large living and dining area opens to two decks making the house perfect for entertaining. The addi… - [DAVIDSON Mediterranean • RENOVATION](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/davidson-mediterranean-renovation-pj-vj~1488234) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 40 - Description: The Davidson Renovation is an update to a fine, beautiful home located an alley away from the Pacific Ocean. The new owner asked us to update the flow of the house to facilitate her day-to-day living and entertaining. With great attention to detail and respect for the home's original beauty our program has moved this home into the 21st century. The backyard is now an oasis of privacy and luxurious beauty. - [AHURA Beachfront Contemporary • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ahura-beachfront-contemporary-custom-home-pj-vj~6752791) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 18 - [MELITA • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/melita-custom-home-pj-vj~356187) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This residence is located in the only gated area of Laguna Beach. The program here was to take advantage of the beautiful, breathtaking views and provide a family with lots of open multifunctional living space. As with many of the homes in this lovely town, the house steps down the hillsaide toward the ocean. Ample decks allow for an indoor outdoor use of space so cherished here in Southern California. - [Family Retreat Beach Cottage • REMODEL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-retreat-beach-cottage-remodel-pj-vj~6746715) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 17 - [Hillside Oasis \| On the Boards \| La Quinta, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-oasis-on-the-boards-la-quinta-ca-pj-vj~6797960) - Location: La Quinta, CA - Photos: 6 - [Pieser Residence • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pieser-residence-custom-home-pj-vj~474236) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: The is a comfortable, inviting, 2,320 square foot family home nestled into the famous hillsides of Laguna Beach boasting beautiful views from every room in the house. It is elegant and contemporary with a nod to tradition with the use of rustic wood and stone. - [Lucidi Residence • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lucidi-residence-custom-home-pj-vj~294939) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: This custom contemporary home in Laguna Beach, CA, is a solution on a very narrow, steep lot. The 3,400 sq. ft. home is spread over four floors to maximize views and square footage. The result is a spacious contemporary home with ocean views from every floor. - [Delangis Residence • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/delangis-residence-custom-home-pj-vj~54331) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Perched above Laguna Beach, this home is designed for comfortable, elegant indoor and outdoor living. Each room takes advantage of the open view of the ocean, the hills, the town and each level invites use of the outdoors for relaxing and entertaining day or night. - [Crest View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crest-view-pj-vj~54332) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 16 - [Jones Residence • RENOVATION](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jones-residence-renovation-pj-vj~294790) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 3 - [Canyon View • CUSTOM HOME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canyon-view-custom-home-pj-vj~54338) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 9 - [Wave House • HISTORIC RENOVATION](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wave-house-historic-renovation-pj-vj~2130834) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: A charming old Laguna Beach cottage had fallen into great disrepair. The new owners were dedicated to restoring it to it's former charm, Bob brought in GPA, an architectural history firm, to document and advise, and then painstakingly planned to put the cottage back together and ushered the project through the city permit process. There were many unexpected problems in a house that had deteriorated to this degree, many setbacks: a non-existent foundation, a roof that was more or less held in pla… - [Holly House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/holly-house-pj-vj~54335) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 12 [See all 38 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/robert-a-mcgraw-architect-pfvwus-pf~402701899) ## Ideabooks - [Hacienda](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104447402/list/hacienda) — 10 ideas - [Cliff Drive](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80279974/list/cliff-drive) — 14 ideas - [Maui Wawi](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58602918/list/maui-wawi) — 48 ideas - [Nguyen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49972081/list/nguyen) — 4 ideas - [River Rock Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83617136/list/river-rock-contemporary) — 29 ideas - [Pasin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42905773/list/pasin) — 33 ideas - [305 NCH](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49972184/list/305-nch) — 1 idea - [Dean](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46366353/list/dean) — 1 idea - [Fayne](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42907895/list/fayne) — 4 ideas - [Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39370374/list/baths) — 9 ideas - [Dining](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39371023/list/dining) — 6 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39370563/list/kitchens) — 6 ideas - [exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21683813/list/exteriors) — 32 ideas - [Vanity Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98915320/list/vanity-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 14 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/robertamcgraw) ## Community Q&A **Q: Brand new floors, colour is all wrong** *(in Flooring)* Just had new floors laid, they were reclaimed timbers from Qld so a variety of species. We were given a sample of what they would look like when stained (we wanted them to be stained a rich walnut colour) but now they're in and the stain doesn't look at all like what I expected. The variations between colours are significant and much of the floor boards look red instead of a rich brown. Any ideas what I can do? I'm worried if they restrain it the pieces that look like they didn't pick up the stain will stay light and the others will go a variety of dark brown and will make the variations even more pronounced. I'll attach a photo of the sample (last) and the stained floors for comparison. I'm mainly worried that a red floor will make us have to very careful with all furniture/artwork choices as it'll easily clash. A: I like these floors. So much gusto! **Q: What IS this Crown Moulding?!** *(in Home Decorating)* So, I've decided I hate our master. I want to pretty much redo everything. That being said, I don't know what to do about the "crown moulding" in the room. Do I take it down? Will it make the ceiling feel shorter? The ceilings are 8' and I can't afford to replace it right now. What even is this moulding?!It's everywhere in the house except for the bathroom and the kitchen. I eventually want to wallpaper part of the dining room, so what I do with it here may affect what I do there. This moulding is also on the beam that goes through all of the open space- I'd like to take it off there and wrap the beam in wood to make it look like a faux beam.TL;DR: I have mixed feelings about this moulding. What is it? Should I take it down? Is it some fancy ceiling heightening technique I don't know about? A: I bet it is picture rail. Interesting. **Q: How would you frame this acrylic on board?** *(in Home Decorating)* I recently picked up this piece by Francis Hamabe at a small auction. He was our neighbor and his works are popular where we live. What kind and color of frame do you think would suit it best? A: I like the brushed silver frame. However, I really rely on a good local framer to frame all my art. She has the familiarity with all of the options and she has a great eye. **Q: How can I change the front of this house?** *(in Paint)* This is what we are calling the boomerang house! It literally is in the shape of a boomerang! We are going to change the windows and paint the brink, but I am at a loss as to what to do to the very front door area! A: Looking at Atomic Ranch homes, I think you could change the areas of the house that are yellow and make them glass. Keep the shape, keep the brick, keep the roof, make a glassed entry and at the end of the building where the french doors are use floor to ceiling glass. I love the house!! **Q: Dining chair wood color choice** *(in Home Decorating)* Trying hard to make my more formal furniture fit with my new Florida lakeside home. I love my dining table which is situated in a great room setting. Base is giant fish or sea dragons in gold with slight silver leaf. Top is glass. Current chairs are dark almost cherry wood and throwing off the white, gray in kitchen and adjoining great room. Walls BM Dove wing, Cabinets white, counters white with specks of gray, taupe quartz. Couch beige with gray piping. Currently mixing stainless with champagne gold. All flows except the chairs. Any suggestions on color to paint wood? TIA. Driving myself crazy with indecision. A: I'd like to see the fish-dragons too. From what you have said I think a sea glass colored paint would make beautiful chairs; seafoam, aqua. soft teal. Anything oceany to make your table at home. **Q: Advice on enhancements this copper artwork** *(in Design Dilemma)* I had this copper artwork made for my house. I have seen this gentleman’work before at an outdoor festivaI and the colors really popped . I had him make a piece for me, but when I hung it up on the wall it got lost against the tourquoise. Rather than move it, what can I put behind it or to the sides to make it pop? Perhaps some type of woven material, maybe beige color or perhaps build a frame around it? The artwork is approximately 5 feet wide and 3 feet high. Thanks A: I love the piece of art. Yes, there could be a better way to display it but I think it is a knockout!! Relax and enjoy it!!! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-10-12.*