---
title: "Murray Duncan Architects Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/murray-duncan-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~403234787
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~403234787.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Murray Duncan Architects Inc."
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/025358fb02570256_3943-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "150 Castilian Drive, Suite 201, Santa Barbara, California 93117, United States"
latitude: 34.4296
longitude: -119.8612
phone: "(805) 562-1270"
website: http://mda-group.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 11
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 118
last_updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Murray Duncan Architects Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [Murray Duncan Architects Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/murray-duncan-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~403234787)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Santa Barbara, CA
- **Serves:** Roseville, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Goleta, Granite Bay, Montecito, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Ballard, Placer County, Rockla, Serrano
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (11 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Founded in 1992, Murray Duncan Architects, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA and with offices in Sacramento CA.

 Computer technology allows our offices to work seamlessly. As a seasoned team with a legacy of unique award winning design, we offer uncompromising attention to detail, research and project programming insuring our clients’ expectations are realized.

Our services include institutional, commercial, residential, physical land planning, feasibility and density studies, in addition architectural design, construction documentation, and construction administration. This time tested, comprehensive approach allows for original design concepts that blend talent, experience, and imagination with thoughtful analysis recognizing the environment and current technology. Murray Duncan Architects is committed to our clients’ success and satisfaction.

Our mission statement is to strive, delight and educate our clients in the process of realizing an amazing design solution and to enjoy a successful experience. “Our goal is an architectural solution that will compliment the built environment; age gracefully, and grow more beautiful with time. We are committed to our clients’ success as well as being mindful of the impact our projects will have on generations to come and the legacy we leave behind.”

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Home Restoration
- Drafting
- Project Management
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Basement Design
- Mudroom Design
- Staircase Design
- Site Preparation
- Laundry Room Design
- Rooftop Deck Installation
- Custom Homes

### Areas Served

- Roseville
- Ventura
- Santa Barbara
- Folsom
- El Dorado Hills
- Goleta
- Granite Bay
- Montecito
- Solvang
- Buellton
- Santa Ynez
- Ballard
- Placer County
- Rockla
- Serrano

### Typical Job Cost

$300,000 - 5 million

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Murray Duncan Architects Inc. |
| Address | 150 Castilian Drive, Suite 201, Santa Barbara, California 93117, United States |
| Phone | (805) 562-1270 |
| Website | http://mda-group.com |
| License Number | C14117 (California) |
| Followers on Houzz | 118 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MDuncan.Architect
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=198778578&authType=NAME\_SEARCH&authToken=GIzF&locale=en\_US&

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Murray Duncan Architects Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/murray-duncan-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~403234787)
- **Website:** http://mda-group.com
- **Phone:** (805) 562-1270

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Over 30 years of National, Regional & Local Design Awards.
- PCBC ( Pacific Coast Builders Conference)
- NHAB (Builders magazine)
- Elan ( Los Angelas)
- Street of Dreams ( Sacramento)

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Design.

**Affiliations**
- [AIA Los Angeles](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-los-angeles-pfvwus-pf~1829789113)
- [AIA Santa Barbara](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-santa-barbara-pfvwus-pf~2115496248)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 11 reviews**

### All 11 reviews

**★★★★★ — buenosaires42, Oct. 2015**

> Murray Duncan architects is a firm I would love to work with in the future. I did not hire his team for this project, but we will certainly keep his firm in mind for other projects. His consultation and presentation skills are extremely professional - he is personable, pays attention to detail, and comes well prepared. Mr. Duncan left a wonderful impression on my family and me. His process is top notch. I am sure he can design anyone's dream home.

**★★★★★ — racoussa, Dec. 2014**

> We have known Mr. Duncan for 25 years and have consulted with him on potential building projects. He has always been gracious with his time and talents. He has met with us on weekends to view building sites and provide guidance on home design and positioning to maximize views and sun exposure.
> Mr. Duncan is an accomplished architect with decades of experience. He is patient especially with conflicted inputs from couples. We love his style of architecture and would use him without hesitation.

**★★★★★ — kenouimet, Dec. 2014**

> Murray is very insightful and did a great job advising me and working with the city to get the project approved.

**★★★★★ — Yamasaki Landscape Architecture, Dec. 2014**

> I have worked with Murray on numerous residential projects and his design approach is second to none. His ability to bring the outdoors in provides exciting opportunities for me as a Landscape Architect and the end result is stunning.

**★★★★★ — Daniel Zia, Nov. 2014**

> By viewing an architect's portfolio you can fairly quickly judge design talent. What you can't easily discern is the architect's reputation in the local community, his or her integrity, and the work ethic in which they will apply on your behalf.  Murray's reputation is sterling. His integrity is more important than his success (though he has achieved much of that). And his work ethic is tireless. I can't recommend him highly enough.

**★★★★★ — jbreschi, Nov. 2014**

> I have had the pleasure of knowing Murry Duncan for about 15 years.  In early 2000 our interiors company shared space with Murray Duncan Architects in the Sacramento area.   I was able to witness first hand that Murray Duncan is a very talented architect.   Besides being very personable, he listens closely to his clients needs and budget then quickly  prepares preliminary sketches that always seem to exceed ones expectations. After the clients approval of the preliminary plan Murray and his professional team prepare design development drawings and after client approval proceed to the final construction documents.   Murray and his team have an excellent relationship with the building departments in Sacramento, Roseville , Placer County and Santa Barbara. They are able to pull permits in a timely fashion.   I have seen many of his teams completed projects and they are all beautiful.  I highly recommend Murray Duncan Architects Inc for your new or remodel project.

**★★★★★ — L.J. Nicholas, Nov. 2014**

> We hired Murray Duncan to be the architect for our family home.  We provided Murray with a rough idea of the floor plan and he designed a home perfectly to our needs.  We have 4 children and had many specific needs to create a family-friendly, entertainment-focused home.  The home is 15,000 sq ft with a focus on indoor-outdoor living.  Murray was patient with our revisions and provided professional service for our project.

**★★★★ — William Reifsteck, Nov. 2014**

> Murray's team was very professional and worked diligently through any problems encountered on this difficult fast moving project.  We would definitely look forward to working together again.

**★★★★★ — sfcleary, Nov. 2014**

> Murray Duncan and his team were excellent to work with.  They took the time to understand our true needs/objectives on the expansion of our home, and consequently the design process went very efficiently.  The quality of their plans enabled us to save money with our contractor, and our home actually looks better and more balanced AFTER the addition than it did originally.  The space MDA designed is very liveable and is even better than what we envisioned.  I would definitely hire Murray again!

**★★★★★ — Eddie Villaruz, Nov. 2014**

> Working with Murray Duncan Architects and Murray Duncan himself, I have learned a lot as a design professional, Murray's insight for quality architectural design and his progressive thinking into architecture has helped me to mature in architecture.  I enjoy working with Murray and enjoy looking at projects that come out of his office as awe-inspiring.

**★★★★★ — Turn-Key Construction Group, Inc., Jan. 2014**

> Murray Duncan has an amazing vision for our clients and really understands how to develop their ideas into a world class home.

## Selected projects

- [Crocker Residential](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crocker-residential-pj-vj~346638)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 66
- [Berkwood Residential](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berkwood-residential-pj-vj~346754)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 35
  - Description: This gorgeous custom home was designed to fit beautifully into the El Dorado Hills community of Northern California while making the most of the sweeping views of the valley below that edges Folsom Lake.
- [Street of Dreams](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/street-of-dreams-pj-vj~346645)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Moreau Court-El Dorado Hills CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moreau-court-el-dorado-hills-ca-pj-vj~797524)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Baugh Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/baugh-residence-pj-vj~983525)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
- [The Bluffs at Mesa Oaks-Lompoc CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-bluffs-at-mesa-oaks-lompoc-ca-pj-vj~797651)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Summerland Heights-Summerland CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/summerland-heights-summerland-ca-pj-vj~797641)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Via Brigitte, Santa Barbara, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/via-brigitte-santa-barbara-ca-pj-vj~797485)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: A 5,800 sq.ft. Santa Barbara Country Style Home with sweeping views of the valley and ocean beyond. This two-story single family home allows for indoor and outdoor living with a central covered loggia just off the great room, swimming pool and dramatic view terraces. The open floor plan includes 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, living room, dining room, a great room with morning room and gourmet kitchen. The private motor court accesses a three car garage via a porte cochere and a detached guest casita.
- [La Romana-lot 19, Santa Barbara, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-romana-lot-19-santa-barbara-ca-pj-vj~797576)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [UCSB-Sierra Madre-student housing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ucsb-sierra-madre-student-housing-pj-vj~797731)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
- [Granite Bay, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/granite-bay-ca-pj-vj~809259)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Taylor Lane-El Dorado Hills CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/taylor-lane-el-dorado-hills-ca-pj-vj~795799)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Taylor Lane residence is a 6,800 square feet english country home design that provides for a young, growing family’s lifestyle. The flexible floor plan meets the needs of raising children while allowing for a casual, elegant, country lifestyle. The open floor plan offers five bedrooms and six bathrooms, parlor, dining room, great room with breakfast nook and gourmet country kitchen. The formal entry motorcourt leads through a porte cochere to the service motorcourt, detached office and guest cot…
- [Granite Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/granite-bay-pj-vj~809278)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Moreau Court-El Dorado Hills CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moreau-court-el-dorado-hills-ca-pj-vj~797631)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Wexford Circle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wexford-circle-pj-vj~938286)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Via Fiori-El Dorado Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/via-fiori-el-dorado-hills-pj-vj~901749)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [KITP UCSB-staff & student hosing-Santa Barbara](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitp-ucsb-staff-and-student-hosing-santa-barbara-pj-vj~797705)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Wild FLower Court](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wild-flower-court-pj-vj~798306)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Aviara Point-Carlsbad CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aviara-point-carlsbad-ca-pj-vj~797594)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Winding Creek Rd , Sacramento, California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winding-creek-rd-sacramento-california-pj-vj~808490)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5

[See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/murray-duncan-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~403234787)

## Ideabooks

- [Fireplace Faces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154925174/list/fireplace-faces) — 33 ideas
- [Tahoe Thoughts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115939748/list/tahoe-thoughts) — 32 ideas
- [Estate Entry Gate & Front Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159155806/list/estate-entry-gate-front-doors) — 12 ideas
- [Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159513842/list/modern) — 6 ideas
- [Farmhouse Thoughts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/95566975/list/farmhouse-thoughts) — 97 ideas
- [Spanish modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109123873/list/spanish-modern) — 40 ideas
- [Oxnard Themes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111732653/list/oxnard-themes) — 43 ideas
- [Napa Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127835931/list/napa-modern) — 29 ideas
- [Via Abrigada](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121647755/list/via-abrigada) — 1 idea

[See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/murray-duncan_architects)

## Community Q&A

**Q: where can I ourchase the light fixture?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: It was owner supplied. I don't know if it was off the shelf or custom made.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-03.*