--- title: "United Architects, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/united-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~436266178 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~436266178.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "United Architects, Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/77a34bad0fa02763_2578-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4000 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 470, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States" latitude: 25.7205 longitude: -80.2728 phone: "(305) 439-7898" website: https://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 192 last_updated: 2026-09-25 --- # United Architects, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [United Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/united-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~436266178) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Coral Gables, FL - **Serves:** Miami, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, Kendall, Doral, Tamiami, Westchester, Kendale Lakes, Coral Gables, South Miami Heights, Palmetto Bay, The Crossings, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Cutler, Key Biscayne, Sunset, Miami Springs, South Miami, Miami Shores, West Perrine, North Bay Village, East Perrine, West Miami, South Beach, Virginia Gardens, El Portal, Fisher Island, Hibiscus and Star Islands, Killian - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2023), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - Woman owned - Award winning As architects, we like to say, “We turn raw ideas into plans for comfortable, livable, inspired buildings and residences”, our tag line. We create more than a house; we create a lifestyle! I work with each client to develop details for his/her single-family residential project or condominium to make the project special. We educate each client for whom this is his/her first addition, remodeling, or new house and make the process as easy as possible, from initial design through permitting to final construction. I have a passion for residential work where I try to make our tag line come alive. Many firms delegate you and your project to an associate in the firm. In my firm, you will deal with me. You will make decisions jointly with me. We will make the project a success together. Because of our success as creative and detailed architects, our firm has been creating successful projects for 30 years. United Architects was founded in 1986. Our residential work has been featured on HGTV. I appeared on Tropical Currents with Joseph Cooper on WLRN in Miami. As the principal of the firm, I am a registered architect in the state of Florida. I hold a Master of Architecture degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). We welcome the opportunity to talk about your project and offer practical solutions which are beautiful at the same time. Call me at 305-439-7898. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ We provide architectural services for commercial, residential, and institutional projects. You can see many of our projects on our website, http://www.UnitedArchitectsInc.com. We have many articles relative to architecture and construction at http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maria\_Luisa\_Castellanos and we blog at http://www.UnitedArchitectsInc.com/blog We have free articles on architecture and construction at https://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com/free-articles-united-architects-usa Maria Luisa Castellanos is a licensed architect in the state of Florida The license number ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Site Preparation - Laundry Room Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Miami - Miami Gardens - Miami Beach - Kendall - Doral - Tamiami - Westchester - Kendale Lakes - Coral Gables - South Miami Heights - Palmetto Bay - The Crossings - Coconut Grove - Pinecrest - Cutler - Key Biscayne - Sunset - Miami Springs - South Miami - Miami Shores - West Perrine - North Bay Village - East Perrine - West Miami - South Beach - Virginia Gardens - El Portal - Fisher Island - Hibiscus and Star Islands - Killian ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - $5,000,000.00 $150,000 - $5,000,000.00 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | United Architects, Inc. | | Address | 4000 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 470, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States | | Phone | (305) 439-7898 | | Website | https://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com/ | | License Number | Florida AR0007706 | | Followers on Houzz | 192 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.Facebook.com/UnitedArchitects - X (Twitter) — https://www.twitter.com/MariaLuisaCas - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialuisacastellanos - Blog — https://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com/blog-on-architecture-public-policy - Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/maria\_luisa\_castellanos/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [United Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/united-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~436266178) - **Website:** https://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com/ - **Phone:** (305) 439-7898 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Two years ago, we received the Bronze Prize for the Miami Herald's Miami-Dade Favorites, category of Remodeler/Contractor. Last year, we received the Silver Medal as the Miami-Dade Favorite Architecture Firm, and this year, we received the Gold Medal as the Miami-Dade Favorite Architecture Firm. - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2023), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Noah, Aug. 2026** > It was great working with United Architects on our house renovation. The redesign was exactly what we had envisioned and exceeded our expectations. We appreciated the professionalism and great collaboration with the other team members. The communication and execution was seamless from start to finish. I would definitely recommend United Architects. **Comment from United Architects, Inc.:** > Thank you, Noah. It was great working with you too! **★★★★★ — chrisfulton, Oct. 2022** > Maria Luisa completed architectural, electrical, and structural plans for my remodel. She is an excellent partner to work with to bring your vision to reality. She has the experience and contacts needed to get every detail handled. And she worked very quickly and accurately. She was very good at keeping the plan moving forward even when it seemed to want to stop! I highly recommend United Architects. **Comment from United Architects, Inc.:** > Thank you for the lovely review. I certainly enjoyed working with you. **★★★★★ — K L Hanson, April 2022** > Maria Luisa was a pleasure to work with on our plans for a total interior remodeling. She was knowledgeable and patient, willing to make revisions, and most importantly, her plans passed the permitting review on the first round, with no revisions needed! Would definitely recommend and use her again! **Comment from United Architects, Inc.:** > I loved working with you too, Lori! I so appreciate clients who know what they want but are open to suggestions. Thank you for the review. **★★★★★ — Robin Katz, June 2018** > Maria Luisa is intuitive, creative, highly skilled and very knowledgeable. A true professional! She has tremendous vision combined with down to earth nuts and bolts about how to make it happen. She listens and expands the concepts to fulfill all needs, wants and desires. What's even better is that she's an exceptional human being with a lot of humor, fun and heart. **Comment from United Architects, Inc.:** > Thanks, Robin, I loved working with you as well. It was a pleasure! **★★★★★ — Edward A. Escobar / PanAmerican Realty, May 2018** > Ms. Castellanos and her team were great from start to finish. She took the time to design the very best interior plan for my family. The plan incorporated some changes which turned out just beautiful and practical at the same time. Her team explained the permitting process and a tentative time frame for completion. She took detailed notes of my concerns and made the necessary updates to the plans that the building department requested so that we could get them approved quickly. I trusted her knowledge and expertise in handling both the design and project management with the result that our project was an absolute success. I would recommend her highly! **★★★★★ — Gemini Chen, April 2017** > I had a house with very bad house conditions which people normally recommend to rebuild. By the time, I also had a budget short since the construction cost in Miami is high compared to other area. I talked many designers who either did not have knowledge on the building codes or did not understand the requests from basic. I finally found United Architect. The architect gave me many advises with different options before we went to county to get the permit. Since the house is also with many code violations, we spend 6 month fighting with Miami Dade County. She helped me to correct some nonsense requirement from building department. She helped me a lot on both permits and construction quality on the house. By working with United Architect, it guarantees the success on the remodeling from concept, detail design, quality building, and final tuning. I really highly recommend United Architect. Excellent JOB Done!! **Comment from United Architects, Inc.:** > Thank you. It was a pleasure working with you too! **★★★★★ — georgekonig, Sept. 2013** > Maria Luisa Castellanos, R.A., of United Architects, Inc., helped me with the remodeling of the condominium I bought in Miami Beach. I wanted to change the layout of the unit and she helped me to design the modifications so that the plan would work for me. We were able to relocate the kitchen form a remote corner of the unit to the center of the living space. Ms. Castellanos demonstrated a clear understanding of what I wanted and we have achieved a much more functional and open space with natural light throughout the unit. I recommend Ms. Castellanos and her firm to you without reservation. **★★★★★ — Patricia Donlevy-Rosen, Sept. 2013** > We hired the firm of United Architects, and its principal, Maria Luisa Castellanos, R.A., to design a new front facade to our Coral Gables house, modernizing its 1950's look, and enlarging the master bathroom by incorporating an adjacent bathroom. > > United Architects handled everything relating to the construction for us, from the preliminary designs to installation of landscaping. Ms. Castellanos designed a very modern and beautiful front facade. She combined classical cast stone columns with pedestals and planters, extended a portion of our front porch and roof, and incorporated it into a new brick driveway. In addition, she attended the Board of Architect meetings, developed the contract documents, handled the bidding process with several contractors, supervised the construction, and reviewed the payments to the contractors. All this was done in a professional and timely manner. Moreover, Ms. Castellanos kept us constantly informed on her, and the contractor's, progress. > > We were extremely pleased with the work that was done on our house, as well as the service that Ms. Castellanos provided to us. We would recommend her and her firm without reservation. **★★★★★ — swbdesk, Sept. 2013** > I have used this firm twice and both times had a very positive experience. The latest was a proposal to expand our home by reconfiguring the first floor and adding a second story. Maria Luisa listened to what we wanted in features and space and crafted a couple of different design proposals. We moved through the review process smoothly and settled in on a design that met our needs. The resulting plans and drawings allowed us to cost the rebuild. Maria Luisa has an excellent knowledge of Florida building codes and requirements including the local knowledge of working with Coral Gables. Her work was completed on time and budget and we would not hesitate to use United Architects again for potential renovation projects. **★★★★★ — ybermuff, Sept. 2013** > I worked Maria Luisa from United Architects, Inc, to remodeled my new medical office. I shared with Maria Luisa my special needs for my new office and she design the floor plans for my specific needs. Walls had to be moved, new walls had to be built, created new space and remodeling through the office. She was very knowledgeable with the American with Disabilities Act, which is of utmost importance in my practice. It was a pleasure to work with someone so knowledgeable, that listened to my needs and provided me with new and different options. I would highly recommend Maria Luisa and the company United Architects, Inc. **★★★★★ — sandraba, Sept. 2013** > Maria Luisa remodeled our house in Coral Gables; she turned it from a square, plain, and boring house into an exciting, well designed, and functional home. Maria Luisa is not only creative, she also has a great eye for construction details; her blueprint are exact to the last screw and nail, which saved us lots of time, money , and nerves, once construction had started. I can only recommend her; nobody could have done it better. **★★★★★ — L.DeSimone, Sept. 2013** > United Architects exceeded my expectations in every way. The details, creativity and design excellence put into a complete remodel of my home was beyond what any other firm could have supplied. The remodel was a total renovation of 2000 sq ft walk-up/brownstone/row home type residential property with two floors. The customer service was exemplary, the work received was done quickly and efficiently. They were with me every step of the way. I highly recommend Maria Luisa Castellanos, R.A. Principle of the firm to coordinate any project you may have. Her consultation assured me I had found the right Architect and I couldn't be more pleased with her level of integrity. ## Selected projects - [Sobe Urban Condominium is completely remodeled for European client - Miami Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sobe-urban-condominium-is-completely-remodeled-for-european-client-miami-beach-pj-vj~320200) - Location: Miami Beach, FL - Photos: 18 - Description: This condominium was is in a very old building built in the 1960's. Nothing had been done to it. In addition, it had a strange floor plan with the kitchen in the corner, very out of the way. The client wanted the kitchen in the center of the apartment so when he hosted a party, he would be in the middle of it while cooking. In addition, because this is his summer vacation home and a European, he did not want so many closets. Out of all that closet space and the space left over from the old kitch… - [Bringing a House back from Disrepair, the Falls, Miami - Remodeling Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bringing-a-house-back-from-disrepair-the-falls-miami-remodeling-project-pj-vj~2219529) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 18 - Description: This was a foreclosure which was in terrible disrepair. Even the center of the roof was falling in. But through the work we did, we created an exposed wood ceiling with a combination of double rafters and collar ties. Look all the way to end to see the "before" photos to see the extent of the disrepair. - [New sprawling, suburban residence in West Kendall, Miami, Florida](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-sprawling-suburban-residence-in-west-kendall-miami-florida-pj-vj~320189) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 9 - Description: This house, approximately 3,600 square feet, was a custom design by United Architects for a couple with two children. Part of the house is very formal while part of the house is very informal. You can see more about this project at http://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com/kendall\_miami\_residential\_architecture - [Elegant, modern Mediterranean Residence is designed for Coconut Grove, Miami](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-modern-mediterranean-residence-is-designed-for-coconut-grove-miami-pj-vj~320183) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 9 - Description: This 4,400 square foot house was designed by Maria Luisa Castellanos, R.A., LEED AP, of United Architects. The site was only 50' x 100' so the house had to be compact. For more information, go to https://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com/new-residential-architecture-miami - [Duplex for SMASH Non-profit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/duplex-for-smash-non-profit-pj-vj~7536407) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 5 - Description: This is a duplex project with two townhouses, each one two stories with 3-bedrooms and two baths. - [Miami Beach Remodeling and Addition Featured on HGTV](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miami-beach-remodeling-and-addition-featured-on-hgtv-pj-vj~328303) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This 1940's house was in total disrepair as you can see from the "Before" photos below. The client wanted to add to the house, move the kitchen, and change the entrance. You can see the plan of the house below as it was before and how the house was improved as the project was completed. The project was featured on the HGTV program "Before and After". - [Urban Condominium Remodeled in the heart of Coral Gables, Florida](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-condominium-remodeled-in-the-heart-of-coral-gables-florida-pj-vj~1329366) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 16 - Description: This was a complete remodeling and reconfiguration of the two-story townhouse in Coral Gables, Florida. The house was a two-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath apartment, but it was converted to a 3-bedroom, 3 bath condominium. The kitchen has a cozy, banquette for entertaining friends. The kitchen and all the baths were completely remodeled. - [Coconut Grove House Remodeling and Reconstruction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coconut-grove-house-remodeling-and-reconstruction-pj-vj~5831771) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 22 - Description: This project needed a complete remodeling. The interior of the house had several bearing partitions which the client wanted to remove to open the space more. You can see this in the "Before" photos. We removed several of the walls in order to open up the space. You can see this in the "After" photos. - [Accessory Unit in Miami Springs, Florida](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/accessory-unit-in-miami-springs-florida-pj-vj~7536452) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Coconut Grove Remodeling and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coconut-grove-remodeling-and-addition-pj-vj~7799493) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 5 - [Westchester House Interior Remodeling, Miami](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-house-interior-remodeling-miami-pj-vj~6667068) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 20 - [Boring mid-century house converted to elegant Pinecrest home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boring-mid-century-house-converted-to-elegant-pinecrest-home-pj-vj~1828037) - Location: Pinecrest, FL - Photos: 4 - Description: This house went from a boring ranch house to a stately Mediterranean estate home. See "Before" and "After" photos - [Boring box is turned into a relaxed Caribbean home in the Falls Area of Miami](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boring-box-is-turned-into-a-relaxed-caribbean-home-in-the-falls-area-of-miami-pj-vj~328196) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 12 - Description: Both of the owners of this house were from the Caribbean and they wanted a "Caribbean" house. So I asked them what they thought Caribbean meant and they said they liked wood columns on pedestals and many open porches. So this design is what I came up for them. It's very different from all my other work. The plans are below and the "Before" photos are the last photos. - [Old house given clean, new look through multiple additions in Coral Gables, Fl.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-house-given-clean-new-look-through-multiple-additions-in-coral-gables-fl-pj-vj~324631) - Location: Coral Gables, FL - Photos: 5 - Description: This single-family residence remodeling and addition included adding to the front and back of the house. You can see the "after" photos first and the "before" photos are at the bottom. The house had a screened porch which the client felt did not meet their needs. The house also lacked a foyer. By pulling the house up towards the street, we were able to add a real family room and a foyer. On the back of the house we added an entire new master bedroom suite which included a small living area, a be… - [Mid-century residence updated on Nautilus Drive, Miami Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-residence-updated-on-nautilus-drive-miami-beach-pj-vj~1827341) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 16 - Description: This house looked dated. Both the interiors and exterior of the house was changed. See "Before" photos and plans. - [Dated residence given fresh look through a remodeling, Coral Gables. Florida](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dated-residence-given-fresh-look-through-a-remodeling-coral-gables-florida-pj-vj~328108) - Location: Coral Gables, FL - Photos: 2 - Description: This 1940's house looked very dated. United Architects designed a remodeling which would remove the old wood columns and substituted cast stone column. The roof line was broken to give the entrance and more interesting look to provide curb appeal. The house after the remodeling is on the left and the old house prior to the remodeling is on the right. Inside the house modifications were made to make the master bath larger. - [Hibiscus Island 1940's house converted to modern, elegant Miami Beach mansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hibiscus-island-1940-s-house-converted-to-modern-elegant-miami-beach-mansion-pj-vj~742672) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This house from the 1940's had a very disorganized floor plan. The stairs was really horrible, with risers of different sizes. The back of the house had mostly been re-done already but the clients wanted substantial changes to the front of the house. By a series of additions to the front of the house, the home was going to be converted into a much more elegant and modern house. You can see the "before" and "after" floor plans below. [See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/united-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~436266178) ## Ideabooks - [Area rugs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61614170/list/area-rugs) — 24 ideas - [Outdoor spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11763921/list/outdoor-spaces) — 106 ideas - [Railings I like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55182488/list/railings-i-like) — 12 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17163498/list/bathrooms) — 96 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5771366/list/kitchens) — 124 ideas - [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136950435/list/furniture) — 12 ideas - [Living Rooms/Family Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29517097/list/living-rooms-family-rooms) — 75 ideas - [Dining Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46654163/list/dining-rooms) — 25 ideas - [Front Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55644978/list/front-doors) — 13 ideas - [Art pieces I like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29757812/list/art-pieces-i-like) — 12 ideas - [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7881160/list/stairs) — 28 ideas - [Modern Houses I like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7880967/list/modern-houses-i-like) — 154 ideas - [Beautiful Fans](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157840832/list/beautiful-fans) — 2 ideas - [Beautiful Lamps](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157840770/list/beautiful-lamps) — 2 ideas - [Beautiful Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7881207/list/beautiful-gardens) — 34 ideas - [Interesting details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17164019/list/interesting-details) — 25 ideas - [Beautiful Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53379821/list/beautiful-pools) — 2 ideas - [Interesting entrances](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17163990/list/interesting-entrances) — 16 ideas - [Foyers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132524417/list/foyers) — 1 idea - [Home Offices](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121896074/list/home-offices) — 2 ideas [See all 44 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mlcastellanos) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the Chaise - where can I purchase it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Try this link **Q: Hi, do you do tech stuff?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi guys, the other day I request from a client to put a mirror TV and control the light from a keypad. Do you provide that services? Thank you A: No. we are the architects. We design the spaces. We don't do any construction or electrical wiring. Try an electrician. **Q: Are you able to put me in contact with the photographer of this photo?** *(in Photo Questions)* Are you able to put me in contact with the photographer of this photo? I would love to use this in my brochures/website A: I was the architect AND the photographer! What kind of website is it and what do you want to use the photo for? --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-25.*