--- title: "Michelle Anaya Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michelle-anaya-architects-pfvwus-pf~562105747 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562105747.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Michelle Anaya Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e0132b3708e57026_6817-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Manhattan Beach, California 90266, United States" latitude: 33.8896 longitude: -118.3996 phone: "(310) 283-5925" website: https://michelleanayaarchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 23 last_updated: 2026-09-24 --- # Michelle Anaya Architects > LA Westside's Most Experienced Architect & Building Designer Original Houzz profile: [Michelle Anaya Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michelle-anaya-architects-pfvwus-pf~562105747) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Manhattan Beach, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Bel Air, Brentwood Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, Santa Monica, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Culver City, Manhattan Beach, Beverly Hills, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Rolling Hills Estates, Rolling Hills - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - Award winning ### Business highlights - Online consultation - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning Best in Houzz Award Winning Architect / Interior Designer! Michelle Anaya, AIA is a registered architect in California with more than 40 years of experience in architecture and interior design. She earned a BA Architecture degree from The University of New Mexico, completed graduate studies at University of Southern California, Harvard Graduate School of Design, and Art Center College of Design. She was named a Mayr Scholar at USC. Ms. Anaya has held visiting faculty positions at Harvard Graduate School of Design and Tufts University. She has lectured nationally on the topic of design. Her design work has been featured in Interior Design Magazine. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Space Planning - Project Management - Interior Design ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Bel Air - Brentwood Los Angeles - Long Beach - Torrance - Santa Monica - Hawthorne - Redondo Beach - Rancho Palos Verdes - Culver City - Manhattan Beach - Beverly Hills - Hermosa Beach - Palos Verdes Peninsula - Rolling Hills Estates - Rolling Hills ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 4 million $100,000 - 4 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Michelle Anaya Architects | | Address | Manhattan Beach, California 90266, United States | | Phone | (310) 283-5925 | | Website | https://michelleanayaarchitects.com | | License Number | C14518 | | Followers on Houzz | 23 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Michelle Anaya Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michelle-anaya-architects-pfvwus-pf~562105747) - **Website:** https://michelleanayaarchitects.com - **Phone:** (310) 283-5925 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 14518 - Type: Architects Board, California - Issued by: Architects Board, California - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — stjohnturtles, June 2026** > Michelle Anaya has worked with me on three very different projects over the past three decades, and across each one she has proven herself to be an architect of rare and remarkable gifts. > > Our first collaboration was a multi-site set of patient suites in a major urban hospital — a project that went on to win a design award and was recognized as being at the forefront of contemporary hospital design. The result was not only beautiful but deeply humane. Michelle demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the needs of our young patients and their families, ensuring that comfort and dignity were woven into every design decision. > > That experience made the choice easy when it came time to renovate our personal residence. She transformed what had been a dark, dated, and stodgy house into a breathtakingly beautiful light and airy home. We lived there for more than 25 years, and I can honestly say we felt grateful to Michelle every day —thankful to be surrounded by something so beautifully and thoughtfully conceived. > > What sets Michelle apart is her rare ability to balance exquisite design sensibility with a deep understanding of how a space must actually function — both practically and for the people who live within it — without ever sacrificing one for the other. She is also unusual among architects in her command of interiors. Where many architects treat the interior as someone else's domain, Michelle designs every project with a clear and confident vision of how furnishings, fixtures, lighting, hardware, and color should coordinate and enhance the whole. She has impeccable taste and encyclopedic knowledge, and the spaces she creates are radiantly beautiful in every detail. > > We are now in the midst of our third project together: the renovation of our Cape Cod cottage. This could not be more different from the two projects that came before. In the summer, this small and beloved house is packed with family members of all ages, along with all the gear that comes with them — towels, bikes, buckets, nets. Every square foot has to earn its place. Michelle has described it as designing a boat, and she has risen magnificently to the challenge, finding use in every nook and cranny while creating a bright, cheerful cottage that remains faithful to its 1920s origins. > > Beyond all of this, Michelle is simply a joy to work with — engaged, enthusiastic, and genuinely invested in understanding and meeting the needs of the people she works for. > > One project still lies ahead — our retirement residence — and there is only one architect we will call. ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Adam Boardman, July 2023** > Michelle helped my wife and I do a \*massive\* remodel on our 1926 Mission Revival home (all bathrooms, entire kitchen, 90% of the floors, new plumbing, major electrical work, and even some minor reconstruction among other things). She managed to balance maintaining it's original charm and integrity of style while significantly modernizing the interior, all on a super tight schedule as we were about to have our first kid. She has a truly remarkable aesthetic sense and guided us towards a house that is maximally functional while including many thoughtful and compelling style choices, particularly in the fixtures, storage access, and tile work choices - she even consulted a bit on furniture recommendations. She has a network of trusted craftspeople and was very sensitive to working with our budget. > > If you want an architect that has an A+ palate for interior recommendations you can be confident Michelle is a great choice. **★★★★★ — Ely Erdan, April 2019** > Michelle Anaya Architects has a great wealth of talent in all areas of construction, including site planning, working with city and county approvals and permitting, Very responsive with great communication! Fast and very reasonably priced. > From preliminary site plans to interior decoration, she does it all!! > > She really took the time to try and understand our vision for our renovation and incorporate both architectural and design ideas that continually exceeded our expectations. > If it were possible to give more than 5 stars for this review, we definitely would !! **★★★★★ — SARAH GUPTA, Feb. 2019** > I highly recommend Michelle Anaya Architect! She was the architect and interior designer for our home addition and remodel. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. She totally transformed our dated house into a bright, beautiful and charming home! She was easy to work with, listened, and went out of her way to understand our needs. Michelle is a uniquely creative and innovative designer! She is truly a genius! **★★★★★ — Kate Henderson, Feb. 2019** > Michelle has done four projects for me. A home design and remodel adding 2000 sq ft to our residence was how I met her.. She was creative, imaginative and brilliant. The project was completed on time and under budget. I wish I had another home for her to design. I would hire her for any project. I have worked with many architects over the last 30 years and she is by far the best. > > I also used Michelle to to design and build out three office spaces over the course of the last 8 years. The space sizes ranged from 3500 sq feet to 20,000 sq feet. She is as creative, professional, and innovative with office space as she was with our home design. **★★★★★ — Matt Waxman, Feb. 2019** > It was a pleasure to work with Michelle on the design of a new home in Manhattan Beach, California. She is an extremely creative and talented designer with fresh ideas and a unique focus on details. Michelle was extremely dedicated to the project, she was a strong participant from design through construction. She was on site to make sure every detail was expertly executed. The final outcome was a huge success. The home is exquisite! **★★★★★ — Mark Casper, Nov. 2018** > We have been truly blessed with working with Michelle, her understanding of our products and incorporating them into her designs have been nothing short of genius! I truly wish to express how great it has been to work with Michelle on multiple projects over multiple years... and if your searching for a 5 star experience you absolutely must use Michelle Anaya in your next corporate or personal project! **★★★★★ — Hallmark Floors, Nov. 2018** > Everyone at Hallmark Floors has been a fan of Michelle Anaya's architectural designs for years. We have been following Michelle for over five years. We have collaborated with her on several projects and have never been disappointed. We appreciate her eye for detail and design. Michelle has our floors in several projects, and every home she has designed has been impressive. She is a highly knowledgeable architect and designer. **★★★★★ — HU-403052357, July 2018** > Michelle Anaya did an amazing job as my architect and interior designer for two unique new homes. Both homes exceeded my expectation! I highly recommend Michelle Anaya Architect. **★★★★★ — Fred Larian, July 2018** > Michelle Anaya was the architect and interior designer for several outstanding custom homes that I have built over the past five years. She brought great creativity and a unique style to all aspects of the design of each home. Her attention to detail is remarkable. Michelle’s work strikes a perfect balance between successfully addressing practical concerns and aesthetic excellence. She was a pleasure to work with and the homes she designed for me are beautiful! ## Selected projects - [Meticulously Detailed New Cape Cod Home in Manhattan Beach, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meticulously-detailed-new-cape-cod-home-in-manhattan-beach-ca-pj-vj~2422288) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 43 - Description: This new home in Manhattan Beach, California is finely detailed with unique handcrafted wood trim, gourmet kitchen with built-in banquette, two story living room, fabulous great room and a luxurious spa-like master bathroom .... old world craftsmanship designed with a fresh contemporary coastal feel. - [New Midcentury Modern Home in Venice, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-midcentury-modern-home-in-venice-ca-pj-vj~2417531) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 38 - Description: This unique new midcentury modern home in Venice, California is the best of California living! With large expanses of folding glass doors the outdoors blends seamlessly with the indoors. The spaces are full of light and life. This home features a sculptural floating staircase, dramatic two story spaces, floating ceilings, a gourmet European style kitchen, unique tile and a spa-like master bathroom. Learn more about this project here: https://hallmarkfloors.com/midcentury-modern-home-design-inter… - [Elegant New Neoclassical Home in Los Angeles, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-new-neoclassical-home-in-los-angeles-ca-pj-vj~2415253) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 39 - Description: This new home in the Westwood area of Los Angeles is unique and gracious. The fine wood detailing adds a timeless charm. A dramatic curved staircase occupies the heart of this home. The living room, dining room and study are framed by a series of arches. The inset wine Cellar is unique. The fabulous gourmet kitchen with handcrafted cabinetry is the highlight of the great room. The master bedroom suite is spectacular with finely detailed wood trim, a spa-like master bathroom and a private deck. T… - [Via Neve Remodel in Palos Verdes Estates, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/via-neve-remodel-in-palos-verdes-estates-ca-pj-vj~5576014) - Location: Palos Verdes Estates, CA - Photos: 37 - Description: This home remodel miraculously transformed a dated "fixer upper" into an elegant, bright, and charming transitional home in Palos Verdes Estates, California. Wood wainscoting and trim was added to create a timeless feeling. With thoughtful planning and design we opened separate rooms to create a dramatic great room with a gourmet kitchen. The master bathroom was transformed into a spa-like bathroom with a free standing tub, his and hers vanities and a double shower. This remodel is truly remarka… - [Remodeled Hilltop Luxury Estate Home in Pacific Palisades, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodeled-hilltop-luxury-estate-home-in-pacific-palisades-ca-pj-vj~5575970) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 49 - Description: This remodeled classic modern home is situated on a hilltop in Pacific Palisades, California. The home boasts a world-class view highlighted by large curved windows surrounding a dramatic open plan living area featuring a gourmet European style kitchen, dining area and living room. The flow from indoors to outdoors is seamless. The two story entrance is dramatic. Four rigorous years of planning, detailed designing, and extensive renovating resulted in a stunning outcome. - [Via Barri Remodel in Palos Verdes Estates, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/via-barri-remodel-in-palos-verdes-estates-ca-pj-vj~5576091) - Location: Palos Verdes Estates, CA - Photos: 40 - Description: This estate home in Palos Verdes Estates, California was very dated, formal, poorly lit with floral upholstered walls and dark wood. The first floor was broken up by multiple levels. We raised the sunken floors and made changes to the architecture to create a comfortable, graceful flow. With creativity and vision we transformed this house into a light, bright, fresh and welcoming family friendly home. - [Remodeled Home in Redondo Beach, California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodeled-home-in-redondo-beach-california-pj-vj~5586263) - Location: Redondo Beach, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: This home in Redondo Beach, California was completely remodeled. We redesigned the floor plan to incorporate both large open living spaces and intimate "nooks". The living room is an entertainers delight with multiple seating areas. The great room is bright and opens to a large gourmet kitchen and patio. The master bedroom suite boasts high ceilings, a spa-like master bathroom and a private exterior deck with an outdoor fireplace. We transformed this house into a lovely family home, ideal for en… - [New West Hollywood Transitional Home with Sweeping Arches](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-west-hollywood-transitional-home-with-sweeping-arches-pj-vj~5704819) - Location: West Hollywood, CA - Photos: 17 - [Organic 567, Earl Grey, Manhattan Beach, CA - Michelle Anaya](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/organic-567-earl-grey-manhattan-beach-ca-michelle-anaya-pj-vj~2382283) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Project by designer/architect Michelle Anaya. California home features Hallmark Floors Organic 567, Earl Grey. - [Moderno, Mohegan Oak, Venice, CA - Michelle Anaya](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moderno-mohegan-oak-venice-ca-michelle-anaya-pj-vj~2169811) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Project by designer/architect Michelle Anaya. Home features Hallmark Floors Moderno, Mohegan Oak. - [Ventura, Marina French Oak, Los Angeles, CA - Michelle Anaya](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ventura-marina-french-oak-los-angeles-ca-michelle-anaya-pj-vj~1816420) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Beautiful custom home by designer Michelle Anaya in Southern California. Hardwood Floor is Marina French Oak from our Ventura Collection. This stunning home is in Los Angeles, CA. [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michelle-anaya-architects-pfvwus-pf~562105747) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** As an experienced architect, I routinely integrate permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals into our comprehensive architectural design and project management services. Navigating these processes is a crucial part of ensuring your project proceeds smoothly from concept to completion, and I handle this aspect diligently for my clients. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** With over 40 years of experience, I specialize in a wide range of residential projects, including custom homes, home additions, and comprehensive home remodeling. My expertise also extends to interior design, ensuring a cohesive vision for your entire living space, from initial concept to the final details. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, I offer comprehensive architectural services that can guide your project from initial concept and design development all the way through construction. My project management expertise ensures a seamless process, overseeing details to bring your vision to life effectively and efficiently. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely, designing fully custom homes is a core part of my practice. I collaborate closely with clients to translate their unique vision, lifestyle, and preferences into a bespoke architectural design, creating a home that is truly one-of-a-kind and perfectly tailored to their needs. **Do you have experience with luxury or high-end homes?** Absolutely. With over 40 years of experience, a Best in Houzz award, and design work featured in Interior Design Magazine, I have extensive expertise in creating luxury and high-end residences. My background ensures a sophisticated and meticulously crafted design for discerning clients. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-24.*