--- title: "Lean Lens Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lean-lens-architects-pfvwus-pf~59857582 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~59857582.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Lean Lens Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1c63e27904b1b6e1_3799-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Saratoga, California 950703152, United States" latitude: 37.2713 longitude: -122.0227 phone: "(408) 203-7814" website: http://leanlens.com rating: 5 review_count: 16 followers: 71 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Lean Lens Architects Original Houzz profile: [Lean Lens Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lean-lens-architects-pfvwus-pf~59857582) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Saratoga, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Saratoga, Los Altos Hills, Monte Sereno - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Lean Lens Architects are here to help you achieve your mission. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we are a boutique architectural design studio that aims to create vibrant and usable spaces, with a focus on sustainability. Whether it is building a new custom residence, remodeling an existing space, or designing a new landscape, our creative team can help you realize your dreams. Each of us may have similar requirements, but our tastes, personalities, and dreams drive us to realize these needs differently. Our job at Lean Lens Architects is to transform your vision into a compelling visual design that resonates with your personality. We provide support and guidance for all the technical aspects unique to your project. We provide an in-depth knowledge of all stages of construction, ranging from permit and city requirements, to finishes and color, to help you achieve a cohesive solution for each project. ### 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 - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Laundry Room Design - 3D Home Design - Custom Homes - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Jose - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara - Mountain View - Cupertino - Campbell - Los Gatos - Los Altos - Saratoga - Los Altos Hills - Monte Sereno ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 5,00,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Lean Lens Architects | | Address | Saratoga, California 950703152, United States | | Phone | (408) 203-7814 | | Website | http://leanlens.com | | License Number | C-34870 | | Followers on Houzz | 71 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/leanlens - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshmi-subramanian-083aa29?trk=hp-identity-name - Blog — http://www.leanlens.com ## Offers Free consultation at open house! 5/5&5/6 _2-5PM at 12429 De Sanka Ave Saratoga_ (valid through May 2018) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Lean Lens Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lean-lens-architects-pfvwus-pf~59857582) - **Website:** http://leanlens.com - **Phone:** (408) 203-7814 ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Marla Yonamine, Jan. 2020** > We are working with Lakshmi Subramanian of Lean Lens Architecture on a two-stage remodel. Currently ready for construction of first stage. We appreciate Lakshmi’s creativity, thoroughness, honesty and dedication to helping us achieve the best possible results within our budget. We really enjoy working with her and definitely recommend her firm. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much Marla for your kind words. Can't wait to see both phases of your project come to life! **★★★★★ — Namrata Vora, May 2019** > We hired Lakshmi to help us envision & create a plan for expanding our home to accommodate parents moving in and growing children. All her references were extremely satisfied with her. > > Lakshmi took time to understand our drivers, asking relevant questions to helping crystallize our requirements and explaining how long the process would take. She presented us with various options allowing us to further refine our vision. She built on this by providing us budgetary estimates to help us choose the final design & recommending contractors. > > We didnt proceed with the remodel since our parents decided not to move in negating the need for the remodel > > I would highly recommend Lakshmi - her passion, skills, customer focus will ensure your vision is fulfilled. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much Namrata for your review. I'm glad I was able to help you explore design options and also get cost inputs was we investigated various options. I look forward to working with you if there may be a change in your parents status! **★★★★★ — Valet Custom Cabinets & Closet- Ward Wildanger, May 2019** > I worked with Lakshmi to design cabinets and closets for a house that she designed in Saratoga. The house had many unique and attractive design features that made for an efficient, easy to maintain home that also looks stunning! She provided valuable input for the finishes and colors of the materials used in the closets and cabinets. I hope that I can use her services to design a house for me some day! **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Hi Ward, > Coming from a senior designer like you I feel humbled and honored and would love to design your home one day! > Thank you for your kind words and all I can say is it's your attention to details which really helped bring my Saratoga project together. > I look forward to collaborating with you onb many more projects in the future. **★★★★★ — J. Kretschmer Architect: Art & Architecture, May 2019** > Lakshmi is a vibrant soul with many creative ideas. She is also very well educated in "green home" features and is very passionate about creating homes that are healthy and sustainable. She is incredibly professional and honest. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. Working with you have been my best years in training. I will always stay indebted! Thank you so much for making the time to review me! **★★★★★ — European Cabinets & Design Studios, May 2019** > It was a pleasure to work with Lakshmi as she was doing a major remodeling project on her own home. I really appreciated her eye for style and attention to detail as she managed this major project. She conducted all communications with the utmost professionalism. It was a very successful and pleasant experience! **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you Robert! > > Your cabinets are truly the show stopper of my entire remodel. I love the design sensibilities of your product and your company! > > I look forward to collaborating with you on many more projects. > > Thanks! **★★★★★ — Sharmin Nathani, April 2019** > Lakshmi was the first step in our remodel project. She took the time to understand each of our needs ( family of 4 where I wanted the beautiful big kitchen , my husband needed a good home office and the girls wanted extra large closets ) to name a few demands. She considered everyone and came up with 6 plans for us to choose from. Remodelling is an extremely difficult and intense time and we are very glad to have had Lakshmi to guide and advice us over the lengthy and tedious project. We are very happy with her services and would definitely recommend her . Thank you Lakshmi and wish you the very best for the future. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Dearest Sharmin, > I know how much the remodel meant to you and Im so happy to have been part of this journey. Your kitchen is by far one of my all time favorites and can only imagine all the amazing food you must cook in it! > Thank you for your vote of confidence and wishing you all joy and happiness in your remodeled home! **★★★★★ — CHRISTOPHER MAUNE, April 2019** > Lakshmi was very helpful in putting together some conceptual drawings we wanted for our house. We were looking to re-skin the house and freshen it up with new materials, stonework, shingles, etc. Lakshmi not only helped us define this look, but she also helped come up with great ideas for expanding our balcony on the second floor. Highly recommend her! **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much Chris for your kind words. I loved working on your conceptual sketches. These are the kind of projects I dream of!! Thank you for giving me an opportunity! **★★★★★ — Dinesh Jha, May 2017** > We started a math tutoring center in Berryessa. Both commercial rent and city permit process was new to us. Lakshmi helped us as an architect and got us through the hoops. He was constantly involved in the process until the project completed successfully. I recommend her service. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much Dinesh for your support and kind words! Im so happy that the tutoring center is off to a great start. Wishing you and S all the very best with this new endeavor! **★★★★★ — Sarita Sundaram, April 2017** > We worked with Lakshmi Subramanian (Lean Lens Architects) for our home extension project (720 sq.ft) in 2015-16. She worked diligently and helped us find the perfect plan for our extension. Lakshmi took into consideration all of our non-negotiables, and included our must-have demands into the project. She was knowledgable with the city's regulations and it helped us go through the process in a seamless fashion. I highly recommend Lean Lens and Lakshmi for architectural services. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much Sarita Sundaram....You two were dream clients for me! Enjoyed working with you thoroughly! Your home and family will always have a special place in my personal and professional journey. Regards, Lakshmi **★★★★★ — srustagi, July 2016** > We moved into a home in Saratoga in 2014 from our townhouse in San Jose and the one space that we were most excited about was our backyard since that was missing in our previous residence. > Although we had a big lot and a beautiful home the backyard it was totally unmaintained ! We were eager to get our project started and had a lot of ideas but needed some guidance to stream line them. > > We hired Lakshmi to help us design the space and were very happy with our choice. She engaged with us by introducing us to Houzz and helping us build our idea book. > That helped us see pictures of finished backyards and that helped us focus on what mattered most to us. She helped us consolidate our ideas but also ensured that we met City of Saratoga requirements of allowable lot coverage & fence guidelines. > > Our backyard has become a great outdoor living space, with plenty of space to entertain and for kids to play basketball, badminton and roller skate. We love it and would highly recommend Lakshmi at Lean Lens Architects for any need which involves design and visualization along with practical knowledge of city codes and regulations. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much Shubhra for your wonderful feedback. I was so happy when you and Umesh moved to Saratoga and loved the opportunity to work with both of you on your home. I could totally visualize the girls playing in the yard while you guys host your amazing parties! Im happy and grateful to be a small part of your journey towards making your home more usable and accessible! Thank you! **★★★★★ — Sheetal Gokhale, July 2016** > As home owners in Cupertino, we enjoyed our central location in the bay area but had to contend with a smaller home and lot. Being part of a joint family plus having a big social circle, for us having friends and family over was the central need of our home and outdoor space. We had to make the most of every sure inch we had! In 2014 we decided to improve our backyard as it was not fulfilling this need of ours. We wanted to open up the space and also add an outdoor kitchen to help entertain. > > Lakshmi at Lean lens architects totally got our cultural and social needs right from the start. She really helped us by providing us many design options to optimize our space.She was able to have both of us not only get what was on our list but also prioritize what would be the most beneficial in terms of usability and aesthetics. > > Our most favorite detail included low retaining walls which doubled up as seating which were a huge boon when we had our large parties. Barbecues, birthday celebrations, cookouts, baby showers etc followed after the project was done and we could entertain large numbers of family and friends! > > We really enjoyed working with Lakshmi and she has our vote of confidence! **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Hi Sheetal, > It was a pleasure working with you and Abhi on your backyard. Im glad you guys are now enjoying your home even more. I appreciate the feedback and thank you both for being such amazing clients. **★★★★★ — Simi Tilakrajan, July 2016** > We were in the process of replacing our carpets with re-engineered wood floors, when my friend and architect Lakshmi gave me some excellent advice and tips about radiant floor heating. Her knowledge about these systems helped me narrow down my choices. We synchronized our hardwood flooring and radiant system work and I'm now looking forward to this winter. I wanted to thank Lakshmi for her excellent guidance. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for an architect who listens to all requirements may they be small or big. **Comment from Lean Lens Architects:** > Thank you so much Simi for your feedback. Much appreciated. ## Selected projects - [Second story addition Willow Glen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-story-addition-willow-glen-pj-vj~6939746) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 57 - [Contemporary Home in Saratoga](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-home-in-saratoga-pj-vj~3128685) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 51 - Description: REVAMP AND REDEFINE... We had to meet 3 primary goals for remodeling this 1550SFT ranch style home in Saratoga. 1. Increase square footage homogeneously. 2. Make it a more efficient and sustainable home. 3. Transport this house into a contemporary context without changing the actual bone structure of majority of the home. These goals are achieved by: 1. Maximizing construction efficiency and optimizing project cost by locating the entire addition to the rear of the house. 2. Using finishes and p… - [Progress Pictures for remodel in Saratoga](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/progress-pictures-for-remodel-in-saratoga-pj-vj~2579575) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 38 - Description: REVAMP AND REDEFINE... We had to meet 3 primary goals for remodeling this 1550SFT ranch style home in Saratoga. 1. Increase square footage homogeneously. 2. Make it a more efficient and sustainable home. 3. Transport this house into a contemporary context without changing the actual bone structure of majority of the home. These goals are achieved by: 1. Maximizing construction efficiency and optimizing project cost by locating the entire addition to the rear of the house. 2. Using finishes and p… - [Second story addition to home in San Jose](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-story-addition-to-home-in-san-jose-pj-vj~5687739) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 51 - Description: The Bay Area,CA poses unique challenges to its home owners and their housing needs. With limited real estate in desirable neighborhoods many of our clients face the dilemma of how best to add extra square footage without completely losing their yards and open spaces. The effort to integrate growing family needs along with existing real estate is a challenge we at Lean Lens Architects love to rise to! This creative artist couple with a young family was looking to add a bright well lit studio to t… - [Traditional Ranch Home in Cupertino](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-ranch-home-in-cupertino-pj-vj~2992386) - Location: Cupertino, CA - Photos: 49 - Description: A family who loved the location of their home but needed more room were looking to do a significant transformation. They enjoyed entertaining and were avid cooks but their existing kitchen was small and disconnected. With all the home members being adults, the house needed a lot more storage and work space designated for each member. They had visitors who stayed with them for longer periods of time. They wanted their visiting friends and family to have a sense of space without themselves feeling… - [Transitional farmhouse addition in Saratoga](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-farmhouse-addition-in-saratoga-pj-vj~2050667) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 46 - Description: A 700 SFT addition to the rear of a Saratoga home to increase living space along with a master bedroom and bathroom.The clients only constraint was to be able to live in the home through the construction time frame. Careful planning and design choices made early in the planning stages ensured minimal disturbance. - [Outdoor remodel in Cupertino](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-remodel-in-cupertino-pj-vj~856382) - Location: Cupertino, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Clients were looking to modify an existing fragmented backyard with unusable deck space to a more homogeneous scheme allowing better space flow and hence effective use of it. They were looking for outdoor cooking and entertaining solutions in their linear space. The outdoor kitchen became the most critical requirement. After researching various shapes and sizes of standard outdoor kitchens we fine tuned the design which allowed us to locate a relatively large footprint of the kitchen in their ya… - [Rain Water Harvesting Project in Saratoga](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rain-water-harvesting-project-in-saratoga-pj-vj~2176034) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 4 - [Home office and garage remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-office-and-garage-remodel-pj-vj~1773533) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: The intent of this garage remodel was to ensure that it would stay organised and prevent it from becoming a dumping ground of sorts! We used a 2 textured colors in the cabinets which reflected the colors in the no VOC floor coating made with paint chips. This space not only serves as a garage but also provides a venue for parties, beginnings of a garage band and everything in between! The homeowners also needed to add an office space to accommodate the change in their stage of life. Instead of t… - [International Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/international-residence-pj-vj~1836471) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - Description: ESSENCE OF LIVING SPACES The challenge for this custom new home that was built in India was to meet various living requirements for its different occupants. The clients for this project were not its only end users. We built mainly to house their aging parents but we also had to incorporate a second dwelling unit that could be easily rented out when needed. Lean Lens Architects successfully manipulated this 3500 sq. ft. home that resulted in the beautiful integration of its exterior and provided… - [Tutoring Center - Commercial Tenant](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tutoring-center-commercial-tenant-pj-vj~2463613) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 38 - Description: A long search ended when the clients found the perfect location for their tutoring center and were very eager to break ground. This existing office space was unused for a long time and although the scope of work was easy, two big challenges we faced were meeting its parking requirements and proving that the new use was in conformance with the existing occupancy the space had. Maneuvering through regulations applicable to 'business' (also called a B occupancy) to house an education training cente… [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lean-lens-architects-pfvwus-pf~59857582) ## Ideabooks - [DESANKA BACKYARD](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163228298/list/desanka-backyard) — 13 ideas - [JOHNSON FAMILY](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90954944/list/johnson-family) — 14 ideas - [Gonzalez residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118530885/list/gonzalez-residence) — 22 ideas - [wonf](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106249074/list/wonf) — 2 ideas - [landscape de sanka](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77648781/list/landscape-de-sanka) — 17 ideas - [Saad and mariam](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107832781/list/saad-and-mariam) — 15 ideas - [Chris Muane](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106423361/list/chris-muane) — 4 ideas - [Uma and Ambarish](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107188441/list/uma-and-ambarish) — 19 ideas - [living room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65004148/list/living-room) — 8 ideas - [kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70394843/list/kitchens) — 7 ideas - [Tayebi](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76475179/list/tayebi) — 6 ideas - [Nathani](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74935109/list/nathani) — 2 ideas - [Miraglia](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72550981/list/miraglia) — 12 ideas - [contemporary facades](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70394498/list/contemporary-facades) — 24 ideas - [contemporary ideas for de sanka](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34599109/list/contemporary-ideas-for-de-sanka) — 51 ideas - [Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39548723/list/landscape) — 30 ideas - [bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63536016/list/bathrooms) — 16 ideas - [design dilemna](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70283681/list/design-dilemna) — 1 idea - [patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63990341/list/patio) — 3 ideas - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63522689/list/fireplaces) — 12 ideas [See all 22 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lsubramanian) ## Community Q&A **Q: Patio Cover** *(in Photo Questions)* If you had to do a patio cover in this set-up how would you approach it? Attached to the structure or detached? A: Depends on the height of the eaves. I suggest you talk to the patio cover installers to get more ideas specific to your condition. **Q: What brand is the vanity?** *(in Photo Questions)* The white vanity which is high gloss and 3 identical flush doors. A: Senza 60" Mezzo Single Wall Mounted Modern Bathroom Vanity Set with Mirror **Q: What kind of tile is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you! A: Their collection keeps changing. Here is a link to a similar product. HOpe this helps. https://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/products/catalog/product/view/id/14208/s/dover-antique/category/354/ **Q: Tile** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the tile! Where might I find it? A: Hi there! These are Porcelonosa tiles. **Q: What wood and what color stain was used on the cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The clients had a custom cabinet company make it for them. **Q: who make the cabinet hardware?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These were purchased by the clients. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*