--- title: "sk7 design studios, inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sk7-design-studios-inc-pfvwus-pf~755019077 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755019077.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "sk7 design studios, inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c103e2290fd7adf7_4768-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "San Diego, California 92110, United States" phone: "(858) 345-7597" website: http://www.sk7designstudios.com rating: 5 review_count: 26 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 281 last_updated: 2026-09-16 --- # sk7 design studios, inc. Original Houzz profile: [sk7 design studios, inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sk7-design-studios-inc-pfvwus-pf~755019077) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, University City, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Point Loma San Diego, La Jolla, Ocean Beach San Diego, Coronado, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Cardiff, Hill Crest San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego, Mission Valley San Diego, Pacific Beach - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (26 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - 14 years in business Sam's story Sam comes from a long line of architects, artists, and builders, and he is proud to carry on the family tradition of creating beautiful things that enhance people’s lives. Growing up around creative people, he caught the bug early, and by the time he was ready to go to college, he had no doubt as to what he wanted to do with his life. Combining an affinity for elegant, beautiful, functional design and a strong Midwestern work ethic, Sam pursued his dream with enthusiasm and passion. After earning a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota in 2005, he went to work for an award-winning design / build / construction company, cutting his teeth on new custom-home projects, remodels, and additions. In 2008, Sam set out for California, where he earned his Master’s degree from San Diego’s prestigious New School of Architecture and Design, and then launched his own architectural design studio, sk7. Under Sam’s leadership, sk7 has become one of Southern California’s premier residential architecture firms, helping clients realize their dreams of living in beautiful, highly functional homes. sk7 specializes in projects ranging from extensive additions and remodels to new custom high-end homes. It’s been an inspiring journey of learning, practicing, and executing outstanding work, and we look forward to helping create the home of your dreams. ### 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 - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Home Gym Design & Construction - Custom Home - Site Planning ### Areas Served - San Diego - University City - Carlsbad - Encinitas - Point Loma San Diego - La Jolla - Ocean Beach San Diego - Coronado - Solana Beach - Del Mar - Rancho Santa Fe - Cardiff - Hill Crest San Diego - Mission Hills San Diego - Mission Valley San Diego - Pacific Beach ### Typical Job Cost $400,000 - 4 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | sk7 design studios, inc. | | Address | San Diego, California 92110, United States | | Phone | (858) 345-7597 | | Website | http://www.sk7designstudios.com | | License Number | C 37854 | | Followers on Houzz | 281 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/sk7designstudios - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/sk7\_studios - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-koob-30a69927/ - Blog — www.sk7designstudios.com ## Offers Call for Free Consultation! _Mention Houzz!_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [sk7 design studios, inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sk7-design-studios-inc-pfvwus-pf~755019077) - **Website:** http://www.sk7designstudios.com - **Phone:** (858) 345-7597 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed Architect - AIA, CAB - M.Arch - NewSchool of Architecture & Design; - B.S. in Arch - University of Minnesota; - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA San Diego](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-san-diego-pfvwus-pf~470823377) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 26 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Curt Gibson, March 2025** > Sam is a rgeat designer and he is a really good listener to what my wife and I wanted -- then giving us several drafts early on in the process-- to guide us thru to final drawings-- > We get so many compliments on the house-- people stopping their cars in front taking pictures-- and if we are outside telling us one of their favorites they have ever seen. > sam worked with us also in developing utility placements that were critical to getting SDGE in place and also the location of the HVAC units. > the ADU design was also complimentary and many people who have stayed in it say it is the best place they have ever stayed---. > for a complete unimproved lot to to the finish sam could not have been better > He also worked closely with our Civil engineers to get street height and drainage requirements into the design **Comment from sk7 design studios, inc.:** > Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience! It was a pleasure working with you and your wife to bring your vision to life. Designing a home that meets your needs and captures attention is deeply rewarding. Hearing your guests praise the ADU as one of the best places they've stayed is an honor. > > Thank you! > Sam **★★★★★ — Jonathan Ladner, Nov. 2022** > My wife and I hired sk7 to re-design our whole house and add a second floor primary bedroom. We had a wonderful experience and are very excited with our new house design! Coming into the project we had no idea what to expect as we have never done this before. Sam laid out how the process works, guided us step by step, and always kept us updated on progress. We did have to slightly change direction because we started to design a midcentury inspired house well out of our budget. After going back to the drawing board, Sam was able to work with us to create a less involved design that was equally appealing. Also while interviewing contractors, they all made remarks about how detailed the plans are and expressed their excitement to work with sk7. We’re very excited to begin the next stage and start construction! **★★★★★ — Ted, July 2022** > Had a wonderful experience working with Sam on our dream home design. He incorporated all our ideas into a final vision which we are finally working on. Sam was professional, a clear communicator, and responsive. We would definitely use him again in the future and I have recommended him to several friends and coworkers already. **★★★★★ — HU-602285521, Feb. 2022** > Marks easy going style-- yet always with ideas and alternatives to choose from. His taste level is extremely high and response time short . > The biggest problem we had was too many good design choices made it hard to pick one. **★★★★★ — carojon, Dec. 2021** > We loved Sam Koob at our first meeting with him. He is passionate about designing above and beyond your expectations with details unheard of, lines and shapes that intrigue, and sensible spaces. We shared our core theme of what we wanted, and throughout the process, Sam continued to wow us with his creative thinking and attention to detail. > > He is a super nice guy too --easily available to listen to our ideas, seek our input, and share his expertise to help guide our thinking, during design AND the build process. He has saved us from ourselves a few times in our decision-making:) > > We would highly recommend Sam for a custom design and build. He is a unique talent and we can't wait to move into our dream home in Carlsbad! **★★★★★ — Andrea Dorfman, Oct. 2021** > We interviewed countless architects in San Diego and ended up choosing Sam to help us redesign our home that was built in 1960. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and we are so excited to see his designs come to life. We would absolutely recommend him! **Comment from sk7 design studios, inc.:** > It's been a pleasure working with you both! We are very excited to see the design come to life. You've hired a great team. It will be a pretty stunning transformation and the expanded view to the east will be a game-changer! **★★★★★ — jesshollingsworth, Feb. 2021** > We are so grateful we found Sam and the SK7 team! They did a great job giving us a design/floor plan for our very outdated house. Our ideas of what we wanted changed throughout the process and Sam was very accommodating, adaptable, and patient with us. He listened to our concerns and in the end gave us a product we are totally happy with. SK7 has great communication, we were never left guessing on when things would be completed, this kind of reliability can be hard to find. We’ve only done the design phase so far but as soon as we get approvals (and money) to build we will definitely have SK7 complete the engineering/construction phase of plans. Very professionally, highly recommended! **Comment from sk7 design studios, inc.:** > Thank you so much, Jessica! Communication is key and you were both on top of it the entire time. Cannot wait to see the remodel and addition completed. It will be a stunning transformation! **★★★★★ — Jamie Reid, Jan. 2021** > Thanks for working with us to create our dream home vision! Good communication, out of the box thinking and a sweet design! **Comment from sk7 design studios, inc.:** > Thank you, Jamie! Very excited about your project. The transformation is going to be stunning. -Sam **★★★★★ — carsonjmcdaniel, Oct. 2020** > Sam was absolutely awesome to work with... My husband and I bought a 1942 Craftsman that had amazing bones, but needed to be completely re-thought to work in this day and age (imagine a staircase in the middle of everything, about twice as many doors as one could ever need, a lower level that was used as a separate airbnb by the previous owner, etc.). Sam took all of our worries and ideas (add another floor? which walls to knock out? move the staircase?) and came up with so many great ideas that not only opened our entire floor plan, but still respected the good bones we originally fell enough love with. He had just the right ratio of listening to us and offering an opinion (something we really struggled with when we interviewed people for our project). Overall, he is top notch and you will not regret hiring him! **Comment from sk7 design studios, inc.:** > Thank you! Can't wait to see your project completed. The end result is going to be so nice. Excited for your family. -Sam **★★★★★ — Torin Snyder, Oct. 2020** > We hired Sam with sk7 to design our dream home and he delivered nothing short of that! We Love our new home and could not be happier with the professional, intelligent, and creative architectural services Sam provided. Sam captured our thoughts and ideas and turned them into a beautiful design while incorporating some of the original home's charm and character. From our very first meeting with Sam during the design process, throughout construction, and our final move-in date; Sam was always responsive to emails, free for phone calls, and on-site meetings. The Construction Drawings sk7 created were accurate and detailed and thorough. Many contractors who worked on the project commented on the quality and accuracy of the drawings. Communication was an essential part of the process and Sam worked with us and our team (the General Contractor, Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Interior Designer, and Landscape Architect) effectively, cheerfully, and professionally. We could not be happier with Sam and would recommend him to our family and friends without hesitation. Thank you sk7 for making our dream home come to life! **★★★★★ — dmclaughlin32, Sept. 2020** > sk7 design studios, inc., namely Sam Koob, does a remarkable job with creating open space throughout his homes. I am a Builder in San Diego and have done several jobs with Sam, he is responsive to the Builders' needs and understands the total scope of work involved with bringing his designs to life. He has remarkable details in his projects that blend beautifully to the overall design and their applications are well engineered. Since his plans are so inclusive of all the project requirements, it is very easy to give an entire estimate without any discrepancies. I look forward to our next project together! > > Mark McLaughlin > MDM Builders **Comment from sk7 design studios, inc.:** > Thank you, Mark! It has been a pleasure working with you. We are looking forward to our next project working together. -Sam **★★★★★ — Chelsea Kahn, Dec. 2019** > We wholeheartedly recommend working with sk7 design studio. We contacted Sam to design an office addition and an outdoor covered patio / kitchen area in a home we recently purchased that he designed. From the start of the process, Sam was easy to work with and seemed to understand our ideas and wish list for the spaces immediately. The first draft was exactly what we first envisioned. Once we were able to see and talk through the first design we improved upon it a bit and the second iteration ended up being the winner. This was our first experience embarking on a renovation of this size and he made the experience seamless. He was very easy to communicate with, available to us when we needed him to be & pushed through all the necessary approvals in a very timely fashion. His fee was fair and pay structure easy to understand. He also made some much appreciated referrals for the project. Great experience with a talented professional, highly recommend. **Comment from sk7 design studios, inc.:** > You both were a pleasure to work with. Thanks so much for the kind review! -Sam ## Selected projects - [Encinitas Addition & Remodel + ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/encinitas-addition-and-remodel-adu-pj-vj~6892427) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Introducing the Encinitas Addition + ADU Originally built back in 1967, this property's remarkable transformation reflects the husband and wife’s unwavering commitment to crafting their dream forever home for their young family. The project encompassed a 700-square-foot extension to the existing home, resulting in a spacious 2,600 square feet, alongside a newly added 640-square-foot detached ADU. The 15,000-square-foot lot has been meticulously landscaped, featuring a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen,… - [The Carlsbad Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-carlsbad-cottage-pj-vj~7032758) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: A recently completed addition & remodel to a home built in the 1960s. The owners wanted to keep some connections to the old house while providing a fresh, modern cottage architectural style. It was a terrific team effort to create this beautiful and stunning home in Carlsbad, California. - [Magnolia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-pj-vj~5258578) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 33 - Description: Magnolia - Carlsbad, CA - 3,212 SF + 4BD + 3.5 BA Architectural Style: Modern Farmhouse Magnolia is a significant transformation of the owner's childhood home. Features like the steep 12:12 metal roofs softening to 3:12 pitches; soft arch shaped doug fir beams; custom designed double gable brackets; exaggerated beam extensions; a detached arched/ louvered carport marching along the front of the home; an expansive rear deck with beefy brick bases with quad columns, large protruding arched beams;… - [Neptune - Concept X](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/neptune-concept-x-pj-vj~5967738) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 4 - [Highland Farmhouse - Carlsbad, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highland-farmhouse-carlsbad-ca-pj-vj~221024) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 20 - [Upcoming Projects!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upcoming-projects-pj-vj~6564688) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: The homeowners and sk7 are very excited about their upcoming projects beginning construction this summer, 2021! These new custom homes, extensive remodels, and additions are sure to capture the attention of their neighborhoods. - [La Jolla Residence, California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-jolla-residence-california-pj-vj~550536) - Location: La Jolla, CA - Photos: 11 - [Seacrest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seacrest-pj-vj~5874596) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Seacrest - 2,300 sf, two-story home w/ 3bd, 3ba + 700 sf detached garage An extensive remodel and second-story addition to a 1960’s home that included: updating the exterior of the home with new siding, trim, fascia, roofing material, architectural elements, new windows & doors throughout, updating both entryways, replacing and adding onto the existing rear deck, removing interior walls, completely remodeling kitchen/ dining/ living area, completely remodeling bedroom wing, adding approximately… - [Calais](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calais-pj-vj~5718705) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: A second-story addition and extensive remodel to a one-story home built in the 1960's in Del Mar Heights, California. - [Crystal Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crystal-residence-pj-vj~2751429) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: A three-story luxurious contemporary home designed for a corner lot in Pacific Beach, San Diego, California. - [Cardiff-by-the-Sea](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cardiff-by-the-sea-pj-vj~6674971) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Cardiff-by-the-Sea- 2,750 SF, 4BD + 3.5 BA Architectural Style: Modern Farmhouse Cardiff-by-the-Sea was a complete remodel and addition to a 1970's home. The home was completely gutted while maintaining 50% of the existing exterior walls to avoid a Coastal Development Permit. Board & Batten siding, custom trellis features, Pella Aluminum windows & doors, cable railing systems, indoor/ outdoor kitchen bar and deck areas are just some custom features that make the Jacobs Residence special unique. - [Begonia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/begonia-pj-vj~947706) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: Begonia was designed and built for a young family in Carlsbad, California. The Begonia project was a complete remodel and addition to a 1960's one-story home. The owner desired a modern farmhouse style. Remodeling the main floor while working with existing exterior walls and setback constraints was an important consideration. The project also included adding a second story which included a beautiful master suite, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, catwalk, and recreation room above the garage. - [The Oak Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-oak-residence-pj-vj~5497143) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Design Development Drawings for a new custom 3,000 sf, two-story, four bedroom, three bathroom home in Carlsbad, California. Plans to break ground March 1, 2019. - [Rancho La Bella](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-la-bella-pj-vj~1742120) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 6 - [Del Mar 7](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/del-mar-7-pj-vj~5627106) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Del Mar 67 was a one-story home built in the 1960's. sk7 worked with the homeowner's to design a second-story addition along with an extensive home remodel. - [Mt. Hukee Addition & Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-hukee-addition-and-remodel-pj-vj~2306065) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Proposed Addition & Remodel options for a mid-century home located in the Clairemont area of San Diego. Currently working through schematic design with the Owner. - [Nautilus - La Jolla, California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nautilus-la-jolla-california-pj-vj~1527377) - Location: La Jolla, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Extensive Remodel and Second-Story addition to a 1940's home. The home was designed for a young family in La Jolla, California. Seeking a Coastal Farmhouse Design the homeowner's chose sk7 design studios, inc. sk7 utilized the 50/50 Coastal Exempt rule to save the owner's thousands of dollars and months of permitting time. The final result is a well-thought out design which accomplished the goals and objectives set forth - time, budget, and curb appeal! - [El Centro Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/el-centro-residence-pj-vj~2461210) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: A new custom home designed for a young family in El Centro, California. 4,000+ SF 5BD, 4.5 BA - [New Hampshire Addition & Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-hampshire-addition-and-remodel-pj-vj~4170188) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 30 - [Genter Remodel - La Jolla, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/genter-remodel-la-jolla-ca-pj-vj~792509) - Location: La Jolla, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Completed in 2015 this one-story 1940's home was completed renovated to provide a modern chic design for the home owners. [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sk7-design-studios-inc-pfvwus-pf~755019077) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177667601/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas - [Gibson Family Room Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144922587/list/gibson-family-room-ideas) — 9 ideas - [McDaniels - Entryway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135498077/list/mcdaniels-entryway) — 22 ideas - [Kamole](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134356103/list/kamole) — 7 ideas - [Entry Columns](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129327392/list/entry-columns) — 4 ideas - [Peterson Materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106574008/list/peterson-materials) — 6 ideas - [jake](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89986627/list/jake) — 1 idea - [Malins](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79730613/list/malins) — 3 ideas - [Current Concepts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73595646/list/current-concepts) — 32 ideas - [Crystal Drive New](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57636898/list/crystal-drive-new) — 93 ideas - [Beautiful Modern Home Design Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47272448/list/beautiful-modern-home-design-ideas) — 21 ideas - [Modern Home Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47230934/list/modern-home-ideas) — 77 ideas - [Creative Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6441487/list/creative-details) — 23 ideas - [Staircases](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6706218/list/staircases) — 15 ideas - [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11090488/list/modern-farmhouse) — 41 ideas - [Coastal Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/41806620/list/coastal-contemporary) — 7 ideas [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sk7designstudios) ## Community Q&A **Q: Cabinets? Who makes them?** *(in Photo Questions)* I really like the glass on the cabinets. Who makes these cabinets? A: Cabinets were done by River Rock Cabinets- they are in Fallbrook, California. **Q: Cabinet Pulls** *(in Photo Questions)* Do the upper cabinets open up toward the ceiling? A: They do not. **Q: What kind/shade of tile is that on the walls?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The tile is a honed Carrara marble subway tile. **Q: Beautiful Kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* What material are the countertops? A: The counter top is black honed granite. **Q: Batten spacing and batten width** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the width of your batten spacing? I like the wider like this but not too wide. Also, what size batten did you use? 1 x 3? Thank you! A: 1x2's 16" or 18" on center **Q: what color are these cabinets? they look fantastic!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It was a Sherwin-Williams color match to: Magnolia Home “Secondhand Find” JG-81. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*