--- title: "Architects Magnus — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architects-magnus-pfvwus-pf~755062437 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755062437.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Architects Magnus" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a59363560d546868_4720-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3370 Jackdaw St, San Diego, California 92103, United States" latitude: 32.7466 longitude: -117.1636 phone: "(619) 293-7240" website: https://www.architectsmagnus.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 346 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # Architects Magnus Original Houzz profile: [Architects Magnus](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architects-magnus-pfvwus-pf~755062437) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, San Diego, University City, Temecula, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, Encinitas, Point Loma San Diego, La Jolla, Ocean Beach San Diego, Pacific Palisades, Coronado, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Hill Crest San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego, San Diego County - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Voted Best Architect in San Diego Magazine Architecture + Design Awards 2024 Rooted in Purpose. Guided by Authenticity. Authentic is our standard- It’s the foundation of every decision we make at Architects Magnus, ensuring each project reflects the unique lives of those it serves. We thrive on the challenge of transformation. We seek the soul of a home, uncovering its hidden potential and reshaping it into something extraordinary. We embrace the intricate and the unexpected. Each project is designed with unrelenting attention to detail and honesty. This isn’t about trends. It’s about creating homes that speak to your true identity—crafted with clarity, care, and purpose. From the first vision to the final detail, we’re with you. Hector and Pamela Magnus are both California-licensed architects, based in San Diego. We work throughout California. Tell us about your project! www.architectsmagnus.com/contact ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Modular Home Additions - Prefab Houses - Beach House - Custom Home - Desert Home - Fire rebuild - Fire-resistive construction - Masterplanning - Vacation home - Winery ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - San Diego - University City - Temecula - Santa Monica - Santa Barbara - Newport Beach - Encinitas - Point Loma San Diego - La Jolla - Ocean Beach San Diego - Pacific Palisades - Coronado - Solana Beach - Carmel Valley - Del Mar - Hill Crest San Diego - Mission Hills San Diego - San Diego County ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Architects Magnus | | Address | 3370 Jackdaw St, San Diego, California 92103, United States | | Phone | (619) 293-7240 | | Website | https://www.architectsmagnus.com | | License Number | C23272 | | Followers on Houzz | 346 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://facebook.com/architectsmagnus - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/archsmagnus - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/architects-magnus - Blog — www.architectsmagnus.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Architects Magnus](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architects-magnus-pfvwus-pf~755062437) - **Website:** https://www.architectsmagnus.com - **Phone:** (619) 293-7240 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Voted Best Architect in San Diego Magazine Architecture + Design Awards 2024. - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Don Florang, March 2025** > From the outset of our project, a single-family home in the high desert of San Diego County, Pam and Hector Magnus impressed us with their creativity, professionalism, work ethic and attention to detail. After meeting with us and studying the site, Architects Magnus produced a beautiful modern design that takes advantage of changing light, views of the surrounding mountains, the area's dominant winds and the landscape. > > At every stage, from initial meeting to design proposal, revisions, permitting, finding the right contractor, monitoring construction and advising on materials and finishes, they maintained close communication and worked with us to resolve whatever difficulties arose. Most importantly, they listened to us and responded quickly and effectively, whether it was a change in design, a problem with the county or delays in construction. They had our absolute confidence soon after the project started, and we will go straight to them if we ever need architectural services again. **★★★★★ — Nicholas lenzi, April 2024** > Architects Magnus resolved all of the concerns that we had, and it was a relief to get clarity from them. Any issue that we had from beginning to end in the process of designing, plans, etc. for our future dream home was flawless. Architects Magnus went above and beyond to meet our needs as the customer. I would rate our experience a 10 out of 10 and would recommend anyone wanting to build to outsource their needs to Architects Magnus. They are thorough, convenient, precise, and all around a pleasure to work with. It was refreshing to have a such a pleasant experience with Architects Magnus. Thanks for the wonderful experience! **Comment from Architects Magnus:** > Thank you for your 10 out of 10 review. The pleasure was ours! **★★★★★ — Eric Schlosser, Feb. 2024** > Oh man... I literally cannot say enough good things about Pam and Hector - Architects Magnus. I'm a certified super fan and love love love these two amazing humans so much. I was a San Diego-based General Contractor for almost 20 years and worked with them on several projects, one of which was awarded "Home of the Year" by San Diego Home and Garden. The coolest thing about that project was that it wasn't given that award because we spent a billion dollars on super high-end finishes (which we DID NOT do), it was plain and simple good design, really smart choices, and flawless execution using pretty basic materials. That right there is a gift, and in my opinion, the ultimate test of an architect or design professional. And by the way, those homeowners recently hired them again for an even bigger project, which says a lot about how great they are to work with. > > I knew from the moment I met them that I wanted to work with them, and thankfully, I was lucky enough to win a few of the contracts to build their projects. If you're in need of some seriously great architects, you can stop looking and start designing because you found them. Pam and Hector are real, they're thoughtful, they're talented, they love what they do, and they're damn good at it. I don't think I have any more big projects in my future, but man... would I love to get one more build with the Dream Team! Cheers, my friends! **Comment from Architects Magnus:** > Wow, thank you for your kind words! Collaborating with you and the clients on that little gem of a home years ago made the project truly meaningful. And then, being able to work with you on other projects and again with the clients on their new home created lasting friendships. When you're ready to build again, the Dream Team is ready! **★★★★★ — Andy Wolf, July 2022** > Without reservation, I can highly recommend Architects Magnus for your next livable modern home design project. After finding a post of a past project of this firm online I contacted them to discuss my very unique project and it turned into a 4+ year close work relationship that was truly remarkable. > Pam and Hector have an immense architectural and engineering knowledge and access to highly skilled subcontractors for each subtask such as structural engineering and a wide knowledge of products available not just locally but globally. > Our project required a close work relationship with a vineyard developer and an HOA in SoCal Wine country where we intended to build this modern home that needed to fit in the area from an aesthetic point of few yet had all the trademarks and amenities of a modern home such as partially exposed steel hybrid structure, large floor to ceiling windows and extra large sliding doors, unique heating and cooling, modern fireplaces and steel roof. Large outdoor space embracing the 270 deg mountain and wine country views was another criteria and all of that within a tight budget. The result is a home we truly love - it is amazing to live in and completely exceeded our expectations. > Particularly important to Hector was the curb appeal and experience you have when driving up to the home, down the street, through the gate and then the 500’ winding private road journey with a 100’ rise trough the vineyard arriving at the lower garage level with stairs to the 8’x8’ pivot door - it’s truly a remarkable experience. > When working on my tractor, near the access road, occasionally cars stop and ask if this is a winery and open to the public - my answer full of pride: No its our home. **★★★★★ — Ed Greene, July 2021** > When my wife and I decided to remodel/and add another 1000 sq ft of space to our 2400 sq ft San Diego home I went to the local AIA website for names... I chose 7 to interview and hopefully select... mostly based on Zip code of each one. > > When each of the Architects arrived they usually told me about themselves and their work and discussed my project ... but when Hector arrived he told me about my 1952 house... it's uniqueness and it's history and even gave me some magazine articles about the original Architect I had never heard of \[Palmer and Crissel from Los Angeles\] > > Hector had already worked on 4 earlier Palmer and Crissel homes and was adamant that the original design of the house must not be disturbed... that it could be enhanced by my remodel... I was very impressed at his professionalism and enthusiasm and immediately hired Hector for my job... > > Subsequently during my contractors remodel work Hector joined him when requested to go over questions and to sometimes just to observe the progress..... he was available every time needed. All of his work, drafts, plans were submitted to the city on time.. The completed project was beyond our expectations... in short, my wife and I are very pleased with Hectors work. > > I highly recommend Hector Magnus for any new or remodel work anyone may have > > sincerely and with warmest regards, Betty and Ed Greene Living in San Diego \[since 1963 after both of our U S Navy Vietnam service\] **★★★★★ — Emily Jennewein, Jan. 2019** > Hector and Pam Magnus are the ultimate architecture partners! They actively listened to all our hopes and dreams for our home and then brought them each to life. Thanks to the Magnus’ brilliant execution, creative ideas and immaculate sense of purity, we now live in the house of our dreams. It meets and exceeds all our needs in ways we couldn’t have envisioned would be possible when we started the project. > > For more than a year we planned with the Magnuses. For another year we were under construction with the Magnuses careful eye on the project all along the way. And now we look around the perfect outcome and have to pinch ourselves at our good fortune for having engaged such pros as Hector and Pam! > > Every angle in our house is beautiful. Every detail consistent with every other detail. The goals we established were all achieved. We love the aesthetics of our “new” home and its functionality. > > Our project was a complete remodel of our longtime home that transitioned it from a home to raise our family in to the home we hope to enjoy forever. **★★★★★ — Mike Kijewski, Dec. 2015** > Hector and Pamela aren't just architectural consultants on our project; they're an integral part of bringing our vision to life. I couldn't be happier that we chose to work with them. **★★★★★ — cranstonmiller, Feb. 2014** > We hired Architects Magnus to turn our 570 ft. cottage into a 1394 sq. ft. modern home. At every step, from initial design, through construction, to the final finishing touches, Pam and Hector Magnus worked with us to create our dream home. They allowed our voices to be heard, were sensitive to our budget, and kept our best interest at heart throughout. Working with the Magnus' was an inspirational experience. And oh, by the way, the house they designed won San Diego Home and Garden magazine's "Home of the Year" award. Awesome! > > http://sandiegohomegarden.com/sdhg3dissue/january2014/january2014/files/64.html **Comment from Architects Magnus:** > Thank you for the great review. You were fantastic partners in this unique home transformation. Congrats on Home of the Year! **★★★★★ — VersaTile Surfaces, Oct. 2013** > Magnus is a great firm with exceptional understanding of contemporary design, materials and forms. > Their services deliver to those who need full-service solution, as it should be: architecture and design under one roof. **★★★★★ — mozarski, Jan. 2013** > Architects Magnus provided architectural services in connection with the ground-up construction of an approximately 3,500 sq. ft. home in San Diego, CA. The husband and wife team of Hector and Pam Magnus provided excellent insight, progressive design and demeanor throughout the project. They worked well with city officials and construction professionals in order to effectively and efficiently work through various issues. They met all design related deadlines and completed their services within the budget. > > Their considerable experience and knowledge was invaluable when it came to the implementation of a custom design with the maximum use of conventional construction techniques that were more cost effective than custom fabrication alternatives. Some examples include the use of stucco without color additives in order to mimic poured-in-place concrete and the use of an inexpensive torch-down roof membrane so that more of the roofing budget could be used for an inlaid tongue and groove ceiling made from sustainably grown hardwoods. This balanced approach between design and construction allowed us to maximize our budget by emphasizing those components of the home that give us the most enjoyment. > > Perhaps most importantly, Hector and Pam understand people. They challenged our notions of what our home could be in a manner that gained our trust and allowed for a far more dynamic and interesting living environment than we otherwise would have had. The end result far exceeded our expectations. Thanks to Hector and Pam, the house, affectionately known as the “Jewell Box”, is not just a custom floor plan, but truly a custom home with unique elements designed to make the most of our living environment within the confines of applicable building codes, coastal commission requirements and our budget. > > We love living in the Jewell Box that Architects Magnus envisioned for us. ## Selected projects - [The Miller](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-miller-pj-vj~7387501) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Winner San Diego Magazine Architecture + Design Awards 2024 Best Modern Home. Modern home in Pacific Beach for a beach-loving family. - [Casa Mariposa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-mariposa-pj-vj~7462742) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: An original 1950s-era home was sadly altered by a 1980s post-modern addition. We took the opportunity to shake off the bad additions while reimagining the home and original butterfly roof to expand covered outdoor spaces for classic indoor-outdoor living. - [Anthrazit House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/anthrazit-house-pj-vj~685929) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Featured in Dwell Magazine Faced with rebuilding after a firestorm that devastated the community, the owner - a well-respected artist - desired that his house deviate from the prominent local architectural language in order to bring an optimistic, contemporary voice to the scene. An environment where he would create and display his artwork, while being inspired by the surrounding natural setting. Large, expansive walls to display paintings, huge glass doors that open to endless views, and a subt… - [Bridge House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bridge-house-pj-vj~6154809) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Featured in San Diego Modern Architecture + Design Society Home Tour. Ten feet is what kept this lot vacant for decades. There was a City utility easement that sliced through the steep lot, limiting ways to develop. A buyer took a leap of faith that we could find a way to turn challenges into assets. We created forms based on the site’s terrain, capturing dynamic angles, much like a natural ravine. A house developed on one side, a studio apartment above garage on the other. A bridge floated over… - [PineMar House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pinemar-house-pj-vj~5569369) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Winner San Diego Magazine Architecture + Design Awards Best Home Transformation. Featured in San Diego Home + Garden Magazine. The PineMar House in Del Mar is an example of modernizing a “builder’s” home from the 1970s. We kept the overall form but reimagined the rest to introduce light, air, and capture views to the ocean and beautiful Torrey Pine tree. Photo credits: Architects Magnus and Chipper Hatter - [Coronado Mod](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coronado-mod-pj-vj~6422893) - Location: Coronado, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Featured in San Diego Magazine. Modern California coastal house for indoor-outdoor living. credits: okreyconstruction.com, vacayphoto.com - [Jewell Box](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jewell-box-pj-vj~10179) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Featured in San Diego Magazine. Custom-crafted coastal home. - [Dolphin Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dolphin-place-pj-vj~5977335) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Two enormous Juniper trees give privacy to this '50s era fisherman's cottage in Bird Rock. The owner's grandmother lived there, then his mother and now it was his turn. He had many childhood memories in the house and wanted to honor the cottage charm, yet he wanted to instill his own personality into the house. The trees remained, but beyond, the house has been reinterpreted for modern easy living. Ceilings and walls are opened to display playful furniture and art. Low maintenance porcelain floo… - [Miller Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miller-residence-pj-vj~531161) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Featured in Dwell Magazine Homes We Love. Miller Modern was originally a tiny house at the back of a narrow lot. The simple concept was to stretch the original shape to expand the house for a family of four. An open plan makes the home feel spacious and a hidden courtyard adds to outdoor living. [See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architects-magnus-pfvwus-pf~755062437) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the picture, could we share it ?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you again for sharing with us your project photo for use on our social media. We are currently in the process of completely revamping our website and will be including an extensive project portfolio image library. Each project will have a dedicated page where all the necessary credits will be giving (designer, architect, photographer, etc). We would love to be able to include your project it that section. We would also link the credits to your website. Let us know if that would be possible. If so, please email Maëlle Bail, Marketing Coordinator, at m.bail@wetstyle.ca. For your information, our website is visited every week by thousands of wealthy consumers renovating or building a new house, providing great exposure for your firm. Having a link to your website from ours will also benefit your search engine optimization (SEO). A: @WETSTYLE, Love your products! I'll DM you... Hector Magnus **Q: stucco edge details - J channel?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am really hoping you can tell us how you guys handed the stucco overlap to the window frame? Did you use a J channel? My stucco guy is saying he uses the "Home Depot" kind with the mesh in the edge, but I'm researching Fry Reglet's channel... big price difference so I'm at a dilemma.... our windows cost well into the six figures so I just want to make sure we get the details right! Love how your stucco edges are all clean and straight. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. A: Hi Germain - Glad to hear the Fry metal worked out! We used traditional 7/8" 3-coat exterior cement plaster with a custom tint. The product manufacturer was purchased by another and is no longer providing product. We are currently working with other suppliers: La Habra (Parex) and Omega Products. As always, consult with your design professional to properly specify the finish. And, share pictures of your progress! Thanks - HM **Q: Who makes the privacy screen?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We used 3Form ecoresin in a storefront system. - HM **Q: How do you fix an exterior like this?** *(in Design Dilemma)* This house is for sale in a lovely area and has a workable floor plan and amenities. How on earth do you remedy the double-wide exterior? A: Hi Dee - If you're interested in buying this property, search out a local architect that can provide you ideas based on your preferences. We provide that type of service for a small fee and it can be helpful advice when making decisions. BTW, love your profile picture! Best - HM **Q: Silly question: Is there a dining room in this house?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: lmwright - The public spaces of the house are open to one another in this open plan. The Dining Space is tucked between the Kitchen (beyond the island) and the Family Space. All of these spaces open to the Lanai and are provided with views of the rear yard, Mission Bay and the foothills beyond. Joanne - Thanks! Cheers! - HM **Q: Who makes the vanity?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The vanity was custom-made... --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*