--- title: "David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-hertz-and-studio-of-environmental-architecture-pfvwus-pf~788623796 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~788623796.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9d53ae120106f1b2_6132-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Unit 98, Malibu, California 90265, United States" latitude: 34.0402 longitude: -118.7351 phone: "(310) 383-7013" website: http://www.davidhertzfaia.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 426 last_updated: 2026-09-24 --- # David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture Original Houzz profile: [David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-hertz-and-studio-of-environmental-architecture-pfvwus-pf~788623796) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Malibu, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Bel Air, Brentwood Los Angeles, Hollywood, Venice, Torrance, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Woodland Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Pacific Palisades, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Malibu, Marina del Rey, Topanga, Westlake Village, Playa Vista, Hidden Hills, Playa del Rey - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves David Hertz Architects, operating as the Studio of Environmental Architecture (SEA), is a full-service green architecture and design firm. David Hertz Architects has over 40 years of experience creating sustainable and regenerative spaces and decades of expertise in disaster recovery and rebuilding, including those following the Green Meadows Fire, Woolsey Fire, and Thomas Fires. Our fire rebuild work spans Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and communities such as Malibu, Ventura, and Pacific Palisades, providing expertise in navigating insurance claims, entitlement processes, and expedited permitting. The work of David Hertz Architects emphasizes innovative design techniques, home hardening, and materials that can help to protect against damage or destruction from wildfires. Through thoughtful design focusing on resilience and climate adaptation and specializing in regenerative and adaptive systems, David Hertz Architects aims to strengthen the built environment against an increasingly challenging natural world. ### 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 - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Barn Design & Construction - Tiny House Construction - Garage Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Bel Air - Brentwood Los Angeles - Hollywood - Venice - Torrance - Thousand Oaks - Ventura - Santa Monica - Redondo Beach - Woodland Hills - Culver City - West Hollywood - Manhattan Beach - Beverly Hills - Calabasas - Pacific Palisades - Hermosa Beach - El Segundo - Malibu - Marina del Rey - Topanga - Westlake Village - Playa Vista - Hidden Hills - Playa del Rey ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture | | Address | 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Unit 98, Malibu, California 90265, United States | | Phone | (310) 383-7013 | | Website | http://www.davidhertzfaia.com | | License Number | C 25190 | | Followers on Houzz | 426 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/davidhertzarchitects/ - Blog — www.studioea.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-hertz-and-studio-of-environmental-architecture-pfvwus-pf~788623796) - **Website:** http://www.davidhertzfaia.com - **Phone:** (310) 383-7013 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - College of Fellows, American Institute of Architects (FAIA) - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2026), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Epic Construction Inc., Feb. 2025** > As a General Contractor I have been collaborating with David Hertz and his Team for over 25 years; they are knowledgeable, polished, and simply outstanding at what they do. David is one of the most creative and informed architects I've ever worked with. Without a doubt, I would recommend him to a future client. **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you, Epic Team! It's been great working with you, and hoping to do many more projects together! **★★★★★ — Carol L, Feb. 2025** > I worked with an architect that shares my common interests in the environment to build my dream house and found meaningful friendship, as the cherry on top! > > During my first meeting with David, he asked me what was most important to me. We started there and built upon that. He introduced me to all of the green options for materials, radiant heat, water reclamation systems and so on. Everyone in his office was wonderful and easy to communicate with. > > David had the idea to use tilt-up concrete walls on the side of my house that faces a busy street to help block out noise. Watching the process was fascinating and fun. The day the walls were raised by a crane, all within a couple of hours, it was quite exciting. > > People who visit my house always comment that it seems like a oasis in the middle of a chaotic Venice corner. It feels like a home, not a showplace, yet truly stunning and unique. **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you, Carol! It was a pleasure working with you! **★★★★★ — chantalwunderlich, Feb. 2025** > I have had the pleasure of working with David Hertz, Architects & Studio of Environmental Architecture, on my new home in Santa Monica for nearly a year. I’ve found them highly professional, easy to work with, prompt, and transparent. Our work together has been imaginative and true to the highest standard. David has been a good listener, attentive to my needs and wishes. He has provided expert guidance on sustainable materials and energy-efficient design. I’m pleased with the outcomes of my remodel and look forward to adding a new home office and ADU, which we’ve planned to build together. I recommend David Hertz Architects & Studio of Environmental Architecture to anyone seeking to make something beautiful and have it seen through with ease and attention to sustainable design. **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you Chantal! We have truly enjoyed working together with you! **★★★★★ — Padraic Hannon, Feb. 2025** > Working with David and his team has been phenomenal. We have a challenging property and one with a lot of design integrity. Originally designed by Doug Rucker, David and his team have been diligent in ensuring we don’t add complications to the original design while updating it to adapt to our needs. Watching him work from a design personal while being able to balance the complexity of the local ordinances has been akin to watching a skilled conductor. I would absolutely work with him again **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you, Paddy! It's been a pleasure working with you! **★★★★ — Archwork, June 2013** > I have known and admired David's work in southern CA for many years. I find him to be extremely talented in his unique approach to architecture and considerable product design. I love his intense dedication toward providing unique design approach experiences with a joie-de-vivre that is infectious. > > Several years ago I purchased a Hertz designed glass and concrete patio table that has withstood the ravages of climate, wind force and other calamities without problem. I am proud of ownership of his work, his professional ethics and exceptional design creativity. > I highly recommend him as a fun architect who will surprise you with his ingenious solutions. His table matches perfectly with my patio-designed seating. Thanks David! **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you, Archwork! So glad to hear you are enjoying your patio table! **★★★★★ — abramsd, March 2013** > It's hard not to be effusive in reviewing David and his work. We have been working together for about a year now on a large project, and it's been nothing but a pleasure. David brings incredible knowledge and vision, fantastic ideas, inspiring creativity, cost-consciousness, and a wealth of experience to every work product, meeting, and discussion. He's responsive to questions and feedback, and always keeps the big picture of the project in mind. His design instinct is jealousy-inducing, and he has an amazing touch with indoor/outdoor living spaces. His sensitivity to the environment through sustainable building comes from deep in his core. All these great qualities are reflected in his staff, who are always professional, friendly, and extremely talented in their own right. > > If you're lucky enough to work with David and SEA, I'm confident you'll have a similar review. **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you for the trust and collaboration over the years! **★★★★★ — nicola1965, March 2013** > The reason we chose David is that his aesthethic matched ours and we liked his 'holistic' approach to house design. He designs homes to live in which sounds obvious but is not always when it comes to architects. > > His green approach was important plus his willingness to work in challenging locations. We will be building a home on a tiny Caribbean island. > > He is very patient and flexible about how he works with his clients. **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you, Nicola! It's been a pleasure working with you! **★★★★★ — Carol Levy, March 2013** > I found David Hertz through a google search for green architects in Venice, but when we met for the first time and I realized that it was his house featured in the show Californication, I hired him on the spot. I have enjoyed the process of design and construction with David and his crew. They were professional and easy to deal with and I am happy to now call him my friend, as well. **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Carol, we enjoyed working together! Thank you for your trust and friendship over the years! **★★★★★ — teddycoach, March 2013** > David Hertz and his team represent the highest level of modern aesthetics, Asian fusion design, cutting age sustainability in eco design and materials, surfer beach vibe and warm and inviting interiors juxtaposed with cool and digital age exteriors. David is exemplary in his ability to communicate with his clients in a warm and caring way. He makes you feel like he cares about the outcome as much as you do and he understands the impact having a new environment to dwell in can make in your life. We have been very happy with our home and felt so comfortable and appreciate of working with David. **★★★★★ — gocentric, March 2013** > David and his studio have defined the new Southern California vernacular. They excel at creating the indoor-outdoor living that fits the climate and lifestyle and have made modern/contemporary architecture warm and inviting. > > They are designing a 92-key hotel for us in Venice, CA and we are thrilled with the results. **Comment from David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture:** > Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it so much! ## Selected projects - [Sail House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sail-house-pj-vj~7619938) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: The Sail House, located in Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is a dappled array of structures consisting of a main residence and several guesthouses. The project is named for the nautical-inspired tensile roofs, which are forms that are a contextual response to the sailing culture of the Grenadines, as well as environmental building systems. The roof membranes provide shade from the equatorial sun and collect water. Rain and condensate are directed into the structural masts, funneling wate… - [Hollywood Bowl House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hollywood-bowl-house-pj-vj~7619935) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Fronting one of Venice’s pedestrian “walk-streets,” this residence combines contemporary design with coastal aesthetics. The wood facade, recycled and repurposed from Hollywood Bowl seating, evokes the weathered look of beach houses while alluding to the client’s connection to the film industry. Lightwells and frustum-shaped skylights illuminate the house’s interior. Located beneath the second floor, the partially enclosed pool feels like a tranquil grotto despite its close proximity to a busy s… - [Avocado House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avocado-house-pj-vj~7619931) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: A remodel of a small Venice bungalow, this project is simultaneously intimate and expansive through a playful juxtaposition of interior and exterior space. A succession of open rooms engenders a telescoping effect for an illuminated open concept plan. Wood materials weave rooms together with domestic warmth, accented with marble, stone, and tile finishes. Multiple outdoor patios and two kitchens make this sustainable residence the perfect pad for a super host. - [Westgate House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westgate-house-pj-vj~5836334) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: This contemporary three-story house in the coveted Brentwood neighborhood exemplifies SEA’s signature indoor-outdoor living. The site had severe height limitations unless the roof was sloped, and a complex canopy was designed as three intersecting butterfly roofs. Soaring ceilings and framed windows of varying sizes capture sunlight and glimpses of the lush foliage surrounding the estate. In elevation, the house is articulated by a dialogue between stucco and exposed wood surfaces, punctuated by… - [Floating House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/floating-house-pj-vj~189) - Location: Venice, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: The project is located on a small, 37 foot wide lot on a pedestrian "Walk Street" in Venice, CA. Rather than create one "object building," two buildings attached by an open-air bridge was conceived to create a courtyard space to give the occupant the feeling of being outside or underneath the second floor while maintaining privacy. The larger of the structures is used as a residence while the other is used as an art studio and guestroom over a garage. The ground floor extends from the exterior c… - [747 Wing House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/747-wing-house-pj-vj~154895) - Location: Malibu, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: This project exists on a 55-acre property in the remote hills of Malibu with unique topography and panoramic views looking out to a nearby mountain range, a valley, and the Pacific Ocean with islands in the distance. In searching for inspiration, I imagined a roof structure that would allow for a un-obstructed view of the mountain range and distant views. The client, a woman, requested curvilinear/feminine shapes for the building. The progenitor of the building’s form was envisioned as a floatin… - [Linda Rosa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/linda-rosa-pj-vj~207514) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: Openness and transparency are the hallmarks of this hilltop house. Floor-to-ceiling fenestration frames views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean, creating a Californian indoor-outdoor experience. FSC-certified sustainably-harvested wood endows the interior with a tactile warmth. Year-round natural ventilation from the sea passes through the house and exits via high-operable windows at the front, rear, and stairwell of the residence. - [Hermosa House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hermosa-house-pj-vj~154962) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Hermosa House was built for a large growing family. The house features a dazzling array of green features including two solar electric arrays, two evacuated tube hot water systems as well as plentiful natural light, large sliding doors creating natural airflow through out the house. The house features a 3rd level swim-in-place stainless steel pool with three viewing portals that look in from the 2nd story shower, hallway and TV room. - [House on Horizon Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-on-horizon-hill-pj-vj~190) - Location: Yachats, OR - Photos: 12 - Description: This residence was designed for a retiring doctor, who after falling in love with the small town of Yachats, Oregon, decided to relocate to a quite hillside along its border. The site is characterized by its coastal relationship, both in terms of its beautiful ties to nature as well as in terms of its exposure to severe weather conditions that can take shape in the form of horizontal wind driven rainstorms that can reach speeds up to 100 mph. The project is a 3,500 square foot residence located… - [Californication/Mckinley House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/californication-mckinley-house-pj-vj~192) - Location: Venice Beach, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: This residence, home to Hertz and his family, was designed in two phases. The first phase featured two separate volumes connected by a bridge. Some years later the adjacent lot became available. It is now a compound made up of four discrete two-story buildings linked by three enclosed bridges that all face onto the courtyard, in a style one might call Balinese Modern. His solution was to make the house the greenest house of its size he’d ever seen. Hertz used this house as a case study for green… - [Stradella House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stradella-house-pj-vj~196) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Panel House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/panel-house-pj-vj~194) - Location: Venice Beach, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: The house is located on 28 x 89 foot lot on the Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach. Due to the lots’ long and narrow dimensions, the design intent is to create a series of angled walls and reveals in the side elevations in order to provide for view corridors down the side yards to the ocean. The space between the tapered walls is used for pivot windows, which allow for the modulation of the natural prevailing breezes through the house. The narrow structure afforded the opportunity to create a clea… - [Slat House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/slat-house-pj-vj~198) - Location: Marina Del Rey, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Located three buildings from the sand on a small 35 x 90 lot on the marina peninsula of Marina Del Rey, Slat house is a substantial remodel of an existing residence. The previous residence was an unsightly shingle and tile mansard roof structure; however, it was built closer to the front yard setback than would be allowable today. Accordingly it made sense to keep the existing structure in order to maintain the ocean view, which would otherwise not be visible due to current setback requirements.… - [Split House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/split-house-pj-vj~155846) - Location: Venice Beach, CA - Photos: 33 - Description: This project sits on a tiny lot in Venice, California abutting an alleyway, heavily trespassed as a walking route to the Pacific Ocean just off of famed Abbot Kinney Blvd. The home was commissioned buy a Hollywood director who was interested in maximizing the natural light, ventilation while creating a dramatic interior space. The house makes use of its small lot by separating the typical single object building into two parts, "floating" the main house, in reflecting pools on the front, and the… - [Beverly Grove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beverly-grove-pj-vj~188) - Location: Bel Air, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: The Beverly Grove project consisted of a two-story addition and extensive renovation to an existing Buff & Hensman Case Study House. The project was successful in seamlessly integrating the design of the new addition in deference to the original architecture. The scope included a new third story roof-deck, a two-story addition, and the renovation of all existing grounds. - [Lebrun](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lebrun-pj-vj~195) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Mesa House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mesa-house-pj-vj~160742) - Location: Santa Monica, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: This project is an addition and extensive renovation of an existing single-family home located on a wooded down-slope site in Santa Monica Canyon, wrapped in Ipe wood fences surrounded by tropical gardens, mature sycamore trees & and bamboo walls. The client envisioned their residence as having a “contemporary tree-house” feel, which would be integrated with the natural setting of their canyon property. The entrance of this secluded oasis is from above, amidst a canopy of trees that hides the pr… - [Tilt-up Slab House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tilt-up-slab-house-pj-vj~160738) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: The house is located on a small 32x80’ urban corner lot, in Venice California. The lot’s narrow width demanded a rigid economy of materials and a reduction in layers of construction to a minimum. The clients wanted to maximize the internal space to host a permanent guest, a grandparent, themselves and their two teenage children. They also wished for separate studies to conduct their business. The site’s urban context also demanded greater privacy and separation between the noisy alley and the ho… - [Hall House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hall-house-pj-vj~193) - Location: Montecito, CA, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: This project is a remodel of a 3000 sq. ft beachfront home in Montecito, CA. The original structure, a typical cottage built in the 1930’s did not provide the environmental accountability that the residents desired. This serves as their second residence, and therefore they wanted it to have as little environmental impact as possible, while maintaining a high comfort level and bringing the outside in. In order to achieve this, solar panels heat the water that circulates through radiant tubing in… [See all 19 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-hertz-and-studio-of-environmental-architecture-pfvwus-pf~788623796) ## Community Q&A **Q: Pivot door** *(in Photo Questions)* Who is the manufacturer of this door? A: The door was custom built. **Q: Is there light emanating from the top and bottom of the mirror? How?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The mirror is mounted off the wall enough to fit a strip of LED lights behind. **Q: Is the floor concrete? I don't see any seams. Love it.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes. It is Gyp-Crete is the smooth finish you see its over laid the radiant floor to add thermal mass and smooth the surface. **Q: Love this Kitchen woodwork.** *(in Photo Questions)* What kind of wood is this in the main Kitchen Cabinetry? It's phenominal. A: These Cabinets are American Walnut **Q: What materials coat the outside wall? Polished concrete ?** *(in Photo Questions)* Congratulations on this assignment, very contemporary and inventive use of lines / materials. A: Steel troweled Stucco is the surface technique for the exterior. This is a traditionally framed house with steel supports with a stucco exterior. **Q: Fire Pit Codes** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you please give me more technical informationi about the sizing and regulations you had to abide by when installing this pit and hood? both safety and structure are my concerns - we are working on a similar situation and have found the venting concerns and advice to be somewhat controversial. A: This was an existing fireplace and not subject to code. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-24.*