--- title: "amk STUDIO — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amk-studio-pfvwus-pf~847423862 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~847423862.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "amk STUDIO" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/af63e5d100b54855_7813-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1401 Dove Street Suite 230, Newport Beach, California 92660, United States" latitude: 33.6295 longitude: -117.8684 phone: "(949) 863-3000" website: http://www.amkSTUDIO.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 228 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # amk STUDIO Original Houzz profile: [amk STUDIO](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amk-studio-pfvwus-pf~847423862) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Newport Beach, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, Santa Ana, Irvine, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, Pasadena, Costa Mesa, Burbank, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Buena Park, Tustin, Redondo Beach, Laguna Niguel, Fountain Valley, Aliso Viejo, Manhattan Beach, Laguna Hills, North Tustin, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Corona del Mar, San Joaquin Hills, East Irvine, Licensed in 10 States- Very ex, Los Angeles and San Fernando v, Malibu/Calabasas/Agoura Hills, Newport Beach/Coast, Newport Coast, Ventura and Santa Barbara Coun, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Inl - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Woman owned - Award winning - High-end Established in 2009, amk STUDIO is a full service architecture and planning firm that was formed with the goal of providing high quality design solutions and services to a growing list of referred and repeat clients and consultants. Our founding partners alone have over 40 years of collective experience in the building industry. Together with our associates, we have designed and managed award winning residential, hospitality, and mixed-use projects across California, the Western United States, and abroad. With staff located in Los Angeles and Orange County, amk STUDIO is committed to producing designs with integrity, environmental sensitivity, and quality. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Space Planning - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Home Restoration - Modular Home Additions - Prefab Houses - Building Design- New Single Family Residences and - Custom/full spec and Builder spec. Construction Do - Energy-Efficient - Entitlements and Urban Planning - Hospitality and Restaurants - Large Additions - Multi-Family and Mixed Use - Remodels - Small Lot Ordinance Developments - Smart Homes - Tenant Improvements and New Construction ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Long Beach - Riverside - Santa Ana - Irvine - San Bernardino - Huntington Beach - Glendale - Garden Grove - Fullerton - Orange - Pasadena - Costa Mesa - Burbank - Newport Beach - Lake Forest - Buena Park - Tustin - Redondo Beach - Laguna Niguel - Fountain Valley - Aliso Viejo - Manhattan Beach - Laguna Hills - North Tustin - Laguna Beach - Laguna Woods - Corona del Mar - San Joaquin Hills - East Irvine - Licensed in 10 States- Very ex - Los Angeles and San Fernando v - Malibu/Calabasas/Agoura Hills - Newport Beach/Coast - Newport Coast - Ventura and Santa Barbara Coun - Ventura and Santa Barbara. Inl ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 25 million Our typical projects are over $500,000 in construction cost. Our strengths are in new construction, custom home planning and design, large-scale full house remodels, modular friendly design and logistics. We aim to empower our clients to build/develop the house of their dreams. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | amk STUDIO | | Address | 1401 Dove Street Suite 230, Newport Beach, California 92660, United States | | Phone | (949) 863-3000 | | Website | http://www.amkSTUDIO.com | | Followers on Houzz | 228 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/amkarchitecture - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/amkarchitecture - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/amk-studio - Blog — http://\[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5537828/list/My-Houzz--An-Orange-County-Ranch-Gets-Into ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [amk STUDIO](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amk-studio-pfvwus-pf~847423862) - **Website:** http://www.amkSTUDIO.com - **Phone:** (949) 863-3000 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California Licensed Architect, NCARB, Licensed Architect in 10 US states, LEED AP (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professionals), Best of Houzz 2016 & 2014: Client Satisfaction, NAHB 2016 PLATINUM Best In American Living Award for Addition/Remodel over $250k - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2016), for Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA Los Angeles](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-los-angeles-pfvwus-pf~1829789113) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) - [BIA Baldy View Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/bia-baldy-view-chapter-pfvwus-pf~790123936) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — User, Sept. 2016** > We have been working with Katie for a few months on a project and it has been great. She is a complete professional in what she does. I would highly recommend her to anyone and everyone! **★★★★★ — Amanda Noel, Dec. 2015** > I found amk STUDIO through houzz and I was very impressed with the professionalism and quality of work. My husband and I were looking to remodel our house and enjoyed working with Arlene and Katie. They listened to our wants while still giving us their professional opinion the changes we were looking to make. They helped us from the beginning concept of our remodel to getting approval from the city. They both went above and beyond our expectations and we would recommend them to our family and friends! **★★★★★ — Rosemarie Rose, Oct. 2015** > We were referred to AMK Studio by a friend. Katie and Arlene were both very professional and easy to work with. Our project began as a remodel but ended up with a new construction project. They were able to submit plans to the city on a timely manner. Katie helped us submit our plans to the City in person. The staff from the City were very impressed with Katie. She was always organized when she presented our plans. Both Katie and Arlene were very responsive via text, email and phone call. We never felt like we were on our own. With AMK Studio on our side, we were able to build our custom home without requiring a general contractor. We highly recommend AMK Studio. Katie & Arlene, thanks again for helping us make our dream home! **★★★★★ — susancarrier, Feb. 2015** > Arlene immediately understood our desire to build a second unit guest house that reflected the traditional English Tudor style of the main house on the outside and an open, light-filled, contemporary feel on the inside. > > She and Katie were a pleasure to work with in every aspect of the project, from design (especially with a footprint that met the county's strict setback criteria), permitting process and follow through. They are creative, responsive, knowledgeable and professional and made the entire process stress-free and fun. > > The project succeeded on every level. Everyone is surprised when they learn that the home was not built in the same year as the main home, 1932. And the contemporary interior is open, comfortable and useable for guests or full-time residents. **★★★★★ — nrachelj, June 2014** > As a architectural designer myself who is not working in the field at the moment, I was extremely selective in who I wanted to partner up with on my own home renovation. I've known Kathryn for many years and I knew we would work well together and that her standards were up to mine! Among other complications that came up since we were renovating an older home, we dealt with the messy process of obtaining a standards variance from the city. amk Studio is professional and easy to work with and they know how to tailor their services to their client's needs. My husband and I were very pleased with all that they did to help us make our vision into a reality. **★★★★★ — Rhino Construction, June 2013** > I have used Arlene and Katie for several projects over the years. I first met them when they worked at a national firm, they were instrumental in designing homes for me when I managed the LA / Ventura County division for a local home builder. When these ladies started AMK Studio's it just made sense for me to follow them. Now they are my go to architecture and design firm in the greater LA area. Their innovative designs and problem solving skills makes the process painless. If you want to work with the pro's.... the choice is AMK Studio's. **★★★★★ — Catherine Gale, June 2013** > We worked with Amk for the architecture of our house and it couldn't have been a better experience. It immediately was so easy and productive from day one.Such a great group with such amazing ideas and fantastic style. We would highly recommend them to anyone interested in building or re-creating their house. **★★★★★ — DIGGS, May 2013** > I have been following Arlene's career for 15 years and I am firmly convinced she will be an Architect of Significance in the future- if she isn't already. > > Her designs are intuitive, accessible and, most of all, comfortable. She takes an innovative approach to site challenges- maximizing both the home and how the home fits into it's surroundings. This holistic approach is both refreshing and practical- allowing the project to overcome the fears of both government entities and neighbors, alike. > > I suspect that it is common to come up with pretty designs, but Arlene and her partner Katie are also extremely adapt at making sure these designs are buildable and on budget. They are extremely knowledgable and detail oriented- when a project is ready to break ground nearly everything is planned in advance and in the budget- no nasty and expensive surprises halfway thorough. > > Everything starts with the design. Make sure your design is not only beautiful, but executable. amkStudios is your place. **Comment from amk STUDIO:** > Thanks for the kind words Kendyl! Looking forward to seeing your project come beautifully into fruition. **★★★★★ — Sylvia Yeh Palomino, Feb. 2013** > AMK helped us in our remodel of our home. They provided design and blueprints and helped to facilitate necessary documents for acquiring the city permits. > They were great!!! They listened to what we were needing, provided ideas, were flexible, let us know what the pro's/con's were for various options. Our property has limited space and restrictions and they were able to provide us creative options for expanding our living spaces, and we are so pleased with the final result. > They also were sensitive to our budget ceiling and we appreciated that consideration. They were always responsive to last minute/unexpected things that came up with the construction and facilitate timely solutions. Definitely recommend their services to my family and friends. **★★★★★ — Ryan Larson, Feb. 2013** > We thought we had our remodel figured out ourselves. We decided to bring in amk Studio just to be safe. We are so glad we did. They were able to (nicely) make us see why our initial vision wouldn't work well but also came up with MUCH better ideas than we'd ever thought of. We were thrilled and so so glad we had made that call. ## Selected projects - [Eastbluff Residence 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastbluff-residence-2-pj-vj~7397801) - Location: Newport Beach, California - Photos: 35 - Description: Our client wanted a welcoming, modern home, that maximized views to the back bay behind the home, had abundant light and sky views, and captured opportunites both for entertaining and cozy family time. And they went all out resulting in a project showcased on the CDM home tour 2024...one we are proud of. Additional credits go to Burkhart Bros Builders. Patrick May Landscape Architecture, Mor Engineers, Mauricio Diresto Photography - [Mesa Verde 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mesa-verde-2-pj-vj~7397808) - Location: Costa Mesa, California - Photos: 11 - Description: Our clients wished to have a cozy, inviting home that blended farmhouse and contemporary elements, and maximized golf course views and an entertainer’s and CEO’s lifestyle. - [Bali Modern in the Newport Back Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bali-modern-in-the-newport-back-bay-pj-vj~2143366) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This national award winning project continues to be one of our favorite transformations for one of our favorite families. While situated on an outstanding view lot on the back bay, our clients' newly purchased 1950's home needed to morph to fit both their lifestyle and aesthetic. With some smart decisions and efficiencies, this entertainer's dream came to fruition with our client's budget in mind, including an integrated ADU behind the garage. Builder credit: RJ Tanner Construction Structural En… - [Redondo Beach Eclectic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redondo-beach-eclectic-pj-vj~2601483) - Location: Redondo Beach, CA - Photos: 24 - Description: Exterior facelift revived a nondescript beach cottage creating a modern twist on the West Coast/Beach Bungalow. Existing kitchen was expanded and original compartmentalized entry, living, and dining opened up for a flexible great room achieving better connection to the outdoors. Even the small side yard capitalizes on California’s climate and indoor-outdoor lifestyle with the addition of a small deck for outdoor dining. The master is truly a retreat with space for gym equipment and sitting area… - [England St “long and skinny”](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/england-st-long-and-skinny-pj-vj~7398033) - Location: Huntington Beach, California - Photos: 24 - Description: Long & skinny, beach town view lots have several things in common…how to capture views while dealing with the harsh westerly sun, maintaining privacy while letting in the light, and creating an entertainers home that doesn't feel like it is pinched on width. All this, and done as efficiently and sustainably as possible. - [My Houzz: An Orange County Ranch Gets Into the Swing of Things](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/my-houzz-an-orange-county-ranch-gets-into-the-swing-of-things-pj-vj~115423) - Location: Costa Mesa, CA - Photos: 49 - Description: Inspired by Eichler homes of yesteryear, this Costa Mesa family bought this 1960s ranch home on a golf course with the intention of turning it into their dream home. The family modernized the home in a major way, emphasizing the home's mid-century roots with their furniture and accessory choices. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5537828/list/My-Houzz--An-Orange-County-Ranch-Gets-Into-the-Swing-of-Things - [18th street Farmhouse remodel + ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/18th-street-farmhouse-remodel-adu-pj-vj~7398027) - Location: Costa Mesa, California - Photos: 23 - Description: Our clients wanted a fresh update on their newly purchased house along with the addition of an income producing ADU. The farmhouse coastal aesthetic of this whole-house remodel with additions took some careful planning between their new ADU and expanded house, ultimately fitting the needs of this growing family perfectly. - [18th Street Small Lot Development](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/18th-street-small-lot-development-pj-vj~7398023) - Location: Costa Mesa, California - Photos: 20 - Description: In what the city called “an exemplary project” that created multiple live-work homes from 1 residential lot, we helped our developer/client realize tremendous returns on their investment. Given the eclectic neighborhood in Costa Mesa, these homes had to speak to a coastal urban aesthetic, with lifestyles that could accommodate working professionals and families. - [Mesa Verde Mid-Century Ranch Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mesa-verde-mid-century-ranch-remodel-pj-vj~118263) - Location: Costa Mesa, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: As featured on Houzz, "An Orange County Ranch Gets into the Swing of Things". An extensive remodel and addition of a home on the Mesa Verde Golf Course strikes a balance between ying and yang, with both intimate and expandable indoor/outdoor spaces. It's as geared for entertainment as it is for a zen outlook, and a modern family lifestyle that is well suited for its homeowners. This project entailed remodeling roughly 1850 SF of an existing 2573 SF home. With a minor 239 SF addition on the golf… - [Mid-century Modern meets Steampunk - DIGGS Real Estate Office and Art Gallery](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-meets-steampunk-diggs-real-estate-office-and-art-gallery-pj-vj~2148412) - Location: La Crescenta-Montrose, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: We were honored when our long time friend, Kendyl Young and her husband Stan, asked us to renovate their newly leased Diggs Real Estate office in the heart of Montrose. Kendyl's vision (before this became a thing) was to make this office feel like a cozy living room, where the community can gather for art exhibits, friends can stop by for coffee, and yes...some business can be conducted. Our vision was to make sense of a quirky industrial space on a dime, while marrying the aesthetic of steam pu… - [Boutique Hotel and Retail Center - concepts](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boutique-hotel-and-retail-center-concepts-pj-vj~5475817) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 4 - [Production Homes - Indigo Place for DR Horton](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/production-homes-indigo-place-for-dr-horton-pj-vj~7398085) - Location: Temecula, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: This new community of production homes were built in Temecula for DR Horton, and were quite affordable. We designed these to make use of a zero lot line concept to make more usable sideyards for a community of homes, while also solving the problem of privacy and and lack of "light and airy spaces" with such tightly placed homes. These homes prove otherwise! And ultimately, this enabled our developer/client to maximize their ROI while also offering more affordable housing for the buyers. - [Affordable Housing - Habitat for Humanity Orange County](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/affordable-housing-habitat-for-humanity-orange-county-pj-vj~7398075) - Location: Stanton, California - Photos: 9 - Description: We are proud partners with Habitat for Humanity Orange County. And this community of 6 affordable homes was one of the first projects we were happy to jump aboard on. Stay tuned for more… - [Multifamily - Luxury Apartments on the boards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multifamily-luxury-apartments-on-the-boards-pj-vj~7398082) - Location: Covina, CA - Photos: 2 - [Santa Ana Remodel and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-ana-remodel-and-addition-pj-vj~5475847) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Ventura Keys Duplex Schematic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ventura-keys-duplex-schematic-pj-vj~5475747) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 6 - [Production Homes- Inland Communities Developers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/production-homes-inland-communities-developers-pj-vj~7398056) - Location: Jurupa Valley, California - Photos: 23 - Description: This brand new, golf-course adjacent community took meticulous collaboration between our client/developer, the consultant team and us. Everything was crafted, from the way each home was plotted to maximize hillside views to the sustainable design features, to ensure both a seamless construction process to wonderfully, welcoming traditional homes. Achieving our developer/client’s ROI was our main goal here, and we were proud to have been with them every step of the way! - [South Pasadena Hillside Concept](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-pasadena-hillside-concept-pj-vj~5475795) - Location: South Pasadena, CA - Photos: 6 - [Newport Heights Concept](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newport-heights-concept-pj-vj~5478439) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 5 - [“Mini me” Guest House / ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mini-me-guest-house-adu-pj-vj~118301) - Location: Altadena (bordering Pasadena), CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This Guest House pre-dates the ADU ordinance that made building ADUs so easy today, but lives very much like one and was added to match the aesthetic of an existing French Tudor Style home in a gorgeous neighborhood of Altadena (abutting Pasadena). Surrounded by lush Gardens, the home owner had originally wanted to rent out the Guest House, but ended up preferring to live in it herself. Bright and airy, this 770 SF home lives much larger, with views to the Gardens from every room. [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amk-studio-pfvwus-pf~847423862) ## Ideabooks - [Kornat Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119338256/list/kornat-residence) — 15 ideas - [NW- Newport Beach Eastbluff](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30487087/list/nw-newport-beach-eastbluff) — 38 ideas - [amkstudio's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5830628/list/amkstudio-s-ideas) — 14 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/amkstudio) ## Community Q&A **Q: What was used for siding? It looks like Trex.** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking to for a lower cost & maintenance option than Epay wood. A: Good eye. It is trex. Nowadays there are similar materials that actually have warranties for a vertical application. Also please note that trex will discolor if used on a sunny exposure. **Q: What kind of stone is used for the counter tops?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Marble on the island. Quartzite on the surrounding counters **Q: the floor, is it cement? polished?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes. It is a polished topping of concrete over the original slab. **Q: what is the shower floor made of?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi caroldelat, The shower floor is a 1 piece ceramic shower pan. Hope that helps! **Q: Great job! Is that decomposed granite? Thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I believe that is just mulch in this photo. That said, there was a lot of decomposed granite and river rock used elsewhere (in the courtyard and entry) of this project. **Q: Fireplace surround material** *(in Photo Questions)* It looks great ... What is it? A: The fireplace surround at the Living Room is actually drywall on the interior, Stucco on the Exterior. The fireplace at the courtyard is poured concrete. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*