--- title: "Michael Lee Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-lee-architects-pfvwus-pf~92363565 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~92363565.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Michael Lee Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4da331400d654c55_1858-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2200 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, California 90266, United States" latitude: 33.8896 longitude: -118.3996 phone: "(310) 545-5771" website: http://mleearchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 882 last_updated: 2026-08-09 --- # Michael Lee Architects Original Houzz profile: [Michael Lee Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-lee-architects-pfvwus-pf~92363565) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Manhattan Beach, CA - **Serves:** Manhattan Beach - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Since its inception in 1991 Michael Lee Architects has focused on the design and construction of primarily residential projects throughout the Los Angeles Basin. Serving as the principal architect or in collaboration with others, the firm has been honored by the American Institute of Architects and published internationally. In a construction management capacity the firm has produced a substantial body of cutting-edge buildings for numerous leading architects in Los Angeles including Dean Nota, Morphosis, Alison Wright, KAA, Muldar Katkov and Warshaw Architects. The current portfolio includes residential, mixed-use, office re-habilitation and restaurant work with the priority remaining on providing unique and dramatic solutions. A collaborative and inclusive spirit allows the buildings to become “hybrids” of modern and traditional styles or pure reflections of either. Whatever the “language” of the completed projects, the finished work reflects the vision of both the architect and the client. Michael Lee Architects believes in the process of exploration in Architecture and seeks potential beauty or magic in every building. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design ### Areas Served - Manhattan Beach ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Michael Lee Architects | | Address | 2200 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, California 90266, United States | | Phone | (310) 545-5771 | | Website | http://mleearchitects.com | | License Number | C26726 | | Followers on Houzz | 882 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Michael Lee Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-lee-architects-pfvwus-pf~92363565) - **Website:** http://mleearchitects.com - **Phone:** (310) 545-5771 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - American Institute of Architects/Long Beach South Bay Chapter - Merit Award for Excellence in Design - 2012 Dream Home Awards - Best Whole House Remodel - 2012 Remodeling Design Awards - Merit Award Whole-House Remodel - AIA/Los Angeles Spring Home Tours - Venice + Santa Monica Tour - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — John Hoven, Feb. 2017** > The firm Michael Lee Architects is exceptional and Michael Lee himself has the unique quality of being both creative and a pleasure to work with. The firm has a fine staff fully integrated in the process. The project from concept to completion flowed flawlessly due to the exacting detail of the thought put into the plans. The resulting home exceeded our expectations thanks to Michael Lee. **★★★★★ — mikeliu88, Feb. 2017** > Michael Lee was our architect as well as general contractor. He and the staff helped guide us in building a beautiful home which we love, highly recommend **★★★★★ — Katie, Dec. 2015** > Fantastic modern clean design. Great use of space on typical beach small plot. Michael is great and pleasant to work with. **★★★★★ — debbiedaisy, June 2014** > After contemplating a number of ideas about our second floor/main living area remodel, I happened to go to an Open House for a new home in our area. I immediately loved the use of space - it felt open even though it was a duplex on a small lot - and Michael Lee was the architect. We called him and within in a few days, he was working up great plans. He brought so many ideas to the table, while completely taking our aesthetics into the design. He was there for us throughout the remodel of the entire second floor and we couldn't be happier. His staff was great as well; they were always there for us whenever we needed assistance. Michael's got a great eye for fluid design, one space flowing into the next while retaining each space's identity. I would heartily recommend him for your architectural needs. **★★★★★ — cabasone, Sept. 2013** > We chose Michael after interviewing 5 architects, we wanted a contemporary house and that seemed to be his expertise. > We soon realized that not only was he a formidable and experienced architect, but he was equally dedicated and enthusiastic. During the planning phase we were having weekly meetings at his office where we were greeted warmly by his friendly and professional office staff. During those encounters Michael constantly came up with new and practical ideas and ultimately transformed our dream house into an architectural gem. Throughout the protracted construction phase (3 years) he closely supervised the various aspects of the project which saved us time and treasure. Equally important, we always felt that Michael and his team were easy to reach and available at short notice as well as very organized. We feel that we were blessed to have worked with Michael and wholeheartedly recommend Michael Lee Architects **★★★★★ — Debra Cummings, Sept. 2013** > MIchale Lee is a true Professional! He is a pleasure to work with and his work is beautiful. If I were to rebuild my house I would call Michael! **★★★★★ — magnp, June 2013** > Our experience designing our home with Michael and his team was super... > I'm an artist, a painter and my wife is very creative. We're both social -lots of get togethers. > We had a duplex in a great location by the beach and wanted to maximize our location and opportunity. I wanted an art studio on the first floor with great lighting and indoor outdoor atmosphere, Michael gave me that and much more. > On the second floor we wanted our bedrooms and an open library area to display our travel treasures and art from around the world. > The third floor has an ocean view in every direction. We hoped to maximize this with one great room. Michael did this in a beautiful way. We have a grand area to entertain as well as plenty of wall space to display our art. > My wife and I could not be happier with our comfy, contemporary "home by the beach." We give Michael Lee and his team our highest recommendation! ## Selected projects - [2615 Crest Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2615-crest-drive-pj-vj~5423181) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Chenault](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chenault-pj-vj~5421592) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Amalfi](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/amalfi-pj-vj~5421473) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [Schiff](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/schiff-pj-vj~5421449) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Liu Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/liu-residence-pj-vj~2271159) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 5 - [Carla Ridge Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carla-ridge-residence-pj-vj~1097131) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 34 - [Cahoon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cahoon-pj-vj~924183) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Scott Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scott-residence-pj-vj~730426) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Pettigrew Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pettigrew-residence-pj-vj~730446) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Curtis Ave Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curtis-ave-residence-pj-vj~333219) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Hanson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hanson-residence-pj-vj~332354) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [7th Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/7th-street-residence-pj-vj~22608) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This 3,800 square foot single family home is a consolidation of what were formerly two separate three-story apartments. The new structure occupies the footprint and volumetric envelope of the former duplex, but in a vastly updated version. The artist client’s first request was for a large studio in which to paint, so two rooms were merged at the ground floor to make a studio that opens to a walk street courtyard. The couple’s second request was for display spaces for their large collection of ar… - [Rogers-Sturz Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rogers-sturz-residence-pj-vj~261333) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Briscoe-Plenge Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/briscoe-plenge-residence-pj-vj~259405) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [DiLeva Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dileva-residence-pj-vj~260098) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [15th Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/15th-street-residence-pj-vj~217276) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Kallis Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kallis-residence-pj-vj~217178) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Kim Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kim-residence-pj-vj~217009) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This 3,400 SF single-family residence sits on a small corner lot in the Sand Section of north Manhattan Beach. Its four levels are organized with the primary living spaces (kitchen / dining / living) on the top floor, the garage and the bedrooms on the middle levels, and a dramatic two-story family room at the basement level. The top floor has sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay through large pocketing sliding doors, which, when opened, make the entire floor an indoor/outdoor room. The family roo… - [Manhattan Ave Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manhattan-ave-residence-pj-vj~22320) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This 2,500 square foot, single family residence occupies an extremely small (30'x 45') beach lot, on a busy corner, with ocean views. The DESIGN TASK was to provide enough square footage on the tiny lot to make the house livable, and end up with a distinctive architectural structure. To this end, a fourth-level basement was introduced, allowing not only extra square footage and articulation in the building's facades, but also some flexibility in how the floor plan might be used. In the FLOOR PLA… - [McLagan Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mclagan-residence-pj-vj~14123) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: The contradiction between this 4,000 square foot duplex’s tight, semi-urban neighborhood and its corner location—overlooking a popular walking street and the Pacific Ocean—are the basis of its design solution. The home’s massive-looking walls and sculpted stucco forms provide shelter and privacy while large, carefully positioned glazed areas open the house to light and view. The arrangement of the building’s public rooms forms a small, wind-protected, sun-filled patio that connects the house to… [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-lee-architects-pfvwus-pf~92363565) ## Community Q&A **Q: Masterful design! May I ask what wood is used on the exterior?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thanks, Bryan A: Custom stained Spanish Cedar **Q: exterior siding panels** *(in Photo Questions)* Please tell me who the manufacturer of the siding. We are looking for something exactly like this. A: It's stucco **Q: what kind of roof is on this home and what color?** *(in Photo Questions)* really love the colors here looking for the roof color A: It's African Mahogany with a custom stain. **Q: What is the material used for the panels on the center structure?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is Corten steel. **Q: Location** *(in Photo Questions)* What city is this beautiful home built in? A: In Manhattan Beach, CA. **Q: Compliment** *(in Photo Questions)* After looking at thousands on ...where else......Hozz, this is on of the most outstanding kitchens that I have ever seen. I looks so functional and elegant. So kitchen and unhitched like...,... This is one example why people should use architects to design their spaces.....kitchens of course included. A: Thank you for your kind words. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-09.*