Barton Phelps & Associates, Architects

For over ten years we have worked with Barton Phelps & Associates, Architects and Planners. In that time, we constructed four residential renovation/addition projects located on the west side of Los Angeles and designed by Barton Phelps, FAIA. Barton is a wonderful designer who produces programmatically clever and truly functional spaces, links them together beautifully, and sensitively relates his work to take best advantage of the site. Often the sites he works with are steep and difficult to build on but Barton takes that in stride and the results are often amazing feats of imagination. The contract documents that his firm prepares are vastly superior to those of most other architects with whom we’ve worked locally. They are and among the most thorough and well thought out drawings and specifications I’ve seen. Phelps and his staff are experienced, helpful, realistic, and fair. We enjoy working with them and we take pride in producing some of our best work on BPA projects. Sincerely Carsten Cramer President Black Forest Contractors Inc.

In 2015, we did a project in Mandeville Canyon on a 1970’s post and beam construction. He updated the project without taking away from the original concept. He used modern aluminum reveals, and opened up walls to take advantage of canyon views. This project was a success. In 1990, we built a project in Beverly Hills. It was a hillside, multilevel house. It was built on a “considered” unbuildable property. Barton made it happen with multiple new finished materials that tide the house magnificently into the mountain. Einar Nelson Construction has worked on multiple projects both large and small since early 1980’s for Barton Phelps and his associates. His creative designs and attention to detail always make it a pleasure to work on his projects. They are always well planned out from beginning to end. He is great for follow up and making sure of the total vision of the project is a success. It is always enjoyable to work on Barton's projects. The use of his materials and natural light to transform any projects, large or small and turn it into something special. Barton Phelps and associates is our go to for all architectural projects.

We independently saw some work by Barton in Architectural Digest, were impressed that the house was one with its setting, and decided to meet him for ideas, doubting we could afford him. We were smitten – classic designs in modern form – and found a way to afford him. We wanted to feel that within our house we were still one with its surroundings. Barton put the entire project together and it ran smoothly and expediently. 25 years later we still marvel at our space, both relaxing and stimulating and fusing those very different emotions – rarely accomplished! A most comfortable house that is truly one with its setting where people comment that it looks like it belongs here. It captures the near and far surroundings and integrates his interior design. Without asking we also have a passive solar space that is very energy efficient.

Barton Phelps in one of the most creative and original architects that I have come to know. His designs are creative and timeless blending elegance with a hint of whimsey. His solutions are brilliant and his use of materials is very cool. Barton did a major remodel for me in the mid 80's which consisted of a master suite addition on to my 1921 era home. I still love my beautiful master suite as much as I did then. It's my retreat! Additionally, I have referred Barton to my Real Estate Client's and the most recent wrote a stellar review for Barton, included here. Lastly, his heart is in the right place and when it comes to business and someone working on your personal home, that is very important and rarely found.

A 750-square foot addition, 2-story, was built at the rear of a 1937 stucco home connecting home and garage. Provided were new 2nd floor guest bedroom and bath,1st floor bath/steam room and office/pool room with bar. Additionally the existing house was altered to create a 2-story library and large windows to allow for more interior light. A pergola was constructed in the rear yard.

I have had the privilege of working with Barton Phelps over the past year to design and construct a 2000 square foot addition to our 1938 California bungalow in Mar Vista. This man is an architectural genius whose work is truly inspired. He has succeeded in transforming a modest and conventional house into a modernist vision of space, light and glorious perspective. The design concept revolved around finding a solution for my work-at-home lifestyle and the accessibility needs of my elderly mother. The project included a two-story addition with a master suite downstairs for my Mom and a work, play and living area above for me. Barton created a stunning suite of rooms that are easy to navigate and allows my Mom full access to the backyard. The two-bedroom second story rises dramatically above the neighboring roof lines. I love the structural simplicity of the shed roof, the indirect light that enters through a clerestory and the expansive sense of space and flow. The back porch perched among the trees is a peaceful retreat. The overall effect is that of a divine sanctuary. I am on cloud nine. Barton is charming and devoted to his clients and projects. He is always accessible and works painstakingly to find solutions to the inevitable problems that arise during construction. Greg Cheng is a multi-talented young architect and an integral part of Barton’s design team. He works with Barton to interpret and implement his designs, troubleshoot and follow through on every detail during plan check and construction. Barton Phelps stands out as an architect who is a master of his craft. He is a visionary with a deep respect for tradition. I highly recommend Barton Phelps and Associates as an exemplary architectural design firm to add quality of life and distinction to your next project.

It was an absolute pleasure working with Barton Phelps and his team. Experienced, very professional and very easy to work with, it was a true collaboration which I greatly appreciated. A very plain, poorly designed mid-century home was transformed by the design features and creativity of Barton Phelps. I would without any hesitation use him on any future project.

Barton and his team were a class act with exceptional and creative ideas to maximize the end result. He is also a master of lighting design.