Island Architects

We wanted to build our dream home and knew that Island Architects had to be our guys. Working with Tony and Haley was a wonderful experience. They walked us through the entire process and gave us so many incredible ideas. They met with us at crazy hours to suit our schedules and were around constantly to answer all the questions we had. They really listened to our wishes and designed the most beautiful home for us. They also saw the whole project through including picking paint colors, lighting, tiles and pool finishes. We were truly delighted with the project and have recommended them to all of our friends!

Two years later and we still could not be happier with our choice to go with Tony Crisafi from Island Architect. He has not only met but exceeded all of our expectations. In a nutshell, Tony is a remarkably talented architect with impeccable taste and vision. In addition, he is a true professional that intrinsically wants the home owner who has commissioned him to get their dream home. He is a great listener and excellent communicator. In addition to being an architect, Island functions as a true project manager, taking an incredible amount of stress off the home owner. Even two years later, Tony has been responsive and helpful and willing to help facilitate any issues that have come up. We feel very well-taken care of. We built our dream home in Del Mar Mesa and wanted to find a firm and architect who would build an elegant, truly custom, timeless design that just simply felt good to be in. This is that intangible quality that you feel but can’t describe when you are in a space that is welcoming and comfortable. It creates a since of peace and tranquility, a notion that you belong here and you don’t want to leave. This was the hardest thing to find after walking through countless custom homes designed by other architects. From the very first home, designed by Tony Crisafi that we set foot in, we knew this guy got it. In addition to being beautifully designed with tasteful details, the rooms lighting and dimensions were all just right. After seeing several of his homes, we realized that this is a consistent quality and not an exception. Our home has met every expectation. It looks beautiful in an understated elegant and timeless way. Light pours through every section but is never harsh. It has an open feel but yet provides surprises at every turn. Most importantly it leaves you feeling positive in every single space and leaves our family and guest always feeling welcome to be there. Perhaps even more impressive than the actual design of the home, is the service and care we received during the entire process. He listened to us as we described the vision we had and then tempered it and guided it with his expertise and experience, making sure we got what we wanted in a way that worked. This was key for us. The firm has enough resources to investigate and study ideas and concepts in a timely manner, affording us the opportunity to make an informed decision about unique design concepts. We always received responses quickly and thoughtfully. They managed to keep the project moving forward efficiently during the entire process. Even during construction, their involvement and responsiveness proved invaluable as the helped solve issues that arose and helped support our contractors insuring a smooth ride during construction. They made sure we remained on budget and on time. Another critical piece was their recommendations and involvement with our interior designer and construction firms. They suggested John Bianchi at Bianchi Construction and Hilda Espino at Diarq Designs. These were amazingly talented people and worked in beautiful harmony with Tony. Both John and Hilda were such blessings during the process and we are so grateful for their involvement. -- Amir M. Karam, MD Director/Founder, Carmel Valley Facial Plastic Surgery

We have done 2 projects with this firm and we've really enjoyed working with Tony Crisafi. They are a very talented, detailed, and creative architecture firm. They are very committed to their projects, very professional, experienced, and can do a variety of styles. It's been a pleasure working with Tony and the firm, they are prompt, responsive, and simply talented. Their pictures speak for the quality of their work. We have been very happy with them.

Island Architects designed and planned our gorgeous home and we could not recommend them more highly. From the first 'walk around' the lot where we volleyed ideas, to the Island Architects co-hosted dinner at our home the evening the keys were turned over to, were the best possible experiences. Everyone at Island is professional, talented, creative, but also friendly and approachable. We were as involved as we wanted to be, and our every question idea answered, our every idea considered. We'd heard horror stories about homebuilding, but Island (recommended by our builder, and who, in turn recommended an outrageously talented interior design team) made our experience completely pleasurable. That everything went smoothly, there were so few surprises (and the inevitable small ones that arose easily addressed without delay or interference with the creative ideas already underway), was due in no small part to the scrupulous planning and professional experience of all of Island's creative team. We had so much fun working with Island, and to this day are amazed by all the lovely details in our fabulous house. Island is the best of the best. We'd hire them again, in a heartbeat.

I have known and admired Tony and Drex for many years. Most recently I had the privilege of working with Drex and his team on a project in La Jolla. I am so impressed with their talent, passion and creativity. Working with Drex was an absolute pleasure. He is a true collaborator and a true talent! His thoughtful designs were followed through from concept to completion. His scope of knowledge coupled with his years of experience and excitement for beautiful home design are invaluable to me and ultimately to his clients.

Drex and Tony, with their associates have been steadily building a quality reputation in La Jolla for 20 years. They have designed some of the most attractive residences in town. Working with them on their design development is a magical experience!

We have had the pleasure to work with Island Architects in multiple phases of building our dream house. We are currently in the last phase of construction and although most find this a daunting process, being under the guidance of IA has made this a fun and pleasant experience. Tony and his team really put their hearts into the project for their clients and go above and beyond in client satisfaction. I couldn't have built from the ground up without their expertise and care. Without a doubt, I feel we are in the best hands for making our dream home a reality.

Island Architects did a great job of designing the interior of the condo we wanted to remodel to incorporate everything that we wanted in somewhat limited space. They were very helpful in selecting a contractor and we are very pleased with the finished result

As a Structural Engineer, I always enjoy working with Island Architects. The staff is easy to work with and always willing discuss value engineering concepts to provide clients cost-effective designs with losing any of the Architectural intent.

I've been admiring Island Architects work for over 10 years and now feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them on our new modern dream home. Tony and Cori are a pleasure to work with, their creative ideas, advice and recommendations are priceless. They're very good in listening to your ideas and translating your vision onto paper. My husband and I have been working with Tony and Cori for over a year and are very happy with the experience.

My wife and I have hired Island Architects for our third home. Each project has resulted in a home that we have cherished and believe has been designed to the highest architectural standards and creativity.

Island Architects are amazing architects. Their designs are timeless, beautiful and creative. As a builder we have had the privilege to work with Drex and Tony numerous times in both California and Hawaii.