Keith Messick Architecture

Working with Keith Messick Architecture on our home addition and remodel was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Keith is fast, organized, and detail-oriented, bringing a deep understanding of both design and construction that gave us complete confidence throughout the project. He expertly managed every aspect — from floor plans, lighting, and electrical layouts to flooring, structural coordination, windows, doors, and finish details — with precision and care. Whenever we had questions, he took the time to explain everything thoroughly, ensuring we understood the rationale behind each decision. Keith also played a crucial role in navigating a complex variance and permitting process with the city. What could have been a stressful situation went smoothly, thanks to his persistence, help in drafting clear communications, and his ability to develop an in-depth knowledge of our local code regulations. Beyond his technical expertise, Keith is a pleasure to work with — responsive, collaborative, and genuinely passionate about his work and his clients. We are absolutely thrilled with both the outcome and the process, and we highly recommend Keith Messick Architecture to anyone seeking a talented architect who blends creativity, precision, and exceptional client care.

Keith executed a thoughtful process to transform the requirements for our significant remodel project into a design and set of drawings approved by Orange County. His timeliness, professionalism, and creativity provided an architectural design that exceeded our expectations and met our core requirements. He was a pleasure to work with and very respectful of our project requirements and financial framework. We look forward to continue to work with him on the execution of his design.

Keith Messick has been a delight to work with. Not only did he capture our vision for the project but his feed back has been invaluable. Because of the complex nature of working in Laguna Beach on any building project Keith has gone the extra mile in making sure our project is continually progressing through the building process. This is no small task. His follow up is impressive. His design work and creativity is beautiful. He is deliberate in finding solutions to bring consensus to projects. Not only did we find a great architect professionally, we feel we have a life long friend. We can’t speak highly enough of Keith professionally and give him our highest recommendation as “Best in Class” Connie Kelly

Keith did an amazing job on my remodel project. He was hands-on , kept the project rolling forward with the city and permit process, and wonderful to work with. I highly recommend his services!

We had a great experience working with Keith Messick. We owned a small house and we wanted to remodel because we needed more space and more storage. Keith listened to what we needed in order to make the house work for our family. Keith created a plan that incorporated all our needs. He also added clever solutions that we never considered. His attention to detail enabled us to get the most out of our remodel. Keith is very knowledgeable about all things construction! He even knew prices and costs, which was very helpful. We had a much better idea going into the bidding process. His extensive knowledge in this area also helped us prioritize which upgrades we wanted to include, because we could better compare costs associated with each upgrade. Keith was very budget sensitive. He understood our budget and worked diligently to get the most for our money. He offered solutions that gave us the opportunity to maximize the full potential of our remodel. He quickly understood our style and taste, and he respected our style throughout his design. During the construction process, Keith acted as an advocate between us and the GC, as well as other contractors that worked on our home. He met with us every week throughout the entire remodel. He examined all stages and aspects of construction. He would raise questions and make sure that the project was being completed to the plans and to our satisfaction. Most importantly, Keith is an honest and ethical professional. He takes pride in his work and he cares about his clients. Construction can be stressful and wrought with decision making, but Keith made the process fun! He has a common-sense approach, he's articulate, he explains complicated situations clearly, and he's just a great guy! I can say without hesitation that Keith Messick was the key to making our house the home we always wanted!

Keith Messick, for the time we were planning the project, Keith was amazing. He was very helpful with suggestions and he would really listen to what I had to say and we would come up with a plan. Communication was fantastic! Many contractors will just talk over you and not let you get a word in or interrupt what you are saying and then guess what you were going to say. Not Keith! Super enjoyable to work with and very knowledgable. I would highly recommend Keith.

I have owned my home for over 20 years. In that time, we've done a number of small projects, but nothing major. When it was time to do a major remodel of the house, my wife and I were terrified because of all the horror stories we've heard about contractors and architects who have their own agenda. Keith, however, has been a breath of fresh air. He didn't come into our project with his own agenda, or wanting to prove he could do the most avant garde project; he listened to what we wanted, gave us tremendous advice based on our wants and needs, simplified the entire process for us, and made us feel like WE were in charge of our own home. He brought his sense of humor and his humility to us. We couldn't be happier with the plans Keith provided, and the expediency with which he has done everything. Creating the plans, working with our HOA, working with an engineer, working with the city, working with the contractor, Keith has done it all and done it well. I highly recommend Keith for your remodel or building needs.

Keith Messick is a superlative architect and businessperson, and I recommend him without reservation. Keith designed and provided construction oversight for a 748-sq-ft home built in 2009. His knowledge was extensive, his cost was reasonable, and his communication skills were outstanding. He consistently met deadlines and worked extremely well with all of the construction tradepersons involved, as well as with local officials and with me as the client. Keith demonstrated a remarkable ability to make real my dreams and visions. The home he designed for me -- intended initially to generate rental income, and then as my own home, which it is now -- came with built-in challenges: It is an independent secondary dwelling unit, so both state and local laws and size limitations had to be followed; and the city in which the home exists has stringent standards (setbacks, building height, conformity to neighborhood, etc.) that had to be met. In 748 square feet there's not necessarily much room for closets and/or storage. This was one area in which Keith's expertise and creativity really helped. Despite the relatively small size of this home, Keith met my wish for a full kitchen, an indoor washer/dryer (which are stackable), and a half-bathroom downstairs with a full bathroom upstairs next to the bedroom. Upstairs he created a balcony off the bedroom, to open up the feeling of spaciousness. He also incorporated a 10-foot ceiling downstairs to give the feeling of expansiveness in a small area, and he included openable windows on three sides of the home to promote cross-ventilation. My electric bills are modest as a result! Keith's ability to listen to me, to interpret my not always well articulated needs and wishes, and to communicate quickly and effectively with sub-contractors was consistently excellent. I have nothing but the highest respect for this excellent architecture professional.