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Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo

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San Luis Obispo / 50 mi
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Featured Reviews for Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo

des Plantes and Associates
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsDecember 10, 2013
“My husband and I are remodeling both of our bathrooms, and want to open up our kitchen area so it works better with the layout of our house. Marcus has been working with us and he's been fantastic. Even though it is just a remodel, he's given us so many great ideas to tie the whole house together, as well as help us understand what is worth spending money on for the long run, and where we could save. He's making the process really fun and exciting, and I can't wait to live in a house that is finally well designed and perfectly us. Also, he lives is San Luis Obispo, CA and we live in Santa Cruz, which I thought might be a problem when it came down to meeting one on one, but he was very flexible and has been shooting up to meet with us multiple times bringing beautiful sketches of ideas, or examples of materials for us to look at. I hightly recommend him for big or small projects. He's truely a professional.”
Isaman Design, Inc.
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsApril 13, 2012
“Isaman design is a professional organization that completes their designs on an individual basis. They got to know us, and our specific wants and needs , then created the house design based on that. They also offered exceptionally talented advice ,which made the whole process of designing our own home manageable and fun! The outcome was everything and more than we had hoped for. And the Isaman design team was there, guiding us every step of the way, from our design dreams to a finished beautiful home! ”
RRM Design Group
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsAugust 12, 2014
“I have been commissioned to do freelance photography by RRM Design Group since June 2012, so this review is not for only one project, but for multiple projects. I enjoy working with RRM because of their professionalism, community involvement, environmentally conscientious and high level designs. Each project has been interesting and unique, which has made them a pleasure to photograph. RRM has used my photographs on their web site, marketing materials, design competition submittals. A few of the projects have been published in trade magazines, including a cover photo. On the administrative side scheduling and setting up the photo shoots as well as payments have been a smooth process. Communication about photography project objectives and anything else that has come up have been excellent. I would highly recommend working with RRM Design Group.”
Gannage Design
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsJanuary 17, 2018
“We hired Gannage Design for our Morro Bay house remodel and would hire them again in a second. From the very first meeting you know you are in good hands, they take the them time to listen and to really understand the project. From concept to design to construction, this is by far the BEST team around!”
STUDIO PRIME INC.
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsMay 9, 2018
“Currently engaged with Studio Prime in support of a design/build project here in the city of San Luis Obispo. I couldn't ask for a more knowledgeable and professional group to work with, but importantly, they also have a sense of humor (especially John). They are helping my wife and I design (and eventually build) a 3,000 sf custom home on an, um, "interesting" hilly site that is presenting some challenges. However, these guys know their stuff, and are deftly navigating us around those challenges. Strongly recommend these guys!”
Tom Meaney Architect, AIA
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsDecember 18, 2013
“The process of designing and building a home on the west coast while we lived on the east coast would have been a challenge. Tom made it easy and fun. He was available whenever we needed him throughout the design and build process. Best of all, Tom is now one of our good friends.”
Associated Development Services Corporation
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsAugust 2, 2015
“Rick Low helped us design and draft a fairly complicated set of plans for a major addition to our house. We were very happy with not only the service he provided, but also for the creative suggestions and open communication. We highly recommend Associated Development Services Corporation!”
JAK Studio
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsJune 30, 2021
“JAK Studio is currently designing a complete remodel of my home in Arroyo Grande. She is unbelievably detail-oriented. She spends so much time making sure all my requests are met. I love how she incorporates natural lighting into each room. Always available when I contact her with questions.”
Michael D Smith Architect
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsJanuary 18, 2017
“Michael has been a great resource for my company. Affording us the opportunity for a quick response to our needs as as remodeling contractor in the San luis Obispo and Southern Monterey Counties. His quick response to our needs has been a tremendous asset. I have seen his work on complete projects down to minor architectural and structural requirements. I can highly recommend Michael, and do so whenever I get the chance.”
Jade Architecture
Architects, Firms & Building Designers in San Luis Obispo
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsSeptember 8, 2015
“Alison was extremely helpful and professional. She dealt with my constant questions and suggestions on modifications in a very polite and professional manner. She demonstrated a great understanding of my wants and needs. Even though I am not quite ready to proceed with the project, I will most certainly contact her when I am ready!”
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Is the scope of your home design project beyond simply replacing countertops or flooring? It’s the responsibility of a San Luis Obispo home architect to transform human needs and desires into visual concepts and habitable structures. When you hire an architectural designer, you are not only hiring someone for their architectural services, but also to manage and coordinate other parties involved in the project. As you search through local San Luis Obispo, CA architectural firms and designers, keep in mind the following tips to help you choose the perfect one:

How do I find the best San Luis Obispo residential design architect for my project?


It is best to hire a home architect who will be involved in all phases of the design process, from the initial concept to the completed construction. They are often the first person you will hire for your project, and it's common for architects' contractors, or subcontractors, to prefer working with one another, which means better relationships and smoother work on your home. Interior architects are also involved in negotiating contracts for all involved participants, from builders, to engineers and even landscapers. It is for these reasons that it is extremely important for you to have a good relationship with the San Luis Obispo residential architect you hire. He or she can be the tie-breaking vote between you and the general contractor and can be your biggest advocate during the construction process. Different residential architecture firms in San Luis Obispo, CA provide different services, so the scope of the work can span from pre-design environmental impact studies to selecting furniture and finishes, depending on what your specific needs are.

What sort of process can I expect from a residential architect?


As far as the process goes, the architecture firm or individual that you choose will start with concept drawings and finish with construction drawings and documents. Some firms even design with 3D renderings and videos, but that should not be assumed. There should be plenty of meetings between you and your building designer until you have agreed upon a design that you are completely happy with. Always keep in mind that the designer will have building codes to follow, and likely pre-existing design limitations when dealing with a remodel, so while they might not be able to execute your exact ideas they always have your safety and aesthetics in mind. One of the most important duties of a residential architect is to serve as managers and supervise most aspects of construction, as well as facilitate communication between all other contractors, so you can expect them to be present throughout the entire building process to ensure everything is executed as planned.

It is very important to hire the right professional for the job. Remember that the most well-known or established designer might not provide the best architectural services for your needs. It all comes down to the individual project. Research and ask people whose work you like for recommendations. It's important to have somewhat of an idea of the style of house architecture that you prefer, as well as the amount you would like to spend. Residential architect's companies in San Luis Obispo, CA are typically filled with employees that are natural problem solvers. They will assess the entire situation and help you to solve your problems too. Don't settle for a single company too early. Call and interview a few. Make sure that you feel like your personalities will mesh well and that you like their professional perspective.

Questions to ask prospective San Luis Obispo interior architects:


  • What is your fee structure?
  • What does the cost include?
  • Do you have professional liability insurance?
  • Can you handle my special requests (ADA, LEED etc.)?
  • What types of renderings (3D, video, illustrative) will you produce?
  • What is your experience with similar projects?
  • When do you expect to start and be finished with the project?
  • What do your services include? (It's best that the services are until construction is completed.)
  • What happens when the cost exceeds the budget?
  • Can you provide me with references?
  • Would you say your work has a defining style? (This is important in case the architect's personal style will interfere with your vision.)
  • Will you help with hiring a general contractor and subcontractors?
  • What do you estimate the cost will be?
  • What will I need to provide?
  • Are there any complications you foresee with this project?


Find local architecture companies in San Luis Obispo, CA on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to San Luis Obispo architects. You may also look through photos of California projects to find interior architects and building designers who have worked on a project similar to yours.

Find architects and building designers near me on Houzz

Before you hire an architect or building designer in San Luis Obispo, California, shop through our network of over 261 local architects and building designers. Read through customer reviews, check out their past projects and then request a quote from the best architects and building designers near you. Finding architects and building designers in my area is easy on Houzz.