Last updated on November 13th, 2024 at 06:12 am
When designing an office, it’s important to ensure that the workspace expresses the company’s culture and encourages collaboration. Enlisting the help of an architect whose efforts develop building systems that adapt to employees’ evolving needs will allow you to turn your headquarters into a resource rather than a mere destination.
To help you choose the right designer equipped to handle any building requirements you might require, our team has curated a list of the best office architects in Newport Beach, California. These firms were selected for their accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations. We also considered the recognition each firm has received in the form of industry awards, client reviews, and press features. We have laid out the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Abramson Architects
5171 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
Bestowed with over seventy-five design awards, Abramson Architects (AA) designs workplaces, residences, multi-family developments, healthcare facilities, cultural, and retail projects. The firm’s work can be seen throughout North America, gracefully merging the old with the new, catalyzing positive, meaningful change. AA recently reinforced its commitment as one of 18 firms participating in the 2020 SoCal National Organization of Minority Architects Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenge by pledging to create inclusive designs.
Founding Partner Trevor Abramson is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a recipient of the Quincy Jones Memorial Award for Design Excellence. His two decades of experience began with single-family residences, and he has since expanded his practice to cover ecclesiastical commissions, educational facilities, and various commercial buildings. Trevor’s work has earned him a National AIA Honor Design Award, and he has been featured in prestigious art institution tours and national AIA tours. His leadership has established a culture of design excellence at Abramson Architects, as demonstrated by their work on Keslow Camera’s creative office.
AA transformed a tilt-up warehouse building into an elevated user experience by weaving complex layering of programmatic and sequential requirements into an inspiring and collaborative work environment. From the entry to the loading dock, connectivity between departments was achieved to encourage an operational flow amidst the open volume of the space. The AA design team constructed a custom prep bay with a built-in track system where the Keslow Camera staff can test and set up camera equipment.
Rockefeller Kempel Architects
145 Standard St., El Segundo, CA 90245
Rockefeller Kempel Architects (RKA) has been recognized by the Los Angeles Building Council and International Interior Design Association (IIDA) with awards for the full range of architectural services it delivers to the residential and commercial sectors. Its team works in close collaboration with clients and consultants to understand their needs and create spaces that successfully respond to complex programmatic requirements. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), RKA guards the land’s natural state through modern and site-specific solutions that embrace both the natural and cultural environs.
Rocky Rockefeller and Christopher Kempel teamed up to form RKA. Rocky worked as Managing Partner at Rockefeller/Hricak where he honed his skills in residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use design. After serving a multi-year term on the board of the AIA Los Angeles chapter (AIA|LA), he was granted the John S. Bolles, FAIA Fellowship Award for his contributions to the profession. Chris shares Rocky’s passion for designing residential spaces and is a member of the AIA as well. The two partners have nurtured their firm’s approach to crafting homes and offices that promote well-being, which yielded the Warner Music Group headquarters.
RKA adaptively reused this historic Beaux Arts style factory as a new creative office. The team restored the building’s original brick façade and replaced over 18,000 individual window panes on the skylights and windows with energy-efficient glass. Offices were designed as seven mini-communities on the ground and mezzanine level. A two-tier, 250-seat flexible live performance space was incorporated into the space for Warner Music Group’s recording artists.
Lionakis
4000 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 101, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Founded in 1909 by George Sellon, California’s first State Architect, Lionakis brings more than a century of experience in architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, and laboratory and sustainable design. The AIA-accredited firm takes a multidisciplinary and client-centered approach to creating environments that transform the communities in which the users live and work. With a State of California Certified Access Specialist on staff, the firm can walk clients through facilities assessments to achieve access compliance. Moreover, a mastery of current codes and applications combined with long-standing relationships with various approval agencies allows Lionakis to expedite the entire process.
As President of Lionakis, Don McAllister has led the company’s award-winning achievements, including multiple awards from the Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada. His extensive background in healthcare architecture is fundamental to setting the company apart as a leading design firm. Don built on the company’s prowess in workplaces and corporate offices, resulting in the design of Lionakis’ own headquarters.
The members of the firm wanted an open, collaborative and creative space where they could work differently. In collaboration with the local staff, the design team developed a unique, fun office space featuring a wine bar, an open kitchen, and flexible team spaces that can also serve as hotel stations.
ShubinDonaldson
3751 Robertson Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
ShubinDonaldson (SD) provides intelligently designed residences, commercial structures, and interiors that are infused with an attention to value, authentic material expression, and masterfully crafted details. Projects are delivered on time and on budget through a team effort, managed and directed by a project manager and project architect. The firm’s ability to creatively investigate and explore strategic solutions has earned the trust of the Los Angeles Business Council.
Robin Donaldson and Russell Shubin founded ShubinDonaldson Architects, and are partners alongside Mark Hershman. Shubin was an Associate at the Blurock Partnership, and has since worked on luxury residences, mixed-use, multi-family, and commercial office projects for international clients. He is a member of the AIA, as is Donaldson, who serves on the organization and on community planning advisory boards across Southern California. Meanwhile, Hershman cultivated the ShubinDonaldson’s commercial interiors practice, and has expanded its services to cover ground-up mixed-use, multi-family projects, as well as the adaptive reuse of campus developments. They have all been instrumental in the firm’s award-winning work in the corporate office market, including 5300 McConnell.
ShubinDonaldson has an impressive portfolio of projects with the Via Lido mixed-use facility as one of their most notable. The 62-year-old building was initially designed by a mid-century bank architect as an addition to the Newport Balboa Savings Bank building. The firm revamped the 65,000-square-foot property and updated its systems, structural capacity, and design. The team designed it to stunningly enhance its visual connection with Newport Bay by using a new transparent skin for its exterior. Each floor’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide expansive views and ample sunlight for the office spaces, along with the structure’s twin glass wall facade that serves as an artful visual screen as it encapsulates the 2nd-floor office space. This remarkable project will set a precedent in quality and esthetics for the future redevelopment of Lido Village.
Wiley Architects
220 Newport Center Dr. #166, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Wiley Architects implements a research-based approach to designing buildings that respect and reflect the distinct social, cultural, and architectural traditions of the communities in which they belong. It strives to integrate the natural landscape with humanity’s needs for the benefit of both. The firm’s retail, office, residential, civic, adaptive reuse, and educational projects actively contribute to enhancing the environment, and have been honored with accolades from AIA Orange County (AIAOC).
Annete Wiley’s command over government, university, corporate, commercial, cultural, and retail design has won more than 30 national and local AIA and IIDA design awards. Her work effectively communicates a company’s brand, culture, demands, and objectives through inventive architectural forms, and has prompted her elevation to the AIA College of Fellows. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) spearheaded Wiley Architects’ specialties in architectural programming, strategic planning, entitlements, interior design, and retail consulting. Wiley’s thoughtful design technique can be seen in much of the firm’s highly varied portfolio including Hybrid Studios’ Music Recording and Production Offices.
The multimedia production facility houses analog and digital recording studios alongside a massive sound stage with pre-lit cyclorama. The stage at Hybrid Studios features a dual insulated bay door and a massive cyclorama, lit by a suspended lighting grid. It has a green room and expansive make-up/dressing area with full bath, while the studios contain a live room, two separate isolation rooms, control room, production suite, and vocal booth.
MVE + Partners, Inc.
888 South Figueroa Street, Suite 2170, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Founded in 1974, MVE + Partners believes in a simple, proven approach to completing projects. Mixed with artistry and the latest technology, the approach has proven effective through several projects and recognitions the firm has achieved over the years. The firm has been featured in publications such as Building Design + Construction, Architect Magazine, ReBusinessOnline, and The Real Deal. They have earned numerous awards including the AIA Orange County 25-Year Design Award.
One of the firm’s most remarkable designs is the Mandarin Oriental Residences. This luxury condominium project includes 54 high-end residential units and 6,650 square feet of retail spaces. The development currently under construction includes luxury amenities including an outdoor pool with stunning views of Beverly Hills. Opulence is evident in the design starting with the building’s lobby. From top to bottom, the building’s facade is peppered with Asian-inspired landscaping true to the Mandarin Oriental brand.
Aside from multifamily builds, the firm’s exceptional designs are exhibited in its mixed-use, commercial, resort, retail, institutional, hospitality and recreational communities and master plan projects. These designs are generated by dedicated team members—true innovators and professionals. MVE is led by an accomplished and experienced team of architects, designers, planners, and business professionals. They represent the greatest talent our industry has to offer and reflect the quality, leadership, success, and high standards of their clients.
William Hezmalhalch Architects
680 Newport Center Drive Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660
William Hezmalhalch Architects (WHA) is a multidisciplinary firm of architects, planners, and designers that manage every aspect of the architectural process to fulfill a client’s goals. With almost 40 years in the business, WHA has formed strong ties with subcontractors and collaborated with agencies, builders, and developers through design, budgets, codes, entitlement, and construction documentation.
Bill Hezmalhalch is the President of WHA. His four decades of hands-on experience spans a wide range of residential building types including custom, luxury, and resort properties, as well as single-family conventional, high-density detached, and attached homes. Hezmalhalch is affiliated with the AIA and accredited by NCARB. Apart from this, he was inducted into the William S. Marvin Hall of Fame for Design Excellence as well as the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame. He has been sought out as a speaker at many premier industry conferences and has led WHA into winning a Best of 55+ Housing Award from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
This office space for Modi is an outstanding representative of WHA’s long portfolio of commercial projects. The interactive hallway showcases the brand mark to create a floor-to-ceiling “world map,” a creative and artful display of the brand’s global focus. Thoughtful and strategic messaging creates engaging focal points for the end of hallway treatments, while environment signage in the central hub strategically generates brand awareness.
Lee & Sakahara Architects
16842 Von Karman Ave. Suite 125, Irvine, CA 92606
For over 42 years, Lee and Sakahara Architects, Inc. (Leesak) has delivered exceptional architecture and planning services to national and international clients. Its in-house staff supports its capabilities in site development, construction administration, project entitlements, LEED design, government agency liaison, and tenant-related services. As a member of USGBC, Leesak designs structures that are sensitive to the environment. The firm utilizes advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) that allows clients and end-users to visualize and evaluate multiple design options.
Founder and CEO Douglas H. Lee worked as Chief Architect for world-renowned architect Paolo Soleri, and as Director of Design for a multinational architectural and engineering firm where he gained a wealth of international experience. He puts 30 years’ worth of expertise into practice as a registered architect in 20 states. Like Douglas, president of Leesak Gary E. Congdon is a member of the AIA and possesses an NCARB certificate. Since 1973, Gary has practiced architecture and construction in Nevada. He ran his own firm for 16 years before joining Lee & Sakahara. Douglas and Gary are dedicated to the careful execution of each project at Leesak.
Sand Canyon Medical Center on-campus of Hoag Hospital, Irvine is a testament to their ability. The three-story concrete tilt-up medical office building is elevator served and has free surface parking. Medical suites, waiting rooms, consultation rooms, and check-in and check-out areas that accommodate in-house billing and administration functions facilitate patient flow.
Robinson Hill Architecture, Inc.
3195 B Airport Loop Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Robinson Hill Architecture, Inc., is based in Orange County and licensed to practice architecture in 22 states. Although focused on retail, restaurant, hospitality, and office, they are inspired to create public spaces that can provide enriching experiences. They search for a unique project base to sustain their well-versed and creative staff. Their service-first business model is applied at all levels to every project. The design process is site and team specific without pre-conceived concepts, making each project dynamic and unique. This collaborative approach involves all team members, ensuring the best ideas are brought forth to enrich each project.
RHA has 36 years of commercial experience with a portfolio of local, regional, and international projects diverse in scale. Their growing success can be attributed to a passion for architecture and their investment in continuing client relationships. Learn more about Robinson Hill Architecture at rhainc.net.
Bundy-Finkel Architects
1120 Bristol Street Ste. 120, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Bundy-Finkel Architects provides comprehensive architecture, planning, and interior design services for residential and commercial clients. It is capable of shouldering document production, construction administration, structural and electrical engineering, plumbing, and cost estimation. The firm produces architectural work that marries function and design through a collaborative process. Bundy-Finkel Architects uses cutting-edge software to visualize projects at all stages of development, allowing clients to completely comprehend and participate in the entire design process.
Timothy Bundy and Richard Finkel both fulfilled their roles as Principals at Blomgren Associates Architects before teaming up to form Bundy-Finkel Architects. Bundy leverages his know-how as a LEED Accredited Professional in growing the firm’s sustainability practice. His design expertise is complemented by Finkel’s proficiency in marketing, construction administration, and computer-aided design. The principals supervise the team in achieving clients’ strategic objectives. A product of their integrity and teamwork is the JJS Construction Headquarters in Irvine, which won a Western Builder’s Conference Gold Nugget Merit Award. The 9,800-square-foot warehouse and office building features expansive glass windows that blend the outdoors and indoors and allow plenty of natural light to filter in. Natural textures and stone detailing add to its homey character.
GAA Architects
8811 Research Drive Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618
In the span of three decades, GAA Architects has combined architectural design and master planning with cost containment and value engineering. It has completed corporate, medical office, industrial, retail, hospitality, and hi-tech facilities for prominent clients such as Extron Electronics, Paramount Studios, FedEx Ground, and UPS. Moreover, GAA’s exemplary work has earned the trust of distinguished developers including Panattoni Development Company, the Oakmont Industrial Group, and The Muller Company, with whom GAA has maintained solid relationships.
Principals Roger Deitos and Craig Williamson are the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. Roger was employed at HNTB as a Project Architect; Craig was a Director of Studio Projects at Bastien & Associates, Inc. where they cultivated their skills in design. The principals lend their knowledge of architecture and planning process to GAA Architects’ collection of commercial projects.
This six-story 200,000 square-foot high-rise corporate headquarters holds a restaurant and live entertainment venue at the ground level and a banquet facility on the sixth floor. Corporate office tenant improvements consist of training rooms, data center, labs, product demonstration rooms, video and photo studios, and video conference rooms.
Douglas Franz Architects
4001 Westerly Pl. Ste. 108, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Douglas Franz Architects, Inc. has specialized in architectural design for corporate office and industrial buildings in the Southern California area since 2003. It offers a wide range of services encompassing site design and master planning, feasibility studies, building design, and interior architecture. Moreover, the firm undertakes construction documentation, construction administration, and as-built drawings, gaining the trust of national and regional developers, institutional partners, land owners, local business owners, and individual tenants.
Douglas Franz obtained his architecture degree at Carnegie Mellon University. From that time, he has spent over 30 years designing and developing business and medical offices, warehouses, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings and tenant improvements. Douglas holds membership with the AIA and upholds the principles of the organization in his firm’s work, from small single story office buildings, to business parks and high cube e-commerce warehouse buildings.
Douglas Franz Architects was responsible for the renovation of the Atlas Corporate Center. This two-story 86,000-square-foot office building in Monterey Park has a new two-story open glass lobby at the intersection of two separate structures. An exposed steel canopy structure, modern finishes, and refreshed landscaping and building paint breathe new life into the headquarters.
Robert Coffee Architect + Associates
1200 Quail Street Suite 210, Newport Beach, CA 92660
With expertise in architecture, planning, and interior design, Robert R. Coffee Architect + Associates (RCA+A) partners with clients in shaping environmentally conscious public buildings and specialty corporate offices. Active and passive design strategies are integrated into each of its projects as RCA+A explores cost-effective interventions that adhere to LEED standards. The USGBC-certified firm has received recognition from the American Public Works Association and California Concrete Masonry Association for its facility and civic designs.
Robert R. Coffee has amassed over 45 years of experience performing his duties as Senior Designer, Project Architect and Principal-in-Charge of diverse typologies extending from office buildings to educational and municipal buildings. Additionally, he carries in-depth design knowledge of civic and community buildings, especially libraries and senior/community centers. Coordinating with community citizen groups and managing the public consensus building process stands out as one of his greatest strengths. Robert’s talent imparts confidence to the clients of RCA+A in handling their projects such as with the Credco Corporation Headquarters.
This three-building corporate campus is organized around a “palm grove court” providing shaded parking for all of the visitors and some employees. All building entries are defined by two-story high shaded arcades with two story lobbies, providing a sun exposure gradient change as one passes from the exterior to the interior.
