Architecture shapes the spaces where life unfolds, blending creativity, functionality, and sustainability to design structures that stand the test of time. It involves a profound understanding of form, space, and materials to craft environments that resonate with human needs and aspirations. From concept to construction, architecture reflects cultural values, harmonizes with its surroundings, and accommodates the evolving requirements of society. With a focus on balance, proportion, and innovation, it transforms visions into built realities that inspire and endure.
“Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” —Julia Morgan
Here is the list of the best architects and architecture firms in Pasadena, California, whose works we admire.
1. BiLDEN | Architecture Firm in South Pasadena, California
Address: 731 E Washington Blvd Unit #1, Pasadena, CA 91104, United States
BiLDEN is a distinguished architecture and construction firm based in Pasadena, California. Founded by Greg Crawford, it specializes in creating sophisticated, modern spaces, including custom residential designs, interiors, and landscaping. With over three decades of experience, BiLDEN emphasizes the integration of light, space, form, and texture in its work. The firm is known for its attention to detail and innovative approach, ensuring that every project is visually stunning and highly functional. Their collaborative approach with clients and consultants fosters a seamless execution process, while their commitment to sustainability ensures that each project minimizes its environmental impact.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By BiLDEN.
2. BOLADarck | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 408 S Pasadena Ave #6, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
BOLADarck, based in Pasadena, California, is an architecture firm known for its contemporary designs and diverse portfolio. The firm has undertaken various projects, including single-family residences, multi-family housing, mixed-use developments, and cultural spaces. Notable projects include residential buildings in Los Angeles and Pasadena, mixed-use structures in Culver City, and a hospitality project in Texas. The firm's designs often incorporate modern aesthetics with functional spaces, focusing on creating vibrant urban living experiences. For instance, their mixed-use project on Robertson Boulevard in Culver City features a combination of housing, office space, and retail with an emphasis on open space and modern materials.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By BOLADarck.
3. Chipman Design Architecture | Architect in Pasadena, California
Address: 80 S Lake Ave #708, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
Chipman Design Architecture is a full-service architecture and interior design firm with offices in Des Plaines, Illinois, Pasadena, California, and New York City. Specializing in restaurants, retail, and hospitality, the firm has built a strong reputation for its expertise in prototype design development and site adaptation. Founded nearly 70 years ago by Albert B. Chipman, the firm has evolved under the leadership of his son John Chipman and now includes his granddaughter Lauren Chipman, ensuring a family-oriented approach to innovative design. Chipman Design Architecture integrates advanced technology into its design process, utilizing 3D computer renderings and animations alongside hand-drawn sketches to effectively communicate concepts to clients.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Chipman Design Architecture.
4. D.S. Ewing Architects | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 723 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106, United States
D.S. Ewing Architects, established in 1972, is a renowned full-service architectural design firm based in Pasadena, California. The firm specializes in a wide range of design services, including site and master planning, architectural design, building renovations, and custom interior designs. With a history of over 1,000 completed projects across various sectors, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and civic projects, D.S. Ewing Architects is known for creating sustainable and functional design solutions that align with client needs and budgets. The firm also has a strong focus on integrating custom furniture, lighting, and fixtures into their projects. Their commitment to quality and innovation has led them to work on projects both domestically and internationally.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By D.S. Ewing Architects.
5. DOMM | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 261 E Colorado Blvd #207, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
DOMM is a contemporary architecture firm founded by Paul Matevosyan and Raffy Mardirossian in 2019, based in Pasadena, California. The firm focuses on a wide range of projects, from residential and cultural buildings to innovative installations. DOMM is known for its bold, modern approach to design, favoring a collaboration with clients who are open to challenging architectural norms. Their expertise spans various project scales across the U.S., with a particular emphasis on creating unique, thoughtful spaces. The firm operates from a small studio in the historic Pashgian Building, and they are committed to delivering distinctive and high-quality architecture across multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, and hospitality.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By DOMM.
6. George Architectural | Architecture Firm in South Pasadena, California
Address: 847 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030, United States
George Architecture Studio is a design-focused firm that approaches architecture as a comprehensive discipline, embracing not just the built environment but also product and graphic design. They focus on creating holistic, integrated designs that extend to furniture and conceptual art pieces. This studio believes in the versatility of design as a universal language and translates it into various forms, from custom-built architectural elements to replicable products and graphic identities. One notable example is their design of a custom wrought-iron entry gate for the Mission Tile West Warehouse, where they carefully balanced traditional Mediterranean influences with modern materials, crafting a gate that complements both the warehouse's aesthetic and its functional needs.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By George Architectural.
7. Harvest Architecture | Architect in South Pasadena, California
Address: 1026 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030, United States
Harvest Architecture, based in South Pasadena, California, is an architectural firm known for its commitment to preserving the charm of historic structures while integrating modern functionality. Founded with a passion for blending the old with the new, the firm specializes in crafting spaces that respect the past while meeting the needs of contemporary living. Their approach focuses on deeply listening to clients, discovering the unique essence of each home, and creating environments that harmonize with the original design. Whether restoring a classic home or designing a new space that feels timeless, their work embraces sustainability, creativity, and a playful approach to design. Their projects range from residential renovations to custom new builds, ensuring that each space reflects the client's personal vision while maintaining a connection to history.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Harvest Architecture.
8. LAB+ Architects | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 40 E Colorado Blvd Ste B, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
LAB+ Architects, also known as Liang Architecture Bureau+, is a dynamic architectural firm based in Pasadena, California. The firm specializes in architecture, urban planning, and interior design, focusing on innovative designs that harmonize with their surroundings. Notable for their work on challenging sites, such as hillside residences, LAB+ Architects employs advanced building technologies and sustainable practices to create energy-efficient and visually striking structures. A prime example of their expertise is the recently completed "Hillside House" in Los Angeles. This mid-century restoration project combined thoughtful exterior and interior upgrades with modern building systems, earning accolades such as the City of Los Angeles Historic Preservation Award of Excellence and the AIA/LA Merit Award.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By LAB+ Architects.
9. LCRA Architects | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 35 Hugus Aly #220, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
LCRA Architects is a design studio based in Pasadena, California, known for its exceptional work across a range of projects, from custom homes to mixed-use developments. Founded in 1989 by Adele Lim Chang, the firm is renowned for its thoughtful and innovative approach to architecture, prioritizing clarity, efficiency, and beauty in their designs. Their portfolio includes a variety of residential and commercial spaces, such as the Strand, a contemporary beachfront home that emphasizes natural light and panoramic ocean views. They are also adept at integrating new architectural elements with existing structures, exemplified in projects like the Mission View mixed-use development.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By LCRA Architects.
10. Oller & Pejic | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 580 Laguna Rd, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
Oller & Pejic Architecture is a Los Angeles-based firm renowned for its innovative and site-sensitive designs, particularly in the context of challenging desert environments. One of their most iconic projects is the Black Desert House in Yucca Valley, California, designed in collaboration with the multi-dimensional designer Marc Atlan. The house is envisioned as a "shadow on the landscape," blending a minimalist yet dramatic aesthetic with a strong connection to its unique desert surroundings. Its dark facade and integration with the natural topography create a striking visual impact while offering panoramic views of the horizon.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Oller & Pejic.
11. PECK Architecture | Architect in Pasadena, California
Address: 25 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
PECK Architecture, based in Pasadena, California, offers a holistic approach to architectural design, combining innovative solutions with technical expertise across multiple disciplines. Their team works collaboratively on diverse projects, ranging from residential homes to large-scale commercial and industrial developments. Notably, PECK has expertise in hillside development, historic preservation, and soft-story retrofitting. Their projects, like the striking Sunset Plaza Residence in Hollywood Hills, demonstrate a keen understanding of site-specific design, integrating the natural environment into the architecture with solutions that emphasize structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. PECK’s comprehensive approach also includes structural and civil engineering, providing clients with a seamless experience from design to construction.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By PECK Architecture.
12. SLS Design | Architecture Firm in South Pasadena, California
Address: 1414 Fair Oaks Ave # 2, South Pasadena, CA 91030, United States
SLS Design is a versatile architecture and design firm, known for delivering highly creative and functional solutions in the realms of custom residential, mixed-use, and multifamily projects. Their approach is deeply rooted in collaboration, recognizing that successful architecture is a community-driven effort that brings a shared vision to life. The team at SLS emphasizes quality, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that every design reflects both aesthetic and operational excellence. With a focus on creating spaces that enhance their surroundings, SLS has built a reputation for transforming architectural concepts into distinctive, purposeful environments.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By SLS Design.
13. TAMSTUDIO Architects | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 107 S Fair Oaks Ave #213, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
TAMSTUDIO Architects is a Pasadena-based design firm dedicated to creating spaces that inspire and elevate daily living. With a strong focus on client collaboration, the studio brings innovative design solutions tailored to individual needs, ensuring every project is a true reflection of its context and purpose. The firm takes pride in addressing design challenges with creativity, producing functional and aesthetic outcomes that stand out for their quality and thoughtfulness. Whether working on residential or commercial projects, TAMSTUDIO is committed to delivering designs that balance practicality with visionary appeal.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By TAMSTUDIO Architects.
14. Tyler + Kelly Architecture | Architect in Pasadena, California
Address: 80 S Lake Ave, Suite 500, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
Tyler + Kelly Architecture, founded by Rob Tyler and Jon Kelly, is an architecture firm based in Pasadena, California, with over three decades of experience in residential and mixed-use projects. Their design philosophy focuses on creating thoughtful, sustainable architecture that blends the unique needs of their clients with the site-specific opportunities and challenges. They specialize in urban infill, and their work often incorporates natural materials and strives for environmental responsibility. The firm’s portfolio includes both residential homes and larger-scale urban developments, such as the Oak Knoll 88 project in Pasadena, a luxury multi-family building blending traditional and modern architectural styles.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Tyler + Kelly Architecture.
15. William S Long Architect | Architecture Firm in Pasadena, California
Address: 547 S Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
William S. Long Architect, Inc. (WSLA) is a prominent architectural firm based in Pasadena, California, founded by William Long in 1991. Long, a graduate of The Los Angeles Architectural Design School (SCI-ARC) and the University of Colorado Boulder, established WSLA with a vision to create high-quality residential designs that prioritize environmental awareness and craftsmanship. The firm initially gained recognition with its first commission for a home in Mount Washington, which set the foundation for its growth and expertise across various architectural styles, including California Bungalow, Craftsman, and Modernism.
Check Out Notable Projects and Portfolio: By William S Long Architect.