Newport Beach, California, is a coastal gem that seamlessly blends coastal beauty with a touch of architectural excellence. This vibrant city, situated in the heart of Orange County, boasts stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and a thriving community that appreciates fine design and aesthetics. From its luxurious waterfront homes to its bustling commercial districts, Newport Beach captivates residents and visitors alike.
If you’re searching for the best commercial architects in Newport Beach, you’re in the right place. Our team has meticulously curated a list of leading architectural firms in this picturesque city, considering factors like their impressive portfolios, professional expertise, client testimonials, and industry accolades. Whether you have a vision for a cutting-edge office building, a captivating retail space, or a hospitality project that exudes sophistication, the architects on our list have the talent and dedication to turn your architectural dreams into reality.
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
1300 Dove St, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting (LDAC) redefines the architectural landscape beyond conventional expectations. LDAC doesn’t just design; it transforms spaces, impacts people, and fosters success. Its wide-ranging expertise covers architecture, interior architecture, engineering, land planning, facilities planning, space management, 3D visualization, and more. Collaborating closely with its clients, it crafts sustainable, high-performance designs that align with their budgets and enhance their organization’s objectives.
Under the leadership of partner and CEO Carol Rickard-Brideau, LDAC commits to elevating client performance, fostering regenerative design, and supporting employee growth. It is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, reflecting its dedication to design excellence. This fact is also bolstered by its features in reputable publications like Builder Magazine and the Orange County Business Journal.
AO
144 N. Orange St, Orange, CA 92866
Established in 1974, AO is a renowned full-service architectural, master planning, and design firm that specializes in retail, residential, and mixed-use ventures. With over four and a half decades of expertise in architecture and construction, it has collaboratively crafted exceptional projects alongside some of the nation’s top multifamily, retail, commercial, and mixed-use real estate developers. The team’s extensive experience positions the firm as one of Southern California’s foremost architectural and planning firms, celebrated for its excellence in delivering top-tier designs.
Jack Selman, the CEO and managing partner, leads AO’s commitment to delivering excellence in design and planning. With a lifelong passion for architecture and design, Selman’s vision guides the company’s ten studios and ensures the seamless fusion of business objectives with design brilliance. Under his leadership, AO holds affiliations with esteemed organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board. Its dedication to excellence has also been acknowledged through accolades, like the Merit Award for Best Commercial Project at Ramsay’s Kitchen and awards from the PCBC Gold Nugget Awards.\
Anders Lasater Architects
384 Forest Ave #12, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
With over 25 years of experience, Anders Lasater Architects has nurtured an expertise in curating exceptional home experiences for every budget and design preference. Anders Lasater Architects is engaged in award-winning projects spanning the nation and beyond, from the picturesque shores of Hawaii to the vibrant streets of Chicago, the tranquil landscapes of Greece to the serene beaches of Bermuda, and the coastal beauty of Newport Beach to the dynamic cityscape of San Diego. The company holds affiliations with the American Institute of Architects Orange County, and its achievements include receiving the esteemed title of the 2020 Most Transformative Renovation Firm. Its accomplishments have also been featured in prestigious publications such as Interior Design Magazine and Modern Luxury Magazine.
Esteemed Principal Anders Lasater has passionately led the firm since 2005, building upon a decade-solid foundation as the managing associate for Mark Singer Architects in Laguna Beach. His architectural vision extends beyond residential projects to include restaurant, retail, and hotel ventures. Holding a Master of Architecture degree from UCLA and a Bachelor of Architecture with honors from Cal Poly Pomona, Lasater is a licensed architect in California, Texas, and Hawaii. He also holds a Certified Green Building Professional designation.
Rockefeller Kempel Architects
145 Standard St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Established in 2002, Rockefeller Kempel Architects (RKA) emerged from the collective expertise of D. Rocky Rockefeller and Christopher Kempel, both members of the American Institute of Architects. Their distinct backgrounds empower RKA to deliver all-encompassing architectural services, including conceptual design, strategic planning, construction administration, and post-occupancy evaluation. D. Rocky Rockefeller brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished academic background, enriched by his roles in academia and architectural leadership. Meanwhile, Christopher Kempel leverages his artistic passion for leading design initiatives at RKA, drawing from a diverse educational background that spans the globe. Together, they have created a dynamic and forward-thinking architectural practice.
RKA’s dedicated team, guided by these leading partners, adeptly manages various projects, ranging from custom residences to corporate headquarters. It also maintains an affiliation with the American Institute of Architects, reflecting its commitment to professional excellence. The firm earned the 2023 AIA California Design Award for its work with Ford Motor Company, and its projects have garnered attention in respected publications such as Travel + Leisure and the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Studio W Architects
424 32nd St, Suite D/E, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Founded in 1989 to serve the communities where people live, work, and play, Studio W Architects began its journey as a design firm specializing in educational and public works architecture. Though its original focus was architecture and structural engineering services, its specialty quickly shifted exclusively to architecture, with an expanding presence in the commercial market.
Today, Studio W Architects is a full-service architecture, interiors, and planning firm active in the public and private education, civic, commercial, and retail sectors. It is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and has received the 2023 Sacramento Business Journal “Largest Architectural Firm” Award. Its work has also been featured in Sacramento Business Journal and Comstock’s Magazine. Leading the team is Brian Whitmore, who serves as president and CEO. He holds architectural registrations in California and Nevada, National Council of Architectural Review Boards (NCARB) Certification, and is an Accredited Professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP).
FoxLin Architects
392 Camino De Estrella, San Clemente, CA 92672
FoxLin Architects fully recognizes that architecture is a substantial investment and a vital decision for every client. Choosing the right architect is a pivotal part of this journey. That’s why the firm guides its clients through the feasibility and practicality of their aspirations, covering every aspect of the architectural project, from planning to design, and budgeting to timelines.
With affiliations in the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, FoxLin brings a wealth of experience and dedication to each architectural project. It has been recognized for its contributions to the field, both locally and internationally. Its principals, Michael Fox and Juintow Lin, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to each project. Michael Fox is a registered architect, licensed contractor, and a Full Professor of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona. He has authored books and earned recognition for his work in interactive and kinetic architecture, including projects for NASA. Juintow Lin, a registered architect and LEED-accredited professional, has a rich background in prestigious firms and has extensive experience working on sustainable urban housing projects in China.
Lionakis
2050 Main St2, Suite 400, Irvine, CA 92614
Lionakis, a firm that has been deeply rooted in the Sacramento region for over a century, has nurtured enduring relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, business leaders, and community influencers. Through its expansive portfolio of successful projects, it has consistently delivered responsive, thoughtful, and inventive design solutions that have shaped the communities it calls home. Yet Lionakis has evolved with time, streamlining its name and refocusing on its founding principles of relationships, performance, and design as it approached its 2009 centennial. This refreshed approach and its long-standing presence in Sacramento have positioned the studio well for the next century.
The company has a legacy marked by landmark structures like the Sacramento Department of Motor Vehicles Headquarters, the State Office Building at Butterfield Way for the Franchise Tax Board, and the award-winning Sacramento River Water Intake Structure. Aligned with the US Green Building Council and with a track record of LEED-certified projects, Lionakis remains dedicated to creating sustainable, enduring, and meaningful spaces for its community. Its journey continues as it collaborates, innovates, and strengthens the bonds that define its work.
Bickel Group Architecture
3600 Birch St, Suite 120, Newport Beach, CA 92660
The Bickel Group is a collaborative team that has a portfolio of diverse projects spanning California and the western United States. This portfolio encompasses restaurant, retail, institutional, office, automotive, and adaptive reuse sites, reflecting its commitment to creating value through innovative, sustainable design, and collaborative problem-solving. The Bickel Group is eager to continue contributing to the success of construction projects through its unwavering commitment to quality and collaboration.
The Bickel Group’s leadership team, including Jim Bickel, Kelly Johnson, and Jessica Steiner, brings a wealth of experience in project management, architectural design, and construction oversight. They are the driving force behind the firm, ensuring that the team’s design parameters and construction documents align with the owner’s vision and budget. The team includes several LEED APs, demonstrating the firm’s dedication to sustainable practices. Some of its works can also be seen on the pages of Connections Magazine.
