Business Details
29 Years
experience
Custom Residential & Commercial Design Services in Santa Monica
Susan Masterman Architects is a full-service design firm dedicated to creating custom residential and commercial spaces that harmonize tradition with innovation. Founded in 1997 by Principal Architect Susan Masterman, our team prioritizes thoughtful collaboration, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep respect for architectural heritage. With decades of experience, we specialize in transforming homes and boutique commercial projects into functional, aesthetically rich environments. Our process emphasizes client partnership, ensuring every design reflects individual needs while maintaining timeless elegance. From concept to completion, we integrate craftsmanship, creativity, and practicality to deliver spaces that inspire.Our expertise spans renovations, new constructions, interior design, and landscape architecture, all executed with a commitment to quality and client satisfaction. Susan's background in architecture, combined with her team's dedication, ensures every project balances artistic vision with technical precision. We approach each endeavor with enthusiasm, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that makes the design journey as rewarding as the final result. Our portfolio showcases a diverse range of styles, unified by a focus on livability, sustainability, and enduring beauty. By blending historical context with modern functionality, we create spaces that resonate with both personal and environmental harmony.
Services
Residential Design
Interior Architecture
Garden Planning
Commercial Spaces
Historic Renovations
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of architectural expertise since 1997.
- Our team specializes in seamless integration of historic and modern design.
- We prioritize client collaboration throughout every project phase.
- Our portfolio demonstrates mastery across diverse architectural styles.
- We maintain rigorous attention to detail in every design element.
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential spaces that balance aesthetic elegance with functional living requirements. Our approach incorporates site-specific considerations, client preferences, and architectural context to produce homes that feel both timeless and contemporary. Each project receives tailored attention to spatial flow, material selection, and environmental integration.
Historic Renovations
Specializing in preserving architectural integrity while modernizing functionality, we handle renovations of historically significant properties. Our expertise maintains original character through careful material matching, period-appropriate detailing, and code-compliant updates that enhance livability without compromising heritage value.
Interior Architecture
Our interior design services focus on optimizing spatial relationships and creating cohesive environments. We develop layouts that maximize natural light, improve traffic flow, and enhance architectural features while specifying finishes, fixtures, and furnishings that align with the overall design vision and client lifestyle.
Garden Planning
We design outdoor spaces that extend living areas into natural environments. Our approach integrates hardscaping, plant selection, and water features with architectural elements to create functional, seasonally dynamic landscapes that complement the built structure and surrounding ecosystem.
Commercial Spaces
We craft distinctive commercial environments tailored to business needs while maintaining architectural coherence. Our boutique commercial projects emphasize brand identity through spatial design, material choices, and lighting strategies that create memorable, functional spaces for retail, hospitality, and professional settings.
People
Susan Masterman
Principal Architect
Principal Architect Susan Masterman founded the firm in 1997 after working with KFA in Santa Monica. With a background in architecture and a family legacy in design, she leads projects with expertise in residential and commercial design, emphasizing collaboration and attention to detail.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We work across diverse styles from mid-century modern to Mediterranean revival, focusing on contextually appropriate design that respects existing architecture while incorporating contemporary functionality.
Do you handle both interior and exterior design?
Yes, we provide comprehensive design services covering architecture, interior spaces, and landscape planning to ensure cohesive, integrated environments.
How long does a typical renovation project take?
Project timelines vary based on scope, but we maintain efficient processes while prioritizing quality. Historic renovations typically require 12-18 months for proper execution.
Can you work with existing architectural plans?
We collaborate with existing structures and plans, offering design solutions that enhance original concepts while addressing current needs and building codes.
What regions do you serve?
While based in Santa Monica, we work on projects throughout California and select locations nationwide, with experience adapting to various climate zones and architectural contexts.
