Business Details
Award-Winning Architects in Santa Monica
Kaplan Chen Kaplan provides a comprehensive range of architecture and planning services, including site analysis, master planning, historic preservation, and construction documentation. Our design philosophy emphasizes collaboration with clients and users, prioritizing natural light, environmental connectivity, and sustainable resource conservation. We specialize in balancing historical context with contemporary needs through adaptive reuse of existing structures.With decades of combined experience, our team has completed award-winning projects for institutions like Caltech, USC, and UCLA while maintaining a strong commitment to community-focused design. Our expertise extends to seismic improvements, cultural heritage preservation, and creating spaces that foster exploration through thoughtful spatial complexity.
Services
Architectural Design
Historic Preservation
Master Planning
Adaptive Reuse
Sustainable Design
Construction Documentation
Community Workshops
Site Analysis
Highlights and features
- We combine 30+ years of architectural experience with innovative design solutions
- Our team specializes in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects
- We maintain LEED-certified professionals for sustainable design expertise
- Our collaborative process ensures client needs shape every design decision
- Award-winning track record with educational and cultural institutions
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized restoration and adaptive reuse of historically significant buildings maintains architectural integrity while meeting modern requirements. Our team employs traditional materials and techniques combined with contemporary engineering solutions. We collaborate with preservation agencies to ensure compliance with heritage standards while enhancing building functionality for current use.
Sustainable Design
Integrates environmentally responsible practices throughout the design process using energy-efficient systems and locally sourced materials. We prioritize passive solar design, natural ventilation, and water conservation strategies. Our approach reduces environmental impact while creating healthier spaces that connect occupants with nature through biophilic design principles.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforms existing structures into modern functional spaces while preserving architectural character. We assess structural integrity and develop creative solutions for seismic upgrades and code compliance. This approach extends building lifecycles, reduces construction waste, and maintains community heritage through innovative space reconfiguration.
People
David Kaplan
Principal Architect
Award-winning architect with 30+ years of experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects. Graduated from University of Pennsylvania and UCLA School of Architecture. Specializes in seismic upgrades and institutional projects for universities including Caltech, USC, and UCLA.
Barbara Kaplan
Principal Architect
Recognized for site-sensitive designs that harmonize with local climate and environment. Thirty years of experience creating contextually appropriate buildings using indigenous materials. Graduate of Brown University and UCLA School of Architecture. Expert in residential and urban space design across diverse geographic regions.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design for commercial, residential, and institutional projects.
Do you work on historic building restoration projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic preservation including seismic upgrades and adaptive reuse of culturally significant structures.
Are your architects LEED certified?
Our team includes LEED-certified professionals who integrate sustainable practices into all project phases.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Santa Monica, we work throughout Southern California and have completed projects across the United States.
