Business Details
22 Years
experience
San Diego Architects for Historic & Contemporary Design
Union Architecture is a small, dedicated firm specializing in vernacular architecture, which represents 90% of buildings worldwide. Our practice focuses on contemporary architecture and interior design for residential, multi-family, and small commercial projects. We are qualified experts in historic preservation, offering services such as additions to and rehabilitation of historically designated, potentially historic, or older buildings. Our team provides historic consultations, building analysis, adaptive reuse studies, and Historic American Building Surveys (HABS). We develop monitoring and treatment plans for historic structures and oversee historic preservation during construction.Founded in 2004, our firm operates as a certified Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE/ELBE) with the City of San Diego. The principal maintains direct control over all projects, ensuring flexibility to meet client scheduling demands. Our team includes professionals with advanced degrees in architecture and extensive experience in historic preservation, including membership in the Society of Architectural Historians and involvement with the City of San Diego Historic Resource Board. We prioritize understanding the cultural and historical context of each project to deliver designs that honor the past while meeting modern needs.
Services
Contemporary Architecture
Historic Preservation
Adaptive Reuse
Interior Design
Building Analysis
Rehabilitation Plans
Monitoring Services
Treatment Plans
HABS Documentation
Consultation Services
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in architectural design and historic preservation.
- Our principal-led approach ensures direct oversight and personalized service.
- Certified Small Local Business Enterprise with the City of San Diego.
- Specialized expertise in vernacular and historic architecture analysis.
- Deep local knowledge of San Diego's architectural heritage and regulations.
Associations and certifications
- Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE/ELBE)
- California Architecture License #25743
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized preservation services for historically designated buildings, including rehabilitation, monitoring, and treatment plans. We conduct detailed analysis of older structures and develop strategies to maintain historical integrity while meeting modern needs. Our team has extensive experience with San Diego's historic resources and regulatory requirements.
Adaptive Reuse
Creative adaptive reuse solutions for commercial and residential properties, transforming existing structures into functional modern spaces. We balance preservation requirements with innovative design to maximize utility while respecting architectural heritage. Projects include commercial conversions and multi-family housing developments.
Contemporary Architecture
Custom contemporary architectural design for residential and commercial clients, integrating modern aesthetics with practical functionality. Our approach emphasizes contextual sensitivity and sustainable practices while delivering innovative, client-focused solutions tailored to specific site and project requirements.
Building Analysis
Comprehensive analysis of existing buildings and sites for preservation potential, structural integrity, and adaptive reuse feasibility. Services include Historic American Building Surveys (HABS) and detailed documentation to inform preservation or renovation decisions.
Consultation Services
Expert consultation on historic preservation standards, building code compliance, and design strategies. We assist clients with navigating regulatory processes, developing project scopes, and implementing preservation best practices for both public and private sector projects.
People
John Howard Eisenhart
Principal Architect
Licensed architect in California since 1995, with over 30 years of experience in historic preservation and contemporary design. Holds Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Michigan. Former member of the San Diego Historic Resource Board.
Eva Luise-Juliane Thorn
Architect
Licensed architect with advanced degrees from German institutions, specializing in historic preservation. 15+ years of experience in architectural design and preservation projects in the U.S. and Germany. Member of the Society of Architectural Historians.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and contemporary design for residential, multi-family, and commercial projects.
How long has your firm been in business?
Union Architecture has been operating since 2004, with our principal architect practicing since 1995.
Do you work on historic buildings outside San Diego?
While based in San Diego, we consider projects throughout Southern California with historic preservation needs.
What makes your firm unique?
We combine direct principal involvement, historic preservation expertise, and a focus on vernacular architecture that represents 90% of global buildings.
Can you help with city permitting for historic buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience navigating San Diego's historic preservation regulations and permitting processes.
