Business Details
Innovative Architectural Design Solutions
Design ARC is an innovative architectural firm dedicated to creating purposeful, client-centric spaces that balance art, science, and functionality. With studios in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, we specialize in custom residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional design, guided by a philosophy that prioritizes client ambitions over stylistic signatures. Our team of AIA-certified architects and LEED-accredited professionals brings decades of combined experience to every project, employing a collaborative approach that integrates diverse perspectives and technical expertise.We manage projects from concept through construction, ensuring alignment with client budgets, timelines, and functional needs while maintaining environmental and contextual sensitivity. Recognized for our adaptive design methodology, we reject rigid stylistic labels, instead focusing on purpose-driven solutions that respond to human needs, material possibilities, and site-specific conditions. Our commitment to informed dialogue between structure and emotion has earned us a reputation for delivering evocative, technically rigorous architecture that transcends conventional boundaries.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Hospitality Projects
Institutional Design
Interior Architecture
Highlights and features
- We offer AIA-certified architects with expertise in diverse project types.
- Our client-centric approach prioritizes functional needs over stylistic trends.
- We maintain LEED-accredited professionals for sustainable design solutions.
- Our collaborative process integrates art, science, and technical precision.
- We operate dual studios in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara for regional expertise.
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- NCARB
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential spaces that balance aesthetic vision with functional requirements. Our approach considers site context, environmental impact, and client lifestyle needs while maintaining strict budget and timeline controls. Projects range from single-family estates to multi-family developments.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial design solutions integrate brand identity with operational efficiency. We specialize in office buildings, retail spaces, and mixed-use developments that optimize workflow, customer experience, and regulatory compliance while maintaining architectural integrity.
Hospitality Projects
We design hospitality environments that combine guest comfort with operational practicality. Our portfolio includes boutique hotels, resorts, and restaurant spaces that create memorable experiences while meeting hospitality industry standards for accessibility and safety.
Institutional Design
Our institutional work focuses on educational, cultural, and civic facilities that serve community needs. We prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and long-term functionality while creating spaces that inspire and engage their users.
Interior Architecture
We develop interior spaces that maintain architectural coherence with exterior structures. Our services include space planning, material selection, and lighting design that enhance functionality while achieving aesthetic objectives across residential and commercial applications.
People
Mark Kirkhart
Architect, Principal
AIA and NCARB-certified architect with extensive experience in residential and commercial projects. Leads design vision across both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara studios while maintaining direct client engagement throughout project lifecycles.
Mark Shields
Senior Design Director
Principal designer specializing in Santa Barbara projects. Focuses on integrating regional architectural traditions with modern design principles to create contextually responsive spaces that meet contemporary functional requirements.
Andy Alper
Architect, Partner
AIA-certified partner with expertise in project management and technical design. Oversees complex residential and mixed-use developments, ensuring technical precision and regulatory compliance while maintaining design integrity.
Raymond Urruty
Interior Design Director
Leads interior architecture efforts in Los Angeles. Specializes in creating cohesive interior environments that align with exterior architectural language while optimizing spatial functionality and aesthetic coherence.
Jaeson Greer
Senior Project Architect
LEED AP-certified architect focused on sustainable design solutions. Manages Santa Barbara projects with emphasis on environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and material sustainability across residential and institutional work.
Questions
What architectural styles does DesignARC specialize in?
We don't limit ourselves to specific styles. Our approach focuses on purpose-driven design that responds to client needs, site context, and functional requirements rather than stylistic conventions.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we offer comprehensive design services for residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional, and mixed-use developments across California.
Are your architects certified professionals?
Our team includes AIA-certified architects and LEED-accredited professionals with extensive experience in diverse project types and regulatory environments.
How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
We implement rigorous project management systems that maintain strict adherence to client-defined timelines and financial parameters while ensuring design quality remains uncompromised.
Do you offer sustainable design solutions?
Yes, our LEED-certified professionals integrate environmentally responsible practices into all project phases, focusing on energy efficiency, material sustainability, and site responsiveness.
Where are your offices located?
We operate two studios: 1515 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 and 10680 West Pico Boulevard #490, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
