Sacramento contains many interesting pieces of architecture throughout the city. One such example is The Ziggurat, designed by Sacramento’s own Edwin Kado. Not only does the city have great architecture, but it has also produced some of the best architecture firms out there. It’s crucial to pick the right architecture firm for your building project, as not every architect will be best suited for your needs. In this list, I will be going over the top 10 best architecture firms in Sacramento, CA. The firms will be judged based on their notable projects and achievements, and services offered.
What is an Architecture Firm?
An architecture firm is a firm that specializes in providing its clients with architects. Just as a law firm provides lawyers for those in need, an architecture firm does the same but with architects. The firms vary in size and may range from just a few people in a small office to thousands of employees occupying an office building. Just as they vary in size, they also vary in design philosophy. Some firms may specialize in commercial buildings, while others may specialize in residential. Certain firms may only accept jobs above a certain threshold, as anything less they may not deem worthy of their time. Architecture firms offer a variety of services, including remodels and building from the ground up, and they can also draft building plans and create building models.
How Does an Architecture Firm Work?
Now you know what an architecture firm is, you may be wondering about what the process is like when starting a building project. The first thing to know is that it really is a process, and that process is meticulous and takes time. There are certain standards that certified architects have to take to ensure the safety and functionality of all their projects. The first phase, Pre-design, involves the architect discussing the budget, schedule, physical building site, and things of that nature with the client. Once that is settled, the architect moves on to designing the schematics and narrowing down the client’s desires. After that comes the design development phase, where the designs are refined. Then comes preparing documents for the construction of the building, getting government agency approvals, and such. Moving along, the architect will assist in choosing a contractor for the construction. During the construction, the architect will be on-site to observe the construction and handle any changes to the architecture that may come up.
Top 10 Best Architecture Firms in Sacramento, CA
Here is the complete list of top architecture firms operating in Sacramento, California.
#1. Lev Designs
Specializing in high-end home design, Lev Designs takes pride in understanding the needs of their customer’s projects. Take one look at their portfolio, and you’ll see that they mean business, producing jaw-dropping yet functional housing. Their services include new construction, remodels and additions, detailed and phased planning, interior design, and building design studio. Lev Designs offers a free expert consultation and three different packages ensuring there is something for everyone. Though they are based in Sacramento, they don’t limit their building projects to the area. Lev Designs has clients all over the country and frequently takes part in video conference calls with their clients.
#2. Bassal Architecture
With over 30 years of professional design experience, Bassal Architecture specializes in custom residential and commercial designs. The firm’s namesake, Cherine Bassal, earned his architectural degree in Egypt at Ain Shams University in Cairo. The firm offers services in building custom homes, housing for subdivisions, and multi-family units. They don’t only do residential, but they also have an impressive portfolio of commercial buildings.
#3. House Idea
Servicing Sacramento and the surrounding area, House Idea boasts a unique approach to architecture. Offering a cutting-edge service that puts client satisfaction front and center. Their all-in-one service makes claims of service without headaches, and it’s easy to see why with their easy-to-read 5-step process. House Idea takes care of just about everything, budget, design, bidding, and construction updates. They offer many services, to name a few: New home construction, whole house remodeling, home additions, and residential interior and exterior painting.
#4. CPOPP Workshop
A full-service design firm, CPOPP Workshop claims to have a truly custom experience, and they have evidence to back it up. An impressive portfolio, putting on display their philosophy of “well-designed spaces.” With a wide range of services, including but not limited to schematic design, design development, material and finish selection, art consultation, and 3D modeling.
#5. House Of Wilson Design
From kitchen remodels to new home construction, House Of Wilson Design displays classiness on all levels. House Of Wilson Design offers a whole assortment of services such as 3D rendering, Accessory Dwelling Units, Architectural and Building design, CAD drawings, and home additions, as well as home remodeling.
#6. Ellis Architects
Ellis Architects state that their goal is to “exceed client expectations,” and looking at their portfolio, you can see the effort. Previous works include collegiate, commercial, civic, healthcare, education, and residential projects. From sorority buildings to hospice care, Ellis Architects delivers stunning results every time. Not only offering new construction projects, but they have also completed impressive renovations.
#7. Henry + Associates Architects
From residential projects to public school buildings, Henry + Associates Architects strive to deliver quality projects. Notable clients that the firm has worked with include Clear Creek School District, Sacramento County Office of Education, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and Indie Capital Real Estate and Construction Services. Principal Architect Stephen Henry boasts more than 25 years of licensed architectural experience, and it shows in the design and functionality of the firm’s projects.
#8. Indigo | Hammond & Playle Architects
Indigo are making waves with their zero net energy buildings. Constructing magnificent-looking buildings while also designing them to be zero net energy is an impressive feat. Previous works include the Dublin Police and Fire Public Safety Complex, Zero-Net Energy Vacaville Transportation Center, and Orange Tree Senior Apartments, to name a few. Working in both the private and public sectors, Indigo offers complete architectural services but also offers interior design, landscape design, feasibility studies, public art, site planning, and of course, zero net energy design services.
#9. FM Design + Build
Built on the premise of a one-stop shop for clients to build their dream homes, FMDB has nearly 40 years of experience between the two founding partners. Tim Fackler, the “F” in FM Design, has 28 years of residential construction experience and owns his own remodeling company. Matt Moore, the “M” in FM, has 12 years of residential design and construction and is a licensed architect. Being a member of the Home Builders Association, FMDB specializes in custom houses and will help anyone refine their vision for their dream home.
#10. Casci DesignWorks Inc.
Company president, Steve Frkovich Casci, started off designing and remodeling kitchens in 1978. Since then, he’s been making a name for himself by creating stunning interior remodels. Casci DesignWorks Inc. claims to give clients a stress-free approach to any project, no matter the size. Services offered include architectural design, room additions, and also project management.
Why Should You Hire an Architect Firm?
Architect firms exist because it is extremely difficult and involved to plan a building. Most don’t realize how much actually goes into it, imagining that all it takes is drafting up building plans and handing them to a construction company. If it really was that easy, architect firms wouldn’t have a need to exist. It takes hours upon hours to draft, check building codes and regulations, and coordinate with all the different moving parts of a building project. Fortunately for us, that’s where the firm comes in. Architects have to get a rigorous education and obtain certificates and qualifications, giving them the appropriate knowledge to smoothly conduct the building project. Architect firms are also great at translating your ideas into realities since not everyone that walks in has a plan already laid out. At the end of the day, hiring an architect firm will make the entire building process much smoother since they will be able to handle all the complicated and intimidating aspects of the process.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sacramento Architecture Firm
To get the best results out of your desired project, it’s highly recommended to do some research and check out multiple architecture firms. Important considerations when researching firms in Sacramento should be your desired design and aesthetics, experience and expertise, sustainability and eco-friendliness, communication and collaboration, and also budget and timeline considerations. To begin with, design and aesthetics is probably everyone’s first thought when it comes to a building. It makes sense; it’s the first thing you’re more than likely to notice about a building. When looking around for an architect, consider their previous works and whether or not their design philosophy matches your vision. Most firms will make it very easy to see what they specialize in if anything, so this shouldn’t take too much effort on your part. Next up, experience and expertise. Arguably one of the more important aspects of an architecture firm, the firm’s experience level can say a lot about what kind of experience you will get. Sustainability and eco-friendliness are becoming more and more prominent in the architecture world.
If you are looking to build an eco-friendly building, be sure to check with firms to be sure they offer those services. Zero net energy buildings are becoming more commonplace, and as such more and more firms will begin to offer such services. Communication and collaboration are extremely important. A good firm will prioritize communication with all involved parties and keep the client updated as much as possible when anything arises. How much a firm has collaborated will influence the effectiveness of cross-company coordination and efforts.
Finally, budget and timeline considerations are more than likely at the forefront of both the client’s mind and the firm’s. Checking that both parties’ timelines matchup and the budget allotted is sufficient will ensure a smooth operation. As you can see, there are a bunch of different factors that go into choosing an architecture firm in Sacramento. It only makes sense, though, seeing how much work goes into a project, no matter the scale.
Conclusion
As you can see, Sacramento has numerous architecture firms specializing in many different areas of architecture. From Lev Design’s high-end custom homes to Indigo’s eco-friendly zero net energy housing, there is surely something in Sacramento for any building project. It’s vital to the success of your building project to put in the research and gain the necessary knowledge for an informed decision. Building projects are not something to take lightly, and you can never do too much research. Many architectural firms in Sacramento will offer free consultations, and I suggest anyone take advantage of that. We’d love to hear about anyone’s experience with architecture firms here in Sacramento and whether or not this article has helped in the process at all. For more architecture-related content, be sure to follow the blog and stay in the loop.
