Architecture Designed Around How You Live.

Your home should be more than beautiful. It should work effortlessly for your daily life. At Substrata, we take a research-driven approach to residential architecture, exploring how you use your space before we design it. The result is a home that feels intuitive, functional, and unmistakably you.

What Sets Our Residential Practice Apart

• Contextual Design: We design homes that respond to their site, climate, and neighborhood while creating something distinctive

• Material Integrity: Every material is selected for both aesthetic impact and long- term performance

• Detail-Oriented Process: From initial sketches to construction documents, we obsess over the details that elevate architecture from good to exceptional

• Collaborative Approach: Your vision guides our process. We listen first, then translate your ideas into architecture that exceeds expectations

Complete Residential Architecture and Construction Services

Comprehensive Residential Architecture Services

Custom Homes

Ground-up residential design for clients who want a home built around their lifestyle, not the other way around. We handle everything from site analysis and conceptual design through construction administration.

Ideal for: Unique lots, hillside sites, clients with specific programmatic needs, modernist sensibilities.

Renovations & Additions

Transform your existing home with thoughtful additions or whole-house renovations. We excel at integrating new architecture with existing structures, creating seamless transitions that honor the original while improving functionality and aesthetics.

Ideal for: Growing families, lifestyle changes, updating dated spaces, maximizing square footage.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Navigate Los Angeles ADU regulations while creating beautiful, functional accessory structures. Our ADUs are designed as complete architectural statements, not afterthoughts.

Ideal for: Rental income, multi-generational living, home offices, guest quarters.

Feasibility Studies

Before committing to a full design, understand what's possible on your property. We analyze zoning, setbacks, height limits, and site constraints to give you a clear picture of your options.

Ideal for: Property owners exploring development potential or pre-purchase analysis.

Our Residential Design Process

A Process Built on Discovery and Precision

1. Discovery& Programming

We start every project by understanding how you live. Through in-depth conversations and site analysis, we document your needs, aspirations, and the unique characteristics of your property.

2. Conceptual Design

Initial design explorations that test ideas and establish the architectural direction. This phase is collaborative—we present multiple approaches and refine based on your feedback.

3. Design Development

The concept evolves into a detailed architectural proposal. Materials, systems, and spatial relationships are refined. You'll see how every room connects and how light moves through your home.

4. Construction Documents

Comprehensive drawings and specifications that contractors use to build your project. This precision prevents costly changes during construction.

5. Construction Administration

We stay engaged during construction, reviewing submittals, answering contractor questions, and ensuring the built result matches the design intent.

What to Expect

Working With Substrata Design

Timeline: Most residential projects take 9-18 months from initial consultation to construction completion, depending on scope and complexity.

Budget Transparency: We help you understand realistic construction costs early in the process, before design investment is too deep to make adjustments.

Permitting Support: Los Angeles permitting can be complex. We navigate LADBS requirements and coordinate with consultants to move your project through approvals efficiently.

Collaboration: You'll work directly with principals throughout the project, ensuring continuity and accountability from concept to completion.

We look forward to collaborating with you on your residential project. Please click here to contact us to start the process.