Custom Home Design in San Marino
Where historic elegance meets modern living. Specialized design services for San Marino’s prestigious estates, from the Huntington Library area to Oak Knoll district.
Custom Home Design Tailored to San Marino Most Exclusive Neighborhoods
We bring over a decade of architectural expertise to San Marino most prestigious neighborhoods, designing custom estates that honor the area’s historic charm, refined character, and timeless elegance.
Huntington Library Area
Historic Estate Prestige
The heart of old-money estates in San Marino, this prestigious neighborhood features historic Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Our expertise in historic preservation ensures your modern home respects architectural heritage while providing contemporary living standards.
Langham Hotel / Oak Knoll District
Timeless Luxury Living
Established luxury properties with grand estates characterize this exclusive Pasadena neighborhood. Our designs blend Mediterranean elegance with contemporary convenience, creating sophisticated residences that honor the area’s architectural tradition.
Central Pasadena & Historic Districts
Preservation-Focused Custom Design
Our expertise extends throughout Pasadena and San Marino’s historic districts, including Bungalow Heaven and surrounding neighborhoods seeking preservation-focused custom designs.
We proudly serve the prestigious neighborhoods of San Marino and Pasadena, offering tailored luxury home designs that reflect the unique character and charm of each community.
Why Build Custom Homes in San Marino?
San Marino is one of California’s most prestigious communities. Your home deserves a design team that understands its unique character and strict standards.
Historic Preservation Experts
San Marino homes built before 1960 require special care. We specialize in modernizing interiors while preserving the architectural integrity that defines your estate’s value and character.
San Marino Code Mastery
San Marino’s strict building codes and architectural guidelines are no obstacle. We navigate city requirements daily, ensuring your design is approved efficiently without costly revisions.
Design-Only Focus
We design, not build. This means unbiased recommendations, no hidden construction markups, and freedom to choose any contractor. Your investment is protected.
Custom Home Design & Permit Experts for San Marino
Building in San Marino requires a deep understanding of its unique architectural review processes and historic preservation standards. We are not just designers; we are your trusted advocates throughout the pre-construction phase.
Historic Preservation Expertise
With our extensive experience navigating San Marino’s historic district requirements and preservation guidelines, we ensure your design honors the architectural legacy of the area while providing modern living standards.
Neighborhood-Specific Knowledge
From the stately estates of the San Marino Historic District to the charming streets of the Oak Knoll and Bungalow Heaven, we deeply understand each neighborhood’s distinctive character and architectural traditions, as well as its regulatory demands.
Design-Only Focus
As design-only specialists, our plans are meticulous and unbiased. You are free to take our detailed, bid-ready designs to any contractor, ensuring you receive competitive pricing for your custom home.
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How Our Custom Home Design Process Works for San Marino
From vision to finished design, we manage your San Marino custom home project with expert coordination, precision planning, and a seamless, stress-free process.
01
Schedule Your Free Consultation
We visit your San Marino property, discuss your vision, and assess opportunities.
02
Design Development & Refinement
Our team creates detailed concepts reflecting your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
03
Site Planning & Adaptation
We optimize designs for your property’s unique characteristics and city requirements.
04
Permit Processing & Plan Corrections
We handle all San Marino city submissions and manage any required revisions.
05
Final Design & Delivery
You receive construction-ready plans and complete design documentation.
Begin your custom home design journey with us, where trust, clarity, and expert craftsmanship lead every step of the way.
San Marino Custom Home Architects Dedicated Solely to Design
This distinction is your advantage. As San Marino’s design-only specialists, we focus exclusively on creating perfect plans for your estate without the conflicts of interest that come from construction ties.
Every material recommendation, every detail is chosen for your benefit not to increase construction margins. You’re free to choose any contractor you trust, ensuring competitive bids and quality work.
For San Marino homeowners, this means designs that truly maximize your property’s potential and protect your significant investment. Our loyalty is to your vision, not a construction contract.
Design Expertise for San Marino Homes
From preserving historic character to creating modern masterpieces, our team brings versatility and expertise to every San Marino project.
Mediterranean Revival
Huntington Library Area
San Marino’s signature style. Terra cotta roofs, stucco exteriors, arched doorways, and courtyards that honor the city’s Spanish Colonial heritage.
Tudor Revival
Oak Knoll District
Stately English-inspired estates with decorative half-timbering, steep gables, and elegant craftsmanship that defines San Marino’s old-world charm.
Historic Modernization
All San Marino
Preserve your home’s historic character while adding modern kitchens, smart home technology, and contemporary living spaces seamlessly.
Contemporary Classical
New Construction
Blend timeless architectural elements with clean modern lines. Perfect for new construction that respects San Marino’s traditional aesthetic.
Italian Villa
Huntington Library Area
Elegant Italianate designs featuring symmetrical facades, low-pitched roofs, and refined detailing that complement San Marino’s established estates.
Estate Expansion
All San Marino
Thoughtful additions that seamlessly integrate with existing architecture. Guest houses, ADUs, and wings designed to match your home’s heritage.
* Projects in San Marino’s historic neighborhoods are kept private, with designs that respect both the homeowner’s vision and the area’s architectural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Home Design in San Marino
How much does custom home design cost in San Marino?
Custom home design costs in San Marino typically range from $15,000 to $75,000+ depending on project scope, home size, and complexity. Historic renovations may require additional considerations. Contact us for a free consultation and accurate quote tailored to your specific project.
Do you handle San Marino permit processing?
Yes, we handle complete permit processing for San Marino, including submissions to the City of San Marino Planning Department and any required plan corrections. San Marino has strict architectural guidelines we navigate daily, with a 98% first-submission approval rate.
Can you design renovations for historic San Marino homes?
Absolutely. We specialize in historic home renovations, modernizing interiors while preserving the architectural character that makes San Marino estates so distinctive. We work within historic preservation guidelines to honor your home’s heritage while adding modern functionality.
How long does the design process take?
Typical custom home design projects take 8-16 weeks from consultation to permit-ready plans. Historic renovations may take longer due to preservation requirements. We provide detailed timelines during your free consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
What areas of San Marino do you serve?
We serve all of San Marino, with particular expertise in the Huntington Library area (old money estates) and the Oak Knoll/Langham Hotel district. Our team understands each neighborhood’s unique character and requirements.
Why choose design-only instead of design-build?
Design-only gives you unbiased plans optimized for your needs—not a contractor’s profit margins. You can shop your plans to multiple contractors for competitive bids, often saving 15-25% on construction costs. Your design decisions are made purely for your benefit.
Have More Questions? Find Answers in Our FAQ Section!
What San Marino Homeowners Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jean Prescott Studio understood exactly what our 1930s Mediterranean needed. They modernized our kitchen and added a guest suite while preserving every historic detail. The city approved our plans on the first submission.
Laura S. – Huntington Library Area Homeowner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After two failed permit attempts with another firm, Jean Prescott got our Oak Knoll renovation approved in weeks. Their knowledge of San Marino’s requirements is unmatched. Saved us months of delays.
Anthony G. – Oak Knoll District Homeowner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was afraid we’d ruin the historic character of our old San Marino home. Jean-Prescott respected every detail and blended the new design perfectly. Now it feels updated but still true to the neighborhood.
Emily R. – San Marino Estate Owner
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Send us a message today and discover why we’re among the most trusted names in California home construction. Your dream deserves more than generic plans, it deserves precision, passion, and a personal touch.
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