Custom Home Design in Sunset Strip

Typically 4-8 months from initial consultation to permit-ready plans. Hillside lots above the Strip require additional engineering time for grading, retaining walls, and structural analysis. West Hollywood’s permitting process adds another 2-5 months, which we manage completely. Complex sites or extensive customization may extend timelines, but we provide realistic schedules upfront.

Sunset Strip combines urban density with challenging hillside topography—a rare combination. Properties face unique challenges: managing street noise from the Boulevard, maintaining privacy from close neighbors while maximizing views, engineering steep slopes with limited construction access, and designing within West Hollywood’s specific codes. Standard residential plans don’t address these factors—custom design is essential.

Yes, California requires licensed architects for most residential projects, especially hillside homes. West Hollywood’s building department requires professionally stamped plans. All our designs are stamped by California-licensed architects. For hillside sites above the Strip, the structural and geotechnical complexity demands professional architectural and engineering expertise.

Design fees typically range from 8-15% of estimated construction cost, depending on project complexity, site challenges, and customization level. For a $1.5M construction budget, expect $120K-$225K for complete architectural and engineering services. This includes all design phases, structural and civil engineering, 3D renderings, permit processing, and construction-phase support. We provide transparent fee estimates after the initial consultation.

Our comprehensive service includes: site analysis and survey coordination, conceptual design with multiple iterations, detailed construction drawings and specifications, structural and geotechnical engineering coordination, 3D renderings and visualizations, complete permit application packages for West Hollywood, hillside ordinance compliance documentation, plan revisions for city corrections, and construction-phase support for plan clarifications and RFIs.

We have over 10 years of experience with West Hollywood’s building department and understand their specific requirements, review processes, and common correction requests. We prepare comprehensive submission packages that address all code requirements upfront, minimizing back-and-forth. We manage all city communications, respond to plan check corrections, and coordinate inspections. Our goal is smooth, timely approvals with minimal stress on you.

Design-only keeps us independent and conflict-free. We have no financial incentive to inflate construction costs or compromise your design for easier building. During construction, we’re your advocate—ensuring builders execute your vision faithfully. Many clients appreciate this separation, especially on high-investment projects where oversight and accountability matter. You get unbiased design focused solely on your best interests.

Absolutely—this is one of Sunset Strip’s primary design challenges. We use strategic window placement, clerestory windows for light without compromising privacy, landscaping screens, angled walls, and level changes to separate public and private zones. Our site analysis identifies optimal sightlines, and we design to capture views while screening neighboring properties. Every lot is unique; custom design solves these challenges elegantly.