An architect is a licensed professional. In California, architects are required to pass the 6-part Architect Registration Examination (ARE) plus a supplemental exam for California. The licensing exams provide valuable knowledge in areas like code compliance, construction technology, and liability.

Our Principal Designer holds a Masters in Architecture and is on the path to licensure, having passed three of seven exams. In California, designers are permitted to create plans for conventional wood-framed single-family homes up to two stories high and multi-dwelling units up to four units. Our Principal Designer takes the knowledge she has gained from taking the exams and working at custom residential firms to ensure that your project is handled with a high level of expertise.

Our primary focus is single-family homes, including new construction, full home renovations, additions, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). We offer interior design services for the previously listed project types as well as investment properties like short-term rentals (Airbnbs, Vrbo, etc.) and smaller commercial projects.

Yes, ADUs (sometimes called granny flats or in-law apartments) are very popular in San Diego, and ADU design and planning is one of our core services, helping clients maximize their property potential with functional and beautiful secondary units. We handle the unique zoning and permitting requirements specific to San Diego ADU projects to streamline your path to construction.

We offer a comprehensive package of residential design services, beginning with zoning research and project feasibility for your property. This leads to full design development, detailed construction documents, and managing the entire building permit submittal process for new homes, ADUs, and major home remodels in the San Diego area. We also offer interior design, interior decorating, and landscape design concepts.

Hiring us for interior design or hiring another interior designer ensures that the exterior and interior are cohesive and reflects the homeowner's desired style and lifestyle. Professional design streamlines the multitude of decisions that must be coordinated – tile selection, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, bathroom accessories, cabinetry and casework, paint colors, etc. – and hiring an interior design takes the pressure and stress off the homeowners.

We are passionate about sustainable design and believe that even small home remodels have opportunities for sustainable design strategies. We focus on maximizing energy efficiency and creating a healthy home environment through passive design strategies including optimizing for natural light, designing for cross-ventilation with operable windows, and specifying durable, healthy, and high-performance finishes.

Before the design process begins, it is essential to understand the project goals and scope. Our process typically starts with a project feasibility review to ensure that any project and property restraints are understood. From there, we move into schematic design where we explore various design options. This moves into detailed design development, followed by the creation of comprehensive construction documents and permit submittals. Throughout, we collaborate closely to ensure the final design meets all your needs and style preferences.

The entire process, from initial design concepts to receiving your building permit, varies depending on the project's scope. Design can take anywhere from 3 months to 6 months or more. The permitting process can also take up to 6 months or more. It is crucial to plan accordingly and budget sufficient time for thorough design refinement and the permit application phase.

The permitting process in San Diego requires preparing a full set of code-compliant construction documents as well as preparing the required forms and submitting to the building department. Submitting to the building department is done after the design is finalized. The building department reviews the plans and forms and puts together a list of corrections. A project typically goes through 1 to 3 reviews cycles.

Studio Scarpace manages the submission of these plans to the City or County and acts as your representative, addressing all comments and going back and forth with the building department until the building permit is obtained.

The permitting process varies depending on the project's scope. While some projects might take less time, we suggest planning for 6 months.

Yes, we have a network of trusted builders and contractors that we have successfully collaborated with on multiple projects. However, we are always open to working with a contractor suggested by the homeowner or finding other options tailored to your specific project needs.

For single-family home projects, the main consultants we engage are a structural engineer and a California Title 24 energy consultant. If your project requires additional consultants, such as civil engineers or specialized planners, we maintain a strong network of contacts.