About

At Utilitas, we believe in efficiency of design. Whether it is working in standard dimensions or constraints of building materials to minimize construction waste, maximizing efficiencies in utility routing, or reducing unnecessary floor area; reducing waste deceases construction costs, helps maximize the schedule, and is instrumental in creating sustainable structures. Time, money, and materials are all finite resources, so being purposeful benefits everyone.

We also value cooperation with clients, consultants, contractors, and trade partners. Design in a vacuum is uncoordinated and counterproductive. The best projects are those which the design and construction team work together to tell a client’s story.

  • Our firm emerged from a simple observation: the best buildings throughout history have always balanced form and function seamlessly. They serve their purpose exceptionally well, stand the test of time, and inspire those who experience them. This isn't a compromise between competing interests—it's a synthesis that elevates all three principles together.

    We believe that great architecture begins with deep listening—understanding not just what a client wants, but also the why behind the want. What problems are they trying to solve? How do they live, work, or gather? What legacy do they want to create? Only by answering these questions can we design spaces that truly serve their purpose.

    We also believe in shared knowledge and partnerships. Without collaboration with contractors and trade partners, architecture is nothing more than pictures. We value our construction relationships and seek input from those in the field. Is this the best way of detailing the condition? Are all trades taken into consideration? What unforeseen situations can be addressed? Purposeful architecture also requires each drawing to be useful during construction.

    • Ventura County

    • Los Angeles City and County

    • Orange County

    • Santa Barbara County

    • Fire Rebuilding

    • Single-Family Residential Homes

    • Multi-Family Residential Homes

    • Commercial

    • Office

    • Tenant Improvement

    • Remodels and Additions

    • Fire Hardening and Defensible Space

    • Site Planning

    • Space / Area Planning

    • All design phases including:

      • Conceptual, Schematic, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Construction / Contract Administration

    • Permitting

  • Utilitas’ founder has over 22 years of experience working for small, family-owned firms and corporate giants. His expertise spans projects ranging from residential remodels to 1,000,000 square foot corporate headquarters. With over 15-years of direct construction administration experience representing a variety of project types and sizes, he is well versed in almost every construction type. In addition to architecting, he has personally built and remodeled his own homes.

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    This information may also include details about your use of this website, including:

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    We will NOT share your information because we hate that too. If we didn’t have to share it with the web host we wouldn’t do that either. You can ask what is collected and opt out of anything opt-outable.

  • We also need to have a blurb about SMS texting. If you text us that’s cool! We will text back with project related messages or answers to your questions, and that’s it. Messaging frequency will depend on how much or little you communicate via text. You may opt in by texting us, and you can opt out at any time by texting “Stop”.

    Messaging rates may apply. For assistance please text “Help” and it will be on the way.

    • Custom Waterfront Home used with permission from Grinstad and Wagner Architects

    • Assembly 118 used with permission from Caron Architecture

    • California Ave used with permission from Caron Architecture

    • Laurel Park used with permission from Grinstad and Wagner Architects

    • School of Industries used with permission from Grinstad and Wagner Architects