Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Santa Barbara Architect for Innovative Design
Jeff Shelton Architect was founded on a deep passion for creating architecture that enriches communities and reflects the unique character of its surroundings. With over 30 years of experience, our practice is rooted in the belief that buildings should celebrate life, foster connections, and push creative boundaries. Our journey began in a small 100-square-foot office in Santa Barbara, where we embraced our first project just days after opening. Since then, we have designed and built over 50 structures, collaborating with visionary clients, skilled artisans, and dedicated builders.Our work spans commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects, each shaped by a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural context. We specialize in navigating Santa Barbaras distinctive Spanish/Moorish architectural guidelines while infusing modernity and innovation. Our teams expertise extends beyond buildings to include custom tile design, lighting, and furniture, ensuring every detail aligns with our holistic vision. By blending tradition with creativity, we strive to leave a lasting, positive impact on neighborhoods and cities.
Services
Architectural Services
Commercial Buildings
Mixed Use Buildings
Hotels & Restaurants
Multi-Family Residences
Single Family Residences
Custom Tile Design
Lighting Fixtures
Furniture Design
Walking Tours
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in architectural design and construction.
- Our team collaborates with award-winning artisans for custom tile, lighting, and furniture.
- We specialize in Santa Barbaras Spanish/Moorish architectural guidelines.
- Our portfolio includes over 50 buildings celebrated for their creativity and craftsmanship.
- We prioritize client collaboration and community-focused design solutions.
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions for commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects. Our approach prioritizes community impact, sustainability, and cultural context. Each design integrates custom elements like tile, lighting, and furniture crafted by local artisans.
Custom Tile Design
Our original tile patterns feature asymmetrical tessellations for unique installations. Designs blend formal symmetry with playful asymmetry, reflecting Californias architectural evolution. Tiles are available for residential and commercial interiors.
Lighting Fixtures
We design handcrafted lighting fixtures, including chandeliers and sconces, in collaboration with David Shelton Studios. Each piece combines artistic vision with functional illumination, tailored to complement our architectural projects.
Furniture Design
Vintage and modern furniture pieces are designed to harmonize with our architectural aesthetic. Items include tables, seating, and lamps, crafted from 1987 to 1992, emphasizing durability and artistic detail.
Walking Tours
Explore Santa Barbaras architectural highlights through curated walking tours. The Fig District tour showcases eight downtown buildings, offering insights into their design process and cultural significance via a companion book and map.
People
Jeff Shelton
Architect & Designer
Jeff Shelton is an architect and designer with over 30 years of experience in Santa Barbara. He studied architecture at the University of Arizona and worked in Los Angeles before returning to Santa Barbara in 1994. His work focuses on community-driven design, blending tradition with innovation.
Questions
What types of architectural projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings, with expertise in Santa Barbara’s Spanish/Moorish architectural guidelines.
Do you offer custom design elements like tile or lighting?
Yes, we design custom tile patterns, lighting fixtures, and furniture, all crafted by local artisans to complement our architectural projects.
Can I purchase your tile designs for personal use?
Our tile patterns are available for purchase and can be installed in any direction for unique, asymmetrical layouts.
Are your architectural services limited to Santa Barbara?
While based in Santa Barbara, we work on projects in surrounding regions and collaborate with clients to meet their specific needs.
Do you provide guided tours of your architectural projects?
Yes, the Fig District walking tour explores eight of our downtown Santa Barbara buildings, accompanied by a book and map.
