Business Details
31 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Green Building Design
Founded in 1995, Hubbell & Hubbell has established itself as a leader in sustainable architecture and green building design. Our San Diego-based studio uniquely combines artistic vision with environmental responsibility, delivering innovative solutions for residential, commercial, and public projects. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in straw bale homes, adobe construction, and other eco-friendly techniques, prioritizing energy efficiency and harmony with natural landscapes.Our team's expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks for alternative materials ensures clients receive both creative and compliant designs. Recognized for our commitment to reducing environmental impact, we have completed award-winning projects ranging from private residences to cultural centers, consistently demonstrating how architecture can celebrate nature while meeting modern functional needs.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Straw Bale Homes
Green Building Design
Residential Remodeling
Public Facilities
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in green building techniques like straw bale and adobe construction.
- Our firm pioneered the first permitted straw bale commercial building in San Diego.
- We integrate artistic detailing with energy-efficient, fire-resistant design strategies.
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals with expertise in regulatory compliance.
- We've completed award-winning projects for diverse clients including nonprofits and tribal communities.
Associations and certifications
- US Green Building Council
- California Straw Bale Association
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
What people say
Beautiful home
Perfectly
Calm atmosphere
Artful architecture
Energy efficient
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture practice focuses on minimizing environmental impact through energy-efficient designs and renewable materials. We create buildings that harmonize with their surroundings while meeting modern functional needs. Our approach incorporates passive solar design, rainwater harvesting systems, and locally sourced materials to reduce carbon footprints.
Straw Bale Homes
Specializing in straw bale construction, we deliver highly insulated, fire-resistant homes with unique aesthetic appeal. This technique uses agricultural waste materials to create energy-efficient buildings that maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round while reducing environmental impact.
Green Building Design
Our green building designs incorporate natural plasters, green roofs, and insulated concrete forms to create environmentally responsible structures. We prioritize materials with low embodied energy and construction methods that minimize waste while maintaining aesthetic beauty and functional excellence.
Residential Remodeling
We transform existing homes through sustainable remodeling that improves energy efficiency and modernizes living spaces. Our approach preserves architectural character while integrating contemporary comforts and eco-friendly upgrades like solar panels and water-saving systems.
Public Facilities
Designing civic spaces that serve communities while respecting environmental principles, we create cultural centers, nature reserves, and tribal facilities. Our public projects emphasize accessibility, durability, and integration with natural surroundings to create lasting community assets.
People
Drew Hubbell
Principal Architect
Drew Hubbell leads the firm with expertise in sustainable design and alternative building materials. Educated at the University of Arizona and Danish Institute of Study, he pioneered straw bale construction in San Diego and serves on multiple environmental boards.
James Hubbell
Principal Artist
Renowned artist and visionary designer James Hubbell co-founded the firm, bringing nature-centered design principles. His work, featured in international media, focused on integrating art with architecture until his passing in 2024.
Peter Barroso
Project Manager
Peter Barroso combines architectural drafting expertise with hands-on construction experience. His background in theater production and cabinetry design informs his holistic approach to project management and client collaboration.
Mykaela Scarpace
Project Manager
Mykaela Scarpace brings sustainability expertise from her Boston architectural education. Passionate about environmental responsibility, she focuses on creating energy-efficient designs that balance aesthetics with ecological consciousness in San Diego's climate.
Jessi Helmrich
Associate Architect
Jessi Helmrich integrates permaculture principles into architectural design. With a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas, she bridges natural building techniques with modern design requirements to create functional, eco-conscious spaces.
Questions
What makes Hubbell & Hubbell's approach to architecture unique?
We uniquely combine artistic vision with sustainable building practices, specializing in straw bale construction and natural materials while maintaining modern functionality.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle diverse projects from private homes to public facilities like cultural centers and nature reserves.
Are your designs energy-efficient?
All our projects incorporate passive solar design, insulation techniques, and renewable energy systems for optimal energy efficiency.
Can you help with permit approvals for alternative materials?
Yes, we have extensive experience educating agencies about alternative materials and securing necessary permits.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily San Diego County, with select projects throughout Southern California and tribal communities.
Do you offer design consultations?
We provide free initial consultations to discuss your project vision and sustainability goals.
