Business Details
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services in Santa Monica
DFH Architects is an independent, award-winning architecture firm with over twenty years of experience and more than fifty projects completed in Santa Monica. Founded by David Forbes Hibbert, we blend artistic vision with sustainable design principles to create impactful spaces. Our team includes a high percentage of licensed architects, enabling us to navigate complex entitlements, zoning, and building codes with expertise. We serve clients across the Southland, from Los Angeles to San Diego, offering full architectural services ranging from custom interiors to large-scale commercial and housing developments.Our work includes iconic projects like the Universal Music Headquarters and Skechers Headquarters, reflecting our commitment to community values and project economics. With recognition from organizations like the American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute, we maintain a strong network of loyal clients and continue to shape the built environment with innovation and precision.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Residential Design
Adaptive Reuse
Sustainable Design
Project Management
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in Southern California architecture.
- Our team includes licensed architects with expertise in complex zoning regulations.
- We specialize in sustainable design and community-focused projects.
- We maintain a strong network of loyal clients across the Southland.
- Our work has earned recognition from the American Institute of Architects.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
- U.S. Green Building Council
- LEED BD+C
- NCARB
Services
Commercial Architecture
We design functional, aesthetically striking commercial spaces tailored to modern business needs. Our projects include corporate headquarters, retail centers, and mixed-use developments. Clients benefit from our expertise in navigating zoning regulations and delivering LEED-certified solutions.
Residential Design
Our residential work spans luxury single-family homes, multi-family complexes, and adaptive reuse housing. We prioritize livability, sustainability, and community integration. Projects like Wilco at 2525 Wilshire Blvd demonstrate our ability to create vibrant living environments with premium amenities.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving architectural heritage. Recent projects include converting parking garages into residential buildings and upgrading office towers. This approach reduces environmental impact and revitalizes urban areas.
Sustainable Design
We integrate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and LEED-certified practices into every project. Our Skechers Design Center features ocean-facing sunscreens and operable windows to maximize natural ventilation, reducing long-term operational costs for clients.
Project Management
We guide projects from concept to completion, managing timelines, budgets, and regulatory approvals. Our team ensures seamless coordination between architects, contractors, and city officials, delivering projects like the 200,000-square-foot Universal Music Headquarters on schedule.
People
David Forbes Hibbert
Partner Emeritus
Founder of DFH Architects, David Hibbert brings global perspective from growing up in three countries and business school training. He focuses on blending artistic vision with economic viability for client projects.
James Fischer
Licensed Architect
With over a decade at DFH, James Fischer specializes in project design and team culture development. He contributes technical expertise while balancing family life with his wife and two daughters.
Kara Block
Licensed Architect
Kara Block leverages Midwest tenacity and design skills for diverse projects including luxury residences and commercial developments. She actively strengthens DFH's project quality and office culture.
Kate Joyce
Licensed Architect
A LEED-certified architect, Kate Joyce explores urban environments through neighborhood walks with her dog. She contributes to full project lifecycles at DFH, from concept to construction.
Jack Feichtner
Licensed Architect
Jack Feichtner specializes in housing and urban planning with a focus on community improvement. His Midwest roots inform creative problem-solving for multi-family and mixed-use developments across Southern California.
Questions
What architectural services does DFH Architects offer?
We provide full architectural services including commercial design, residential projects, adaptive reuse, sustainable design, and project management from concept to completion.
Where does DFH Architects operate?
While based in Santa Monica, we serve clients throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Long Beach areas.
What makes DFH Architects unique?
Our team includes a high percentage of licensed architects with expertise in complex zoning regulations, combined with a commitment to sustainable, community-focused design.
Are DFH projects environmentally friendly?
Yes, we prioritize sustainable design practices and have completed multiple LEED-certified projects like the Skechers Executive Building and Universal Music Headquarters.
How experienced is DFH Architects?
With over 20 years in business and more than 50 completed projects, our team has extensive experience in diverse architectural typologies across Southern California.
