Business Details
31 Years
experience
Architectural Design Services in Newport Beach, CA
Founded in 1995, Saunders + Wiant Architects has established itself as a premier design firm based in Newport Beach, California. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in healthcare, commercial, and residential architecture, serving clients across the Southwestern United States and internationally in Mexico, the Middle East, and Asia. Our firm combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to quality and affordability, delivering tailored architectural solutions that meet the evolving needs of medical facilities, educational institutions, and private homeowners.Backed by a team of licensed professionals including AIA, RIBA, and NCARB-certified architects, we provide comprehensive services from conceptual design to construction administration. Our focus on evidence-based design ensures functional, sustainable spaces that enhance user well-being. With a proven track record in complex projects ranging from ambulatory surgery centers to luxury residences, we prioritize client collaboration and regulatory compliance to transform visions into reality.
Services
Healthcare Architecture
Veterinary Design
Commercial Architecture
Educational Facilities
Residential Design
Site Planning
Project Programming
ADA Compliance
Construction Administration
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized expertise in healthcare, commercial, and residential architecture.
- Our team includes AIA, RIBA, and NCARB-certified architects with deep regulatory knowledge.
- We provide end-to-end project management from conceptual design to construction administration.
- Our evidence-based design approach ensures functional, sustainable, and healing-focused spaces.
- We maintain affiliations with top engineering consultants for seamless multidisciplinary collaboration.
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- RIBA
- NCARB
Services
Healthcare Architecture
Specializing in healthcare facilities, we design dental offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and medical clinics with evidence-based layouts that prioritize patient flow, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Our expertise ensures spaces meet evolving medical standards while enhancing healing environments. Clients benefit from our deep knowledge of ADA accessibility, zoning laws, and specialized equipment integration.
Veterinary Design
We create functional veterinary facilities tailored to animal care workflows, including 24-hour emergency clinics and luxury boarding centers. Our designs address biosecurity, equipment placement, and client accessibility while adhering to strict health codes. This specialization has made us a preferred architect for veterinary practices seeking optimized, stress-reducing environments for animals and staff.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial services encompass office spaces, retail centers, and tenant improvements with a focus on cost-effective, innovative solutions. We handle projects from schematic design to construction administration, ensuring compliance with local ordinances and zoning requirements. Clients receive site-specific designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, and budgetary constraints for long-term commercial success.
Educational Facilities
We design K-12 schools and educational campuses emphasizing safety, accessibility, and adaptable learning environments. Our team addresses evolving curricular needs through flexible classroom layouts, sports facilities, and administrative spaces. With experience in public and private institutions, we navigate complex permitting processes to deliver code-compliant, future-ready educational infrastructure.
Residential Design
Our residential practice focuses on luxury custom homes, multi-family units, and community developments that blend aesthetic appeal with energy efficiency. We incorporate green building standards and site-specific considerations to create livable, sustainable spaces. From beachfront retreats to urban townhouses, our designs prioritize client vision while meeting strict construction and zoning regulations.
People
Niall Saunders
Founder & Principal Architect
A licensed architect in California, Texas, and Arizona, Niall holds AIA, RIBA, and NCARB certifications. With over 30 years in architecture, he specializes in healthcare and commercial design, leading the firm since its 1995 founding.
Jared Dudley
Senior Associate
Jared oversees project design and management, bringing expertise in building codes and regulatory approvals. A Cal Poly Pomona graduate, he has led complex projects to successful completion since joining the firm in 2000.
Ken Wiant
Co-Founder (In Memoriam)
Ken contributed extensive construction industry knowledge and regulatory expertise. His collaborative approach shaped the firm's practical design solutions until his passing, leaving a legacy of client-focused architecture.
Questions
What architectural services does Saunders + Wiant offer?
We provide healthcare, commercial, residential, and educational architecture, including site planning, ADA compliance, and construction administration.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes, we handle projects in Mexico, the Middle East, and Asia, alongside our U.S.-based work.
How do you ensure regulatory compliance?
Our team specializes in zoning laws, ADA standards, and building codes, with experts like Senior Associate Jared Dudley managing approvals.
What makes your healthcare design unique?
We use evidence-based design for medical facilities, focusing on patient flow, equipment integration, and healing environments.
Can you assist with sustainable design?
Yes, we incorporate energy-efficient practices and materials to meet green building standards in all project types.
