Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner for Innovative Design
Founded in 1992 by Margit Whitlock, Architectural Concepts Inc. is a creative and experienced architectural firm headquartered in San Diego, California. Licensed in seven U.S. states and NCARB-certified, we deliver comprehensive design solutions from concept to completion. Our team combines visionary leadership with meticulous attention to detail, prioritizing client collaboration and cost-effective execution. With over 30 years of industry expertise, we specialize in managing complex projects, including entitlements, master planning, and agency coordination.Our sister company, Architectural Dimensions, enhances our regional and national reach, enabling us to serve diverse markets such as hospitality, retail, residential, and cannabis licensing. We pride ourselves on fostering transparent communication, leveraging advanced 3D modeling tools, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Client testimonials consistently highlight our ability to deliver innovative designs on time and within budget, supported by a dedicated team of seasoned professionals.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Consultant Coordination
Agency Management
Master Planning
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural expertise in diverse sectors.
- Our team excels in managing complex entitlement and regulatory processes.
- We provide cost-conscious solutions without compromising design integrity.
- Certified NCARB professionals ensure compliance with national standards.
- Proven track record in cannabis licensing and adaptive reuse projects.
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
What people say
Professionalism
On time, on budget
Quick response to submittals
Woman-owned
Outstanding communication
Services
Architecture
Our architecture services encompass full-cycle project delivery, including design and build coordination, value engineering, 3D renderings, and construction administration. We prioritize client collaboration to create functional, visually stunning spaces that align with brand identity and budget constraints. Clients benefit from streamlined processes and expert navigation of regulatory requirements.
Interior Design
Interior design services focus on optimizing space functionality while enhancing aesthetic appeal. From programming to FF&E specification, we create tailored environments that reflect client needs and industry trends. Sustainable materials and art programs are integrated to elevate user experiences in commercial and residential settings.
Consultant Coordination
We manage multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, and MEP engineers, ensuring seamless communication across specialists. Our proactive coordination minimizes delays and aligns consultant deliverables with project timelines, supported by a 20-year track record in resolving complex technical challenges.
Agency Management
Our agency management services facilitate compliance with zoning laws, permit processes, and environmental regulations. We conduct site analyses, submit documentation, and negotiate with jurisdictions to expedite approvals, ensuring projects meet all legal requirements throughout their lifecycle.
Master Planning
Master planning includes feasibility studies, brand-aligned concept development, and entitlement strategy. We specialize in cannabis licensing, conducting code reviews, and navigating conditional use permits, leveraging expertise to secure approvals in competitive regulatory environments like San Diego.
People
Margit E. Whitlock
Principal
Founded ACI in 1992, Margit leads architectural and interior design projects with creative vision and technical precision. An AIA member, she has guided over 200 projects, including cannabis facility approvals and large-scale hospitality developments.
James M. Heilbronner
Principal
A NCARB-certified architect, James directs architectural operations and entitlement strategies. His expertise in master planning and regulatory compliance has secured approvals for complex projects across California and Arizona.
Jeffrey MacAdam
Senior Project Manager
Jeffrey oversees project execution, managing timelines and budgets for mixed-use developments. With 15+ years at ACI, he ensures client goals align with technical and regulatory standards.
Dominic Dutra
Senior Agency Manager
Dominic specializes in navigating municipal permitting processes, focusing on cannabis licensing and land use regulations. His strategic approach has accelerated approvals for clients in competitive markets.
Mike McCarley
Architectural Project Manager
Mike coordinates design teams and construction documents, ensuring adherence to codes and client specifications. His technical proficiency spans retail, residential, and institutional projects across five U.S. states.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-cycle services including design-build, master planning, agency management, and interior design tailored to client needs.
Do you work with out-of-state clients?
Yes, our NCARB certification and multi-state licenses support projects in California, Arizona, Florida, Texas, New York, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania.
How do you handle cannabis facility projects?
We specialize in cannabis licensing, conducting code reviews, preparing permit applications, and securing conditional use permits in competitive jurisdictions.
How long does the entitlement process take?
Timelines vary by jurisdiction, but our proactive coordination with agencies typically expedites approvals compared to industry averages.
Can you manage large-scale developments?
Yes, our sister company Architectural Dimensions extends our capacity for master planning and entitlements on regional projects.
Reviews (3)
Victor Fer
Jun 27, 2019
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Friendly informative poeple. Pleasure to meet and speak to them. Come to check them out. They have you covered
L. Specialties Inc
Dec 11, 2016
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Great company to work with for your office or hospitality project designs. Just completed a beautiful office project together.
Dynva B. L.
May 01, 2013
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I had the pleasure of interning with Margit and Brian during my last semester at Design Institute of San Diego; the school has high standards, expectations, and rigorous guidelines for a firm to meet when interning their students. To see so much from our classrooms come to life, and be handled so effectively and efficiently by two who have obviously mastered their trade, was more worthwhile than I ever imagined it to be. Highly knowledgable, with a tenacity for staying educated, current, and competitive, interconnected with multiple industry disciplines, actively involved in strengthening professional
