Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in San Diego
Founded in 1993 by R. Bennett Lord Jr., our firm specializes in serving institutional clients through architectural design that balances client needs with innovative solutions. We focus on educational facilities, religious institutions, healthcare projects, and commercial developments, maintaining a proven track record of delivering projects that meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements. Our team, led by Principals Katherine Lord and Bennett Lord, brings decades of combined experience in managing complex projects for public school districts, dioceses, and healthcare providers across Southern California. By maintaining a small, dedicated team, we ensure direct collaboration with clients throughout all project phases, from master planning to construction administration. Our expertise extends to navigating approvals with agencies like DSA, OSHPD, and CDE, while prioritizing sustainable design practices formalized through LEED accreditation.Client satisfaction remains central to our approach, evidenced by long-term relationships with school districts and religious communities who return for multiple projects. We utilize advanced BIM software and coordinate closely with consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure project success. Our portfolio includes new construction, modernization, and historic renovations, reflecting our commitment to quality and client-centric design. Katherine Lords leadership in integrating energy-efficient solutions and Bennett Lords experience in diverse institutional projects underscore our ability to address both contemporary and heritage-specific challenges. This focused, hands-on methodology has established Lord Architecture as a trusted partner for institutions seeking reliable, code-compliant architectural solutions.
Services
Educational Facility Design
Religious Institution Projects
Healthcare Architecture
Commercial Development
Historic Renovations
Master Planning
Facility Assessments
Code Compliance
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in institutional architectural design.
- Our team works directly with clients through all project phases.
- We specialize in navigating complex regulatory approvals.
- Our LEED-certified expertise integrates sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
- We maintain long-term relationships with returning institutional clients.
Services
Educational Facility Design
We specialize in designing K-12 schools and university facilities that meet evolving educational needs. Our process incorporates space planning, code compliance, and sustainable materials to create functional learning environments. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of district requirements and regulatory standards across Southern California.
Religious Institution Projects
Our firm designs and renovates worship spaces, education centers, and sanctuaries for diverse religious communities. We balance traditional aesthetics with modern functionality while adhering to strict safety codes. Clients receive tailored solutions that respect spiritual significance and community needs.
Healthcare Architecture
We create healthcare environments that prioritize patient safety, staff efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Our expertise includes hospital expansions and specialized care facilities. Clients benefit from our experience with OSHPD approvals and healthcare-specific design standards.
Historic Renovations
We restore and adapt historic buildings while maintaining architectural integrity. Our approach combines modern functionality with period-appropriate materials and techniques. Clients receive solutions that meet current codes without compromising historical value.
Code Compliance
We ensure projects meet DSA, OSHPD, and CDE requirements through meticulous documentation and coordination. Our team streamlines approvals for educational and healthcare projects. Clients benefit from reduced delays and compliance assurance.
People
Katherine Lord
Principal
AIA and LEED-certified architect with 30+ years of experience in educational and healthcare design. Specializes in balancing client needs with sustainable solutions while managing complex regulatory processes.
R. Bennett Lord Jr.
Principal
Founder with decades of expertise in institutional architecture, including religious facilities and historic renovations. Oversees project phases from master planning to construction administration across diverse public and private sectors.
Pat Wada
Project Architect
20-year veteran in project management for educational facilities. Skilled in coordinating with planning departments and ensuring compliance with DSA standards for school district projects.
Greg Golombek
Job Captain
23-year architectural design expert specializing in documentation and detailing for new construction and renovation projects. Proficient in Revit and AutoCAD software for precise technical deliverables.
Luis Jaramillo
Architectural Designer
5-year professional with experience in K-12 schools and healthcare facilities. Coordinates BIM production and ensures compliance with public institution requirements through technical design expertise.
Questions
What types of projects does Lord Architecture specialize in?
We focus on educational facilities, religious institutions, healthcare projects, and historic renovations. Our expertise includes K-12 schools, universities, churches, and code-compliant institutional buildings.
How does Lord Architecture handle regulatory compliance?
Our team specializes in navigating DSA, OSHPD, and CDE approvals. We manage documentation and coordination to ensure projects meet all state and federal regulatory standards.
Can you work with tight public project budgets?
Yes. We've successfully completed projects for school districts and public agencies with fixed funding. Our approach prioritizes cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or compliance.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
We offer full-service design for new buildings and specialize in modernizing existing structures. This includes historic renovations that preserve architectural integrity while updating functionality.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Southern California, including San Diego and Imperial Counties. Our experience extends to projects in both urban and rural institutional settings.
