Business Details
45 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services in San Luis Obispo
Sdg Architects has been shaping spaces that enhance lives for over four decades. Founded in 1981, our firm combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver functional, sustainable, and aesthetically compelling environments. Our team of licensed architects and LEED-certified professionals specializes in healthcare, hospitality, commercial, and community projects, with a particular emphasis on HCAI-compliant healthcare facilities. We prioritize collaborative design processes, leveraging decades of collective experience to translate client goals into enduring architectural solutions.Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by $40 million in completed healthcare projects alone, including award-winning designs for French Hospital Medical Center. With a focus on problem-solving and regulatory compliance, we create spaces that serve both practical needs and emotional well-being, maintaining long-term relationships with clients across California's Central Coast and beyond.
Services
Architectural Design
Healthcare Facilities
Commercial Buildings
Hospitality Projects
Community Spaces
3D Modeling
Interior Design
Master Planning
Construction Administration
Feasibility Studies
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of architectural experience with $40M+ in healthcare construction projects
- LEED-certified professionals specializing in sustainable, code-compliant designs
- Collaborative approach integrating client priorities and regulatory requirements
- Recognized expertise in HCAI-compliant healthcare facility design
- Proven track record in complex tenant improvements and retrofits
Associations and certifications
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
What people say
Professionalism and design expertise
Collaborative approach
Innovative solutions
Regulatory compliance mastery
Long-term client relationships
Services
Architectural Design Services
Our architectural design services combine creative vision with technical precision to create functional, sustainable spaces. We specialize in healthcare, hospitality, and commercial projects, delivering code-compliant designs that meet both regulatory requirements and user needs. With 40 years of experience, our team translates client priorities into enduring architectural solutions that enhance user experience while maintaining budget and schedule constraints.
Healthcare Facility Design
We specialize in HCAI-compliant healthcare facility design, including hospitals, surgery centers, and medical offices. Our expertise includes $40 million of completed projects at French Hospital Medical Center, featuring innovative expansions and tenant improvements. We balance strict building codes with patient-centered design to create healing environments that support caregivers while meeting rigorous regulatory standards through collaborative planning and 3D modeling technology.
Commercial Building Projects
Our commercial architecture services cover urban infill structures, landmark buildings, and adaptive reuse projects. We create functional spaces that align with brand identity while meeting zoning requirements. Recent projects include the Sensorio Mercado entertainment complex and Cayucos Landing restoration, demonstrating our ability to integrate historical context with modern commercial needs through innovative design solutions and construction administration expertise.
Hospitality Architecture
We design hospitality spaces that combine aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency. Our portfolio includes Avila Lighthouse Suites and Carlton Hotel, where we balanced historical context with modern guest expectations. Our approach considers both guest experience and regulatory requirements, creating spaces that enhance brand identity while maintaining code compliance through detailed planning and construction oversight.
Community-Centric Design
Our community-focused projects prioritize public engagement and lasting civic value. From Cuesta Rosa Senior Residence to the Copeland Health Education Pavilion, we create spaces that foster social connection while meeting technical demands. We employ collaborative design processes that incorporate community input, ensuring our buildings serve both functional needs and emotional well-being through thoughtful spatial planning and sustainable material choices.
People
Brian Starr
Principal Architect
Co-founding partner with 40+ years of healthcare design experience. LEED AP and NCARB-certified architect who specializes in OSHPD-1 projects. Balances creative vision with technical expertise to lead complex healthcare facility designs.
Tim Ronda
Principal Architect
Co-founding partner with expertise in regulatory processes and building technologies. Leads healthcare and hospitality projects, integrating sustainable practices with functional design requirements. Serves on local school and church boards while managing complex architectural challenges.
Ariana Melendez
Principal Architect
MBA-holding architect with 10+ years of statewide experience. Manages diverse projects from concept to completion, combining analytical skills with collaborative communication. Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity ReStore while overseeing project management teams.
Ellen Adamson Goodwin
Project Architect
15-year veteran with expertise in residential and mixed-use projects. Passionate about affordable housing and community development. Combines technical knowledge with volunteer work for local nonprofits while delivering code-compliant architectural solutions.
Aron Kahn
Project Architect
20+ year firm veteran with European design influence. Specializes in medical, educational, and commercial projects. Applies precision from model railroading hobby to architectural details while serving on the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum board.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive architectural services including healthcare facility design, commercial buildings, hospitality projects, community spaces, 3D modeling, interior design, and construction administration across California.
How long have you specialized in healthcare design?
Our team has over 40 years of experience in healthcare architecture, including $40 million of completed projects at French Hospital Medical Center and specialized OSHPD-1 compliance expertise.
Do you work outside San Luis Obispo?
While based in San Luis Obispo, we serve clients across California's Central Coast including Paso Robles, Cayucos, and other communities requiring architectural and planning services.
What sustainability certifications do your architects hold?
We have multiple LEED Accredited Professionals on staff who integrate sustainable design principles across all project types while maintaining regulatory compliance and functional requirements.
How do you handle complex renovation projects?
Our team specializes in tenant improvements and retrofits, using 3D modeling technology to visualize changes while balancing code requirements with client needs during phased construction processes.
Can you describe your design approach?
We employ collaborative design processes that integrate client priorities, regulatory requirements, and sustainability principles to create functional spaces that enhance user experience and stand the test of time.
