Business Details
Award-Winning Architecture Firm 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 regulations, and building codes with expertise. We serve clients across the Southland, from Los Angeles to San Diego, delivering full architectural services for custom interiors, large-scale offices, and housing developments. Our portfolio includes iconic projects like the Universal Music Headquarters and Skechers Headquarters, reflecting our commitment to innovative design and community-focused solutions.With recognition from organizations like the American Institute of Architects and certifications such as LEED Gold, we maintain a strong network of loyal clients. Our approach emphasizes sound project economics, environmental responsibility, and a deep understanding of local market needs. Through decades of experience, we have cultivated a culture of collaboration, creativity, and technical excellence. Our work consistently earns industry accolades, including Gold Nugget Awards and Architectural Excellence honors. We remain dedicated to advancing sustainable practices while delivering designs that enhance urban environments and foster community engagement.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Residential Design
Adaptive Reuse
Office Spaces
Mixed-Use Developments
LEED Certification
Urban Planning
Project Entitlements
Zoning Compliance
Architectural Consulting
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years of experience in architectural design
- High percentage of licensed architects for expert guidance
- Specialized in sustainable and LEED-certified projects
- Award-winning designs recognized by industry leaders
- Diverse portfolio spanning commercial, residential, and adaptive reuse projects
Associations and certifications
- LEED Gold Certified
Services
Commercial Architecture
We design functional, sustainable commercial spaces tailored to client needs. Our expertise includes corporate headquarters, retail centers, and mixed-use developments. Projects emphasize energy efficiency, modern aesthetics, and compliance with zoning regulations.
Residential Design
Our residential services focus on creating livable, innovative housing solutions. We specialize in multi-family units, luxury single-family homes, and adaptive reuse of existing structures. Designs prioritize community integration and environmental sustainability.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform outdated structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving historical elements. Projects include converting parking garages into residential buildings and repurposing industrial sites for commercial use. This approach reduces waste and revitalizes urban areas.
LEED Certification
We guide clients through achieving LEED certification for sustainable building practices. Services include energy modeling, material selection, and compliance documentation. Our LEED Gold-certified projects demonstrate leadership in environmental responsibility.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services integrate architecture with community needs. We design walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use districts, and public spaces that enhance quality of life. Projects balance density with green spaces and transportation access.
People
David Forbes Hibbert
Partner Emeritus
Founder of DFH Architects, David Hibbert brings global perspective from growing up in three countries. He combines architecture and business expertise, emphasizing sustainable design and community impact through decades of industry leadership.
James Fischer
Licensed Architect
With over a decade at DFH, James Fischer specializes in project execution and team collaboration. His background includes diverse project types, and he contributes technical expertise while balancing work-life priorities with family time.
Kara Block
Licensed Architect
Kara Block leverages Midwest tenacity and design skills for varied project scales. She contributes to DFH's culture and project success through entitlement expertise and a focus on functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Kate Joyce
Licensed Architect
Kate Joyce, a LEED AP BD+C professional, brings experience from New Orleans to Los Angeles projects. Her work spans academic, residential, and commercial sectors, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement through design.
Jack Feichtner
Licensed Architect
Jack Feichtner specializes in housing and urban planning with a Midwest problem-solving approach. He contributes creative solutions to multi-family, hospitality, and mixed-use projects across Southern California's diverse markets.
Questions
What architectural services does DFH Architects offer?
We provide full architectural services including commercial design, residential projects, adaptive reuse, LEED certification consulting, and urban planning for clients across Southern California.
Are DFH Architects' projects sustainable?
Yes, we prioritize sustainable design with LEED-certified projects and environmentally responsible practices integrated into all phases of our work.
Where does DFH Architects operate?
We primarily serve Southern California, including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
What makes DFH Architects unique?
Our team includes a high percentage of licensed architects with diverse backgrounds, enabling technical expertise in complex zoning and award-winning sustainable designs.
Can DFH Architects handle large-scale developments?
Yes, our portfolio includes large-scale office buildings, multi-family housing, and mixed-use developments like the Skechers Headquarters and Universal Music Group projects.
Reviews (1)
Edward Tung
May 31, 2018
Report
If you have any real estate project in Santa Monica or Los Angeles, this is your go to architectural firm. Fair pricing and great work consistently throughout multiple projects.
