Del Mar Beach House
J T Engel Architects
Coastal Living Design Specialists
We are a boutique consulting firm focused on high-end custom residential design on the West Coast. The team is led by Jorge Engel, who has over 40 years of international experience creating unique, award-winning indoor/outdoor environments. Our team's projects combine a modern, contextual aesthetic with a design philosophy that focuses on integrating each project into its site, climate and community.
Nuestro equipo tambien tiene extensa experiencia trabajando en Mexico y para clientes hispanos en California.
Our Philosophy
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CLASSICAL PRINCIPLES
MODERN AESTHETIC
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
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Rancho Santa Fe Pool House and Sauna
Del Mar Beach House
Baja California Estate
Rancho Santa Fe Pool House and Pool
Lake Hodges Retreat
Lake Hodges Infinity Pool
Of course, we love designing beautiful homes, but most clients are not quite ready when they reach out to us. We understand. If you are in doubt as to how to proceed, CLICK below to schedule a free 20 minute consultation.
WHERE DO I BEGIN?
NEEDS AND OPTIONS REVIEW
COMPARATIVE SITE ANALYSIS
PROJECT REVIEW AND DIAGNOSIS
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Reviews
Jorge is a great architect. He guided us in the design process which involved all of us: architect, builder, and clients. He helped us plan each room in our home. We designed it "from the inside out" in terms of what rooms we wanted and how we would feel in each one. The result was a spectacular home, beautiful and efficient, in which we have lived happily for many years.
Carole D.
Jorge Engel built our dream house in Del Mar on the beach. We were residents of Minnesota at the time, so we required a significant amount of help. That house became “HOUSE OF THE YEAR”
in San Diego magazine.
His work with us encompassed everything from plating the lots from three to two and scraping the old residences to smaller details such as the selection of materials, colors, and fixtures. Starting with the wonderful design of the house, on to the selection of the contractor, and providing oversight of the construction, his work was masterful and timely.
Jorge was a joy to work with and I would recommend him most highly.
Howard W.
When we decided to remodel our home on Waverly Avenue in La Jolla we interviewed three Architects. The first said to leave the job to him, he would scrape the house to the ground and rebuild it, we wouldn't have to do a thing! The second Architect said he would do whatever we wanted just tell him what to do! Well so far we weren't doing too well! But then we interviewed Jorge Engel and found the right Architect!
Jorge worked with us to develop the design and select all of the materials and equipment that we were very pleased with. Jorge managed the total project from developing the design, obtaining the necessary permits, hiring the contractors, maintaining accounting records, through to the landscaping.
Even after completion, Jorge has followed up on the job and has been a continuing friend. We were very happy with the results of the project. Practcally every visitor remarks at how bright and open the interior of the home now is. This is the atmosphere that we were seeking!
Robert "Bob" H.
I purchased my home in Cardiff , CA in August 2012. The home is a 3500 sq ft, 4 bedroom plus den , 3.5 bath single level home on a half acre lot in the composer district of Cardiff CA near the beach. The home built in 2003 had good overall structure , but its layout was choppy and the finishes were unremarkable. My idea was to open up the cut-up living area to create a large great room with better flow, completely remodel the kitchen and bathrooms, redo the flooring , add a patio, sky lights and re-landscape the yard complete with SPA, and water feature. I hired a general contractor and he recommended Jorge as the architect.
I can't recommend Jorge enough. Not only is he a wonderful architect, but he is a true visionary! He helped me every step of the way. This included picking out fixtures, appliances ,granite, color schemes, flooring etc. He incorporated successful ideas he had used on other projects to add that "wow" factor to my home. He worked closely with the contractor to keep the project on track. He also kept me calm while navigating the normal ups/downs associated with a major remodel project ( my first). Today I have a gorgeous home that I am proud to show to everyone and yes when they enter they say wow thanks to Jorge.
Randy K.
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I have worked with Jorge for multiple projects on my Del Mar house. he has always brought attention to detail, insight, colors and materials to our projects. Besides his expertise in design, drafting, and permit processing, he is a pleasure to spend time with. But, make him bring the wine :)
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David S.
When we decided to give the Scripps Ranch Village Center it’s most dramatic facelift of the past 30 years, we elected to bring Jorge Engel and Associates into the project for their award winning design capabilities and expertise. Over a period of 2 years, from the preliminary discussions concept meetings, to the general contractor interview process and through the final walk inspections, Jorge and his staff were there to provide their professional expertise throughout the project. Whatever was needed, Jorge was there to take care of it. Jorge and his staff understood our vision that we wanted to give our center a modern, forward looking design that will be contemporary for many years to come.
The project included many expected and unexpected obstacles to overcome including a lengthy permit process, design changes and problems with the existing structure and the surrounding grounds. Jorge and his staff met each of these challenges head on and the problems were solved immediately…
As a Scripps Ranch resident for over 20 years, there is a tremendous amount of pride for me personally, each time I visit the property. The feedback from the community has been tremendous!
Craig P.
One of the most appreciated parts of using Jorge’s design on the Scripps Ranch Village Center has been the many compliments we have received from not just the tenants, but the customers and clientele.
Feedback has been universally positive.
Another aspect where Jorge was especially useful was in the architectural review and input with the general contractor. He spent many hours making sure the work was done in a satisfactory manner, making useful suggestions where decisions were needed. He relieved the owners of much of the owner’s work. And the tenants all loved him for his genuine concern for their needs, and satisfying them in a manner they are happy with.
Getting the plans approved thru the city in the most cost effective manner is time consuming. Rather than cave to all the city’s demands, Jorge was able to explain and get them to accept the reasoning on why they should accept most, almost all, of it the way he drew it.
Negotiating with several general contractors and picking what seemed to be the best one is another aspect Jorge helped us with.
As a professional architect with over 35 years of experience, Jorge is an expert and invaluable member of the team.
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Bryan H.
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We Highly Recommend Jorge, his expertise was very helpful through this whole process of design /build. After visiting many architects we made the decision to go forward with his firm because of his willingness to work together and guide us to make our vision a reality.
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Jose F.
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Jorge one of the rare professionals who listens more than talks. Once he is done listening he gives you a few options considering budget, time, and taste. Very flexible throughout project. Used his services for both my restaurant and house. Definitely he will be the designer for all my future projects.
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E. J.
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