Most architects get into the business because they love building design. They are drawn to the unique facets of different types of architecture and how details work together to produce spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Even if they don’t like all the various styles of architecture, they generally have at least an appreciation for those that have been popular throughout the years.
While many architects have their preferred styles with which they like to work, a good architect can work within any style, helping a client achieve their desired vision for their property—whether commercial or residential.
For architects who like variety in their work, Long Beach, CA is a dream location in which to do business. Within the city limits, you’ll find homes, municipal buildings, and commercial properties in many different styles. You’ll see neighborhoods full of Craftsman bungalows, as well as homes in the following styles: Spanish Revival, Mid-Century Modern, Tudor Revival, and even a few Victorians. There are some beautiful Art Deco buildings in downtown Long Beach, as well as those in the styles of French Renaissance Revival, Romanesque, and Italian Renaissance Revival.
There are also plenty of homes and buildings that don’t fall into any of these historical style categories, but the sheer variety of architectural styles within Long Beach gives architects a lot of opportunities to use their creativity in their designs without their projects standing out like a sore thumb. For example, designing a custom home in the Spanish Revival style for a Long Beach neighborhood or giving a commercial building a Mid-Century Modern-style update wouldn’t feel out of place like it might in another city where there are no other buildings like these within the city limits.
Architects in Long Beach also have ample opportunities to work on historic structures and in neighborhoods with historic designations. Some architects love the challenges that working on historic properties present, while others might shy away from these types of projects due to the restrictions and the extra layer of approval they need to get through, but the opportunities are definitely there, unlike in other cities in California.
Mark Grisafe, owner of Grisafe Architecture in Long Beach, CA had this to say about working on historic projects:
I happen to really enjoy working on historic home remodels. I love the challenge of designing a space that is true to the original character of the home, but that also gives homeowners the modern conveniences they crave. Owners of historic homes also tend to be the types of clients I most enjoy working with. They are typically lovers of great home design. They appreciate the finer details, and they understand that to get a great end result, it can take some patience on everyone’s part. They want their homes to continue to make the City of Long Beach a special place to live by doing their part to preserve a little bit of its history.”
If you’re new to the City of Long Beach or have just never explored the beautiful variety of architectural design in the city, a great place to start is with a self-guided walking tour of some of Long Beach’s most famous historical buildings. A great tour can be found on the GPSmyCity app, which is available as a free download for any smartphone.
