High quality rendering of a modern luxury California coastal home

Exceptional architectural design & heirloom quality construction for the most discerning residential clients.

Meet the founder
behind our success

David Howe picture
David. J Howe
PRESIDENT

Dave is a renowned architectural designer, builder, and general contractor with over 35 years of experience in residential architecture, remodeling and custom home building. His diversified experience, unique insights, and visionary approach have earned him numerous awards and features in prestigious publications such as The Wall Street Journal Mansion, dwell, Ranch & Coast, Stroll Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Sante Fe Review, as well as WCVB TV, just to name a few.

Driven by a passion for excellence, Dave strives to make every project exceptional and distinctive. His attention to detail, artistry and personalized attention to every client and project “set him miles apart from anyone else.”

Professionally and personally based in Rancho Sante Fe, San Diego, CA. Dave enjoys life with his wife of 12 years, Ying and their two sons, Landon and Nolan. He extends heartfelt gratitude to his late father, James D. Howe, for introducing him to the world of architecture and creativity, which has become his life's passion and professional calling.

“There are no words adequate to describe the depth of our gratitude for the work Dave Howe did for us.”

“Every worker he brought into our house was committed to providing the highest quality service possible.”

“The results of Dave’s work far exceed any expectations we had.”

“The space Dave created for us is better than we could have ever dreamed, and we are so grateful.”

“Dave holds himself to a higher standard that I knew possible” “He creates excellence in a way that homeowners may never notice, but he will notice every detail and will ensure that every single component of the job is perfect.”

“Dave is one of the most trustworthy people I have ever met.”

“He treated our house as a precious home that deserved the utmost care.”

“He created an incredible fusion of the differing desires of my husband and myself.”

“Loved his ideas.”

“Dave’s honesty, superior design skills, commitment and his demeanor of treating us as though we were his top priority set him miles apart from anyone else.”

“He always listed to everything we said, and the results of his work are the perfect marriage of elegance and usability.”

“He became part of family.”

“The quality of Dave’s work speaks for itself.”

“There are no words adequate to describe the depth of our gratitude for the work Dave Howe did for us.”

“Every worker he brought into our house was committed to providing the highest quality service possible.”

“The results of Dave’s work far exceed any expectations we had.”

“The space Dave created for us is better than we could have ever dreamed, and we are so grateful.”

“Dave holds himself to a higher standard that I knew possible” “He creates excellence in a way that homeowners may never notice, but he will notice every detail and will ensure that every single component of the job is perfect.”

“Dave is one of the most trustworthy people I have ever met.”

“He treated our house as a precious home that deserved the utmost care.”

“He created an incredible fusion of the differing desires of my husband and myself.”

“Loved his ideas.”

“Dave’s honesty, superior design skills, commitment and his demeanor of treating us as though we were his top priority set him miles apart from anyone else.”

“He always listed to everything we said, and the results of his work are the perfect marriage of elegance and usability.”

“He became part of family.”

“The quality of Dave’s work speaks for itself.”

“Wow! We never thought we’d own a place worthy of a spot in a home magazine.”

“We are most grateful.”

“Every step along the way of working with Dave was easier and more pleasant that we knew possible.”

“Beyond perfect!.”

“We couldn’t be happier.”

“We loved your vision for our home.”

“You’re very talented and we loved your out of the box ideas.”

“I could not have asked for a more generous, collaborative or responsive dialog about my requests for house design.”

“Your work is exquisite and masterful and utterly unique.”

“Very impressive.”

“Among the best I’ve seen.”

“Your skill and artistry made the work exceptionally attractive.”

“Every project progressed with a level of quality and efficiency that was a pleasure to observe.”

“Wow! We never thought we’d own a place worthy of a spot in a home magazine.”

“We are most grateful.”

“Every step along the way of working with Dave was easier and more pleasant that we knew possible.”

“Beyond perfect!.”

“We couldn’t be happier.”

“We loved your vision for our home.”

“You’re very talented and we loved your out of the box ideas.”

“I could not have asked for a more generous, collaborative or responsive dialog about my requests for house design.”

“Your work is exquisite and masterful and utterly unique.”

“Very impressive.”

“Among the best I’ve seen.”

“Your skill and artistry made the work exceptionally attractive.”

“Every project progressed with a level of quality and efficiency that was a pleasure to observe.”

A bit about our process

Architectural Development is a boutique style company… one client, one project at a time. Our process begins upon first contact when the general parameters of your project are briefly discussed with our company’s president, Dave Howe, then in most cases, we will arrange a complimentary consultation with you at your home, or our offices to discuss the details of your project further.

During our initial consultation the emphasis is on getting to know each other a bit, and discussing your dreams, parameters and objectives for your project. “Creatively, I’ll step back after meeting a new client for the first time and being introduced to their project, I tend to become fully consumed with a projects potential and redesign the home visualizing it in my mind until I’ve sorted through it, and reimagined it into what I believe to be the ideal interpretation for the client and their home” Dave Howe

During our initial consultation the emphasis is on getting to know each other a bit, and discussing your dreams, parameters and objectives for your project. “Creatively, I’ll step back after meeting a new client for the first time and being introduced to their project, I tend to become fully consumed with a projects potential and redesign the home visualizing it in my mind until I’ve sorted through it, and reimagined it into what I believe to be the ideal interpretation for the client and their home” Dave Howe

It’s upon the second consultation that these visions are presented to the client through a complement of visual aids, including photorealistic renderings, mood boards, material samples, photographs and blueprints. Upon the conclusion of our design presentation a comprehensive architectural design services proposal is presented, with your acceptance, we begin the journey of turning your dreams for your home, into a reality.

Turn your dreams into reality

A true design/build company

  • Architectural Design
  • Whole Home Remodeling
  • Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
  • Modern Mediterranean & Spanish Design
  • Custom Homes
  • ADU Construction
  • Additions
  • California Rooms, Veranda’s & Loggia’s
  • General Remodeling
  • Custom Millwork
  • Custom Cabinetry
  • Office Customization
  • Home Theaters
  • Structural Engineering
  • Structural Construction & Modifications
  • Door and Window Replacement
  • Mediterranean Style Architectural Restoration
  • Spanish Style Architectural Restoration
  • Library Customization
  • Landscape Design
  • Swimming Pools
  • Outdoor Kitchens
  • Complete Landscaping Services
  • Custom Entry Doors, Garage Doors & Gates
  • Residential Redevelopment Projects “Flips”
  • Roof Windows
  • Driveway’s

REALIZING YOUR DREAMS WITH
ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT

At Architectural Development, we are a leading custom home builder and architectural design firm specializing in luxury home remodeling and home renovations. As a trusted general contractor and home builder near you, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide personalized and exceptional service.

From kitchen remodels in Rancho Santa Fe to custom home renovations, our experienced team transforms your living space with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to heirloom quality construction. As a renowned design-build architecture firm, we're equipped to handle everything from pool remodeling to full-scale home remodeling or
custom home build.

Let's talk