Since 2009, California-based Brandon Architects, headed by Christopher Brandon, has brought a “youthful and inspired approach to the design process,” with projects spanning the U.S. and Mexico. From high-end homes to luxury boutiques hotels, read on to learn how Brandon’s legacy stands strong with ever-changing design trends.
What sets Brandon Architects apart from other firms?
At Brandon Architects, we strive to create client-inspired designs with a legacy-driven approach. We pride ourselves on being good listeners to truly accomplish the heart of our clients’ goals for their home. We integrate technology, thoughtful site planning, and innovative designs coming together to achieve a rewarding design process and exceptional end product.
You have projects from California to Lake Winnipesaukee, Aspen, Hawaii, and beyond. With such a wide range of settings, what core elements stay consistent across your work, and what differs?
Core elements that stay consistent throughout our projects are a sense of architectural transcendence with SoCal sensibilities in mind, such as seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor living, maximizing the footprint while creating an ease of living within. Each project has a DNA of sophistication that adapts to its local environment, emulating a Brandon Architects signature footprint while maintaining a unique identity.
How do you balance luxury and livability in your designs?
It’s the art of what we do, balancing a sense of the true comforts a home brings and an innovative design that leaves a lasting impression.
You started your firm in 2009. What has changed in architecture over the past 16 years? What has stayed the same?
I believe homes have become more complicated with the level of detail clients aspire to have in their homes. Lifestyles remain the same. The allure of natural light. COVID provided a bit of pushback on too much open-concept.
What trends are you seeing right now?
We’re definitely seeing a pushback on the great room/open concept trend that dominated the past decade. Clients are now pursuing a unique identity for each room rather than an overall theme throughout the home. We’re seeing increased demand for dedicated spaces like home offices, wellness rooms, and wine cellars. There’s also a strong emphasis on outdoor kitchens and covered living areas that blur the indoor-outdoor boundaries. Natural materials like stone and reclaimed wood are having a major moment, and clients are gravitating toward warmer, more textured palettes rather than the stark minimalism of recent years. We’re also incorporating more biophilic design elements—living walls, water features, and maximizing natural light through strategic window placement and skylights.
How do you ensure that your projects stand the test of time?
With legacy in our tagline, timelessness is a thread in everything we create. From the design elements to materials used, it is our utmost priority that our clients’ homes are to the highest standard and maintain a part of their family’s story for years to come.
You use drones for site context, 3D digital models, and virtual reality. How do these tools benefit your work?
We utilize drones to begin our design process to get an accurate description of the site/natural light and ensure our design will maximize all the positives of its environment. We use photo realistic renderings and VR to help our clients truly picture and experience their project.
What’s your hope for the future of Brandon Architects?
We continue to find wonderful clients pursuing thoughtful designs and the desire to invest in their own legacy.
Dream project?
An Aman-style resort in a tropical paradise.