Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Contemporary Architects in Los Angeles
Sander Architects has been redefining contemporary architecture since 1996 through innovative hybrid construction methods that merge prefab efficiency with custom design. Our approach combines artistic vision with practical solutions, creating award-winning residential and commercial spaces that prioritize sustainability and aesthetic excellence. With decades of experience, we specialize in transforming client visions into functional, eco-conscious structures that reflect individual needs and environmental harmony.Our team's expertise in green materials and design has earned international recognition, including multiple AIA awards and features in prestigious publications like Dwell and The New York Times. We maintain a commitment to education, constantly exploring new materials and methodologies to advance architectural practice while delivering projects that balance budget constraints with artistic integrity.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Hybrid Construction
Interior Design
Green Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We pioneered hybrid prefab construction methods that reduce costs by up to 30% while maintaining custom design.
- Our firm has received international design awards since 1996, including AIA and Chicago Athenaeum Museum honors.
- Founding principal Whitney Sander brings Peace Corps experience and Yale architectural training to every project.
- We maintain 28+ years of expertise in green materials and sustainable design practices.
- Our team provides full-service oversight from schematic design through construction completion.
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom-designed homes that balance artistic vision with practical needs. Our residential projects utilize hybrid construction methods to achieve unique architectural features while maintaining budget efficiency. Each home is tailored to the client's lifestyle, whether it's a modern urban residence or a sprawling countryside estate.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services focus on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces for businesses and institutions. From concert halls to biomedical research facilities, we apply our hybrid construction techniques to deliver cost-effective solutions that meet specific organizational needs while maintaining design excellence.
Hybrid Construction
This innovative method combines prefabricated metal components with custom design elements. By using warehouse-manufactured frames and skins, we achieve significant cost savings while maintaining complete design flexibility. The system works equally well for small homes and large-scale commercial projects, offering both economic and environmental benefits.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating functional, beautiful spaces that reflect client personalities. We specialize in integrating custom features with practical layouts, whether designing a chef's kitchen or optimizing office workflow. Sustainability remains a priority through eco-friendly material selection and energy-efficient design strategies.
Green Architecture
We incorporate sustainability into every project through material selection, energy-efficient systems, and construction methods. Our hybrid approach reduces waste by using prefabricated components, while non-combustible materials enhance fire resistance. We help clients achieve LEED certification and other sustainability benchmarks through innovative, practical solutions.
People
Whitney Sander
Founder / Principal Architect
Founder of Sander Architects, Whitney combines Yale-trained architectural expertise with Peace Corps experience. He has taught at top universities and received numerous awards for his innovative hybrid construction methods and sustainable design leadership.
Catherine Holliss
Director of Interior Design
Catherine leads interior design initiatives with an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. She specializes in green materials and has contributed to major projects like the Lowman Concert Hall. She regularly lectures on sustainable design at universities.
Questions
What is hybrid construction architecture?
Hybrid construction combines prefabricated metal frames with custom design elements to create cost-effective, eco-friendly buildings. This method allows for unique architectural features like 30-foot ceilings while maintaining budget efficiency through warehouse-manufactured components.
Do you specialize in residential or commercial projects?
We offer both residential and commercial architecture services. Our portfolio includes custom homes, concert halls, community centers, and biomedical research facilities, all designed with our signature hybrid construction approach.
How does your firm incorporate sustainability?
We prioritize eco-friendly materials and construction methods. Our hybrid system reduces material waste through offsite fabrication, uses non-combustible metal components, and integrates green design principles in every project from urban homes to rural estates.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Los Angeles, we work on projects nationwide and internationally. Our hybrid construction system has been successfully implemented in locations ranging from Oregon to the West Indies.
What design process do you follow?
Our four-phase process includes schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction observation. We maintain involvement throughout to ensure your vision translates perfectly into the final built environment.
