Business Details
Modern Architecture & Urban Design Solutions
Dutton Architects is a boutique design firm dedicated to creating inspiring modern architecture that harmonizes with California's climate and landscape. Our practice spans residential, commercial, and urban design, emphasizing sustainable solutions and collaborative client partnerships. With expertise in solving complex site challenges and integrating buildings with open spaces, we prioritize functional innovation while maintaining deep respect for context and history.Our work has been globally recognized through publications, awards, and featured projects that demonstrate our commitment to elevating both individual spaces and broader urban environments. As a firm led by principal John Dutton, we combine academic rigor with hands-on construction knowledge to deliver designs that reflect clients' unique needs while advancing architectural excellence.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Urban Planning
Fire Rebuild Projects
Custom Modern Homes
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized service through a collaborative design process tailored to each client's unique needs.
- Our sustainable designs integrate buildings with natural landscapes while meeting modern living standards.
- We specialize in solving complex architectural challenges on difficult sites with elegant solutions.
- Our work has been globally published and recognized for innovation in residential and urban design.
- Principal-led approach ensures direct access to our founder's 20+ years of architectural expertise.
What people say
Creative and detailed oriented
Patient and considerate approach
Transformed our dream home
Inventive with existing space
Seamless design integration
Services
Residential Design
Our residential designs create modern living spaces that balance aesthetic innovation with functional practicality. Each project emphasizes outdoor-indoor connections and sustainable materials while maintaining sensitivity to site-specific contexts. We specialize in custom solutions for challenging locations, from hillside properties to urban infill sites, ensuring homes that adapt to contemporary lifestyles while respecting environmental considerations.
Commercial Architecture
We craft commercial spaces that reflect brand identity while optimizing functionality for business operations. Our approach integrates creative workspace solutions with practical considerations for workflow efficiency and employee well-being. Projects range from media industry headquarters to specialized facilities requiring technical precision, always maintaining a focus on sustainable design principles and long-term operational effectiveness.
Urban Planning
Our urban design practice focuses on creating pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use environments that combat urban sprawl through sustainable development patterns. We develop comprehensive plans for new towns, neighborhood revitalization projects, and public space networks that enhance community connectivity. Our work emphasizes walkability, transit integration, and multi-functional spaces that support vibrant urban ecosystems.
Fire Rebuild Projects
We provide specialized fire-resistant housing solutions for communities affected by wildfires. Our pre-designed, customizable plans incorporate fire-safe materials and defensible space principles while maintaining modern aesthetics. The streamlined process includes code-compliant designs ready for rapid construction, with options for accessory dwelling units to support community rebuilding efforts.
Custom Modern Homes
Each custom home project results from a collaborative process that translates client visions into unique architectural expressions. We emphasize material authenticity, spatial fluidity, and climate-responsive design while maintaining strict attention to detail. Our expertise includes mid-century modern renovations and new constructions that achieve seamless integration with natural surroundings.
People
John Dutton
Principal Architect
Founder of Dutton Architects with 25+ years of experience in modern architecture. Trained at renowned firms including Morphosis and Richard Meier's office, he combines academic expertise as a USC professor with practical construction knowledge. His work spans residential, commercial, and urban design projects globally.
David Milner
Director of Studio
Oversees project execution with 18 years of architectural experience. Graduated from University of Pennsylvania and worked at Frank Gehry's office. Specializes in material detailing and construction coordination, ensuring design integrity throughout the building process while maintaining client-focused project management.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on modern architecture that respects context and history while incorporating contemporary design principles. Our work emphasizes clean lines, natural materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration.
Can you handle complex building sites?
Yes, we specialize in solving challenging site conditions through innovative design solutions that transform constraints into architectural opportunities while maintaining functional practicality.
Do you work on commercial projects outside Los Angeles?
We've completed projects in New York City, Sacramento, and international locations. Our experience includes media facilities, research campuses, and cultural institutions across various geographic contexts.
How does the design process work?
Our collaborative process begins with programming and visioning, continues through design development and permitting, and includes hands-on construction oversight to ensure faithful execution of design intent.
Are you experienced with sustainable design?
Sustainability is core to our practice, incorporating energy-efficient systems, fire-resistant materials, and climate-responsive design strategies that reduce environmental impact while enhancing building performance.
Can you help with fire-damaged property rebuilding?
We offer three pre-designed, customizable fire-rebuild house plans that meet strict safety standards while providing modern, livable spaces designed for rapid reconstruction.
