Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Carlsbad, CA
Founded in 1987 by Faramarz Jabbari, AIA, NCARB, our firm has dedicated over three decades to transforming architectural visions into enduring realities. We specialize in multifamily residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across the western United States, combining technical expertise with creative design to meet evolving market demands. Our collaborative approach prioritizes client aspirations while maintaining rigorous attention to site-specific contexts and sustainable practices. With a portfolio spanning hospitals, hospitality complexes, and urban master plans, we consistently deliver award-winning solutions that reflect both functional excellence and aesthetic innovation. Our team of licensed architects brings deep industry experience, having worked on over 100 projects recognized for their design excellence and community impact.We maintain active memberships in leading professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Through continuous engagement with emerging technologies and construction methodologies, we ensure our clients receive forward-thinking designs that balance practicality with visionary thinking. Our commitment to transparency and ethical practice has fostered long-term relationships with developers, municipalities, and community stakeholders. Located in Carlsbad, California, we serve clients across California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. Every project reflects our founding principle: that thoughtful architecture creates spaces that enrich lives and strengthen communities.
Services
Multifamily Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Mixed-Use Developments
Adaptive Reuse Projects
Master Planning
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have 35+ years of experience in multifamily and commercial architecture.
- Our designs have received multiple industry awards and recognitions.
- We maintain AIA and NCARB certified professionals on staff.
- We specialize in adaptive reuse and sustainable building practices.
- Our portfolio includes projects across five western U.S. states.
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- NCARB
What people say
Exceptional design quality
Strong technical knowledge
Reliable project timelines
Creative problem-solving
Excellent communication
Services
Multifamily Residential Design
We create innovative multifamily housing solutions that balance density with livability. Our designs incorporate modern amenities, energy-efficient systems, and community-focused spaces while adhering to local zoning regulations. Specializing in mid-rise and garden-style developments, we help clients maximize return on investment through thoughtful unit layouts and shared amenities.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services cover office buildings, retail centers, and hospitality complexes. We focus on creating functional spaces that enhance brand identity and customer experience while meeting strict budget and timeline requirements. Our team has extensive experience with commercial zoning, ADA compliance, and sustainable building certifications.
Mixed-Use Developments
We design mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and public spaces to create vibrant communities. Our approach considers traffic flow, parking requirements, and tenant needs while maintaining architectural cohesion. These projects often include podium structures, adaptive reuse elements, and transit-oriented design principles.
Adaptive Reuse Projects
We specialize in transforming existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving historical elements. Our services include structural assessments, code upgrades, and creative space planning to extend building lifespans and reduce environmental impact. This approach often provides cost savings compared to new construction.
Master Planning
Our master planning services create comprehensive development strategies for large sites. We coordinate land use, transportation networks, and infrastructure systems to optimize site potential. This includes neighborhood planning, phased development strategies, and sustainability frameworks that guide long-term growth and community integration.
People
Faramarz Jabbari
President / Architect
AIA and NCARB certified architect with 40+ years of experience, Faramarz Jabbari founded ARK Architects in 1987. He has designed over 100 projects including hospitals, commercial complexes, and multifamily developments across six western states.
James McConnell
Vice President / Architect
Licensed architect with extensive experience in multifamily and mixed-use developments, James McConnell leads project teams in delivering innovative design solutions that balance client needs with regulatory requirements across diverse market conditions.
German Gomez
Associate
Architectural associate specializing in technical documentation and construction administration, German Gomez ensures design integrity throughout the building process with particular expertise in California's building codes and accessibility standards.
Lorenzo Libut
Associate
Design-focused associate with strong visualization skills, Lorenzo Libut develops conceptual designs and presentation materials that effectively communicate project vision to clients and municipal review agencies during entitlement processes.
Nasr Mobin
Job Captain
Experienced job captain managing project teams through all design phases, Nasr Mobin coordinates with consultants and contractors to ensure technical accuracy and constructability of architectural documents for multifamily developments.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon with architectural services for multifamily and commercial projects.
What building types do you specialize in?
Our expertise includes multifamily residential (apartments, condominiums), commercial offices, mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, and master-planned communities.
Are your architects licensed and certified?
Yes, our team includes AIA-certified and NCARB-registered architects with decades of combined experience in the architectural profession.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate energy-efficient systems, material selection strategies, and site-responsive design principles to create environmentally responsible buildings that meet client budget requirements.
Can you handle complex entitlement processes?
Our team has extensive experience navigating municipal approval processes, including preparing presentation materials and coordinating with planning departments for project entitlements.
What construction delivery methods do you support?
We work with clients using traditional design-bid-build, design-build, and construction management delivery methods to accommodate different project requirements and owner preferences.