Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in San Diego
Founded in 1992, Architectural Concepts has established itself as a creative and experienced architectural firm with a commitment to transforming architectural visions into reality. Licensed in seven states and NCARB-certified, we operate as a regional and national entity through our sister company, Architectural Dimensions. Our approach combines innovative design with practical execution, ensuring projects meet both budgetary and functional goals. With decades of collective experience, our team delivers solutions that enhance end-user experiences while maintaining fiscal responsibility. We specialize in managing complex communication and coordination across all project phases, from entitlements to occupancy.Our dedication to client collaboration ensures every project reflects the client's brand identity and operational needs. Headquartered in San Diego, we serve diverse industries, including hospitality, retail, and cannabis licensing. Our proven track record includes navigating regulatory challenges and delivering cost-effective, sustainable designs. We pride ourselves on professionalism, attention to detail, and a hands-on approach that consistently exceeds client expectations. This foundation of expertise and client-centric values positions us as a trusted partner in architectural innovation.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Consultant Coordination
Agency Management
Master Planning
Entitlements
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural expertise across seven licensed states.
- Our sister company partnership expands capabilities in large-scale hospitality projects.
- Proven success in cannabis industry licensing and regulatory compliance.
- Expert coordination with civil, structural, and MEP engineering consultants.
- Award-winning attention to detail in design and construction administration.
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
What people say
On time, on budget
Outstanding communication
Critical in approval process
Creative light through lens
Quality and professionalism
Services
Architecture
Our architectural design services encompass full-project delivery from concept to completion. We provide program development, value engineering, 3D renderings, and construction administration for commercial and residential projects. Our collaborative approach ensures cost-effective solutions that align with client goals while maintaining regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Interior Design
We create functional interior environments through comprehensive programming and space planning. Our services include FF&E specification, sustainable material selection, and art program curation. By analyzing client workflows and spatial requirements, we develop customized solutions that enhance user experience while maintaining budgetary constraints and brand identity.
Agency Management
Our agency management services navigate complex regulatory frameworks through zoning analysis, permit processing, and jurisdictional coordination. We prepare Site Investigation Reports, manage submittals, and ensure compliance with local codes. This includes facilitating government workshops and negotiating impact mitigation strategies to expedite project approvals.
Consultant Coordination
We coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams including civil engineers, MEP specialists, and landscape architects. Our systematic approach ensures seamless integration of technical requirements while maintaining project timelines. This includes managing communication workflows and resolving inter-disciplinary conflicts during all project phases.
Master Planning
Our master planning services combine brand identity analysis with site-specific studies to create implementable development frameworks. We conduct feasibility assessments, budget planning, and entitlement research to establish long-term project viability. This includes specialized expertise in cannabis industry zoning and conditional use permits.
People
Margit E. Whitlock
Principal | Creative Director
AIA-certified architect with 30+ years of experience, Margit founded ACI in 1992. She specializes in design innovation and regulatory navigation, particularly in cannabis industry projects. Her leadership emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and client-focused execution.
James M. Heilbronner
Principal | Director of Architecture
NCARB-certified architect and owner of sister company Architectural Dimensions. With expertise in hospitality architecture, he brings specialized knowledge in entitlements and large-scale project planning to ACI's collaborative ventures.
Jeffrey MacAdam
Senior Project Manager
Manages complex architectural projects with focus on technical execution and client communication. Brings 15+ years of experience in commercial development and regulatory compliance to ensure project milestones are met efficiently.
Dominic Dutra
Senior Agency Manager
Specializes in navigating governmental regulations and permitting processes. With deep knowledge of municipal codes, he streamlines agency interactions to maintain project timelines while ensuring full compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
Shannon Roark
Interior Designer
Allied ASID member focusing on interior architecture and space planning. Creates functional environments that align with client brand identity through thoughtful material selection and sustainable design practices.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in full-service architectural design, interior planning, master planning, agency management, and consultant coordination for commercial and residential projects.
How do you handle regulatory compliance?
Our team manages zoning analysis, permit processing, and jurisdictional coordination through dedicated agency management services, including Site Investigation Reports and compliance tracking.
Do you work outside San Diego?
We operate nationally with licenses in seven states, including California, Arizona, Florida, Texas, New York, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania.
How do you manage complex projects?
We use systematic consultant coordination and phased project management to ensure seamless integration of multidisciplinary requirements while maintaining timelines and budgets.
What industries do you serve?
We work across hospitality, retail, residential, cannabis licensing, and historic preservation sectors with specialized expertise in regulatory challenges.
How do you ensure client satisfaction?
Through collaborative problem-solving, transparent communication, and hands-on project management that prioritizes client goals at every development stage.
