Appleton Partners LLP Architects
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Appleton Partners LLP was established by Marc Appleton in 1976, and has offices in Santa Monica and
Whether contemporary or traditional in style, urban or rural, we strive in our architecture for a real diversity, an appreciation of place, and a responsiveness to each client’s particular needs and wishes. We reject the idea that a successful design practice needs to be “branded” or have a signature style, or that architecture always has to shout, and we thank our clients for their willingness to entrust their dreams not to the fashions of the moment, but to a more modest enterprise of quiet but attentive craft.
09/25/2026
For a second consecutive year, Appleton Partners LLP has been named among Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects, and for 2026, among America’s Top 200 Residential Architects.
The nine residences featured reflect the breadth of the firm’s work, ranging from an Italianate villa set against the mountains to a whitewashed courtyard house and a shingle-style residence on the water.
Founded in Southern California in 1976, Appleton Partners has built a body of work rooted in thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place. While many of these homes are located throughout Southern California, the firm’s work extends across the country and internationally, carrying a consistent architectural approach shaped by context, tradition, and enduring design.
09/14/2026
Set among long rows of vineyards, the silo and gabled forms, board-and-batten siding, and natural stonework draw inspiration from the region’s agrarian architecture.
Contractor: Elliott & Pohls Construction / Elliott and Pohls Construction
Structural Engineer: Parker Resnick Structural Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: The Sullivan Partnership Inc.
Photography: Julia Duenas
Mary Kaczor spent the summer at one of our drafting table in the Santa Monica office, rendering a residential site plan in watercolor.
She’s back at Notre Dame now, sharing her wisdom to work hard, be yourself, and go to lunch with your coworkers.
09/08/2026
Carved wood, patterned textiles, and hand-finished plaster bring warmth and intimacy to this bedroom.
Beyond the French doors, a private balcony opens to light, fresh air, and distant views of the water.
Contractor: RAM Development/Tom Nelson
Landscape Designer: SWA/David Berkson
Interior Designer: Patti Skouras
Photography: mattwallaphoto
09/05/2026
The One That Got Away 🏛️✨
A Fall Market conversation at Thomas Lavin, PDC featuring Brenda Levin, Marc Appleton, and William Hefner, moderated by Bret Parsons.
The discussion explores the projects that never got built — and the missed opportunities these celebrated architects still think about.
📅 Wednesday, September 23
🕛 Noon–1 PM
📍 Thomas Lavin, PDC
8687 Melrose Ave, Suite B309/B310
Reception follows.
RSVP: [email protected]
09/05/2026
Come celebrate with us at the 2026 Santa Barbara Beautiful Annual Awards as we recognize this year’s People & Property Award recipients.
This year’s honorees represent the individuals, organizations, and projects that continue to contribute to the character and beauty of Santa Barbara.
We also congratulate Marc Appleton, AIA, on receiving the Heritage Oak Award for Lifetime Achievement, alongside this year’s distinguished group of honorees.
We look forward to seeing our friends, clients, colleagues, and community there as we celebrate this special evening together.
📍 El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
📅 September 27, 2026
08/31/2026
Bougainvillea cascades over the structure, softening the architecture and framing the driveway below.
The vibrant planting creates a memorable sense of arrival, bringing color, texture, and character to the approach.
Interior Designer: Windsor Smith
Contractor: McCoy Construction Inc
Photography: Alexander Vertikoff
What’s inside an architect’s site bag?
Architect Maja Vestlund Fratus unpacks the essential tools she keeps close at hand. From tape measures and scales to tracing paper and everything a client meeting or site visit might require.
08/25/2026
Set just beyond the main house, this garden pavilion offers an inviting destination within the landscape.
Long tables gather beneath filtered light, creating a welcoming setting where architecture gives way to dining, conversation, and connection.
Contractor: Bortolazzo Construction & Architect
Interior Designer: Owner with Patti Skouras, Inc. & Kathryn Ireland
Landscape Designer: Architect
Photography: mattwallaphoto
Senior Project Manager, AIA John P. Margolis shares a selection of watercolors created during his travels through Türkiye, capturing the places, details, and impressions that inspired him along the way.
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Contact the business
Telephone
Address
911 Chapala Street
Santa Barbara, CA
93101
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
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