What We Do

Based in Old Towne Orange Historic-Commercial District, DSEA, Inc. is a full-service architectural team that strives to find design solutions that respond not only to the present goals of the client, but that also meet future needs to the changing trends around us. We embrace enduring design principles of the past, and relish finding applications for them when designing for the future. Our approach to design is to view every project as an opportunity to synthesize elements of beauty and well-founded design principles, with required functionality for ultimate project success. DSEA implements this approach on every project, regardless of budget, to achieve the satisfaction of well thought out design and the best results.

We listen intently to the client’s needs in order to understand the requirements of the project, and commit to providing the appropriate design solutions. We not only satisfy the design requirements but also find opportunities for design enhancements to exceed clients’ expectations. We follow through on this commitment by involving the client directly through all evolutions of project development. By utilizing BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, we are able to visually show the client each space with 3D illustrations before a design is finalized or a project ever breaks ground.

Residential Design

DSEA provides architectural services for custom residences. We have become known for design excellence on architectural styles such as Craftsman, Bungalow, and Mediterranean, but DSEA also provides contemporary architectural design services matching the appropriate style with the context and client.

We have also integrated Greene & Greene style (adapted from the forefathers of the early Craftsman movement) into a non-historic residence, and remodeled a contemporary residence into a Craftsman-influenced design. We also have the ability and innovative skills to blend historic elements and proportions into contemporary architecture, responding to current day modes of design. Together with long-lasting elements of the past, we continue to yield a sense of permanence for the future.

DSEA has been previously featured in the Orange County Register for the design of a Greene & Greene style residence, and won best infill project in Old Towne Orange for an accessory 2nd unit.

Commercial Design
Based in Old Towne Orange Historic-Commercial District, the DSEA architectural team strives to find design solutions that respond not only to the present goals of the client, but that also meet future needs to the changing trends around us. When it comes to our expertise in institutional, retail, and commercial projects, we implement this approach, regardless of budget, to achieve the satisfaction of well thought out design and the best results.
Educational Design
Specializing in educational and childcare projects, DSEA is committed to providing support to the needs of the public and the immediate community, with a focus on improving the quality of our neighborhoods. DSEA emphasizes service to the client and the community with an uncompromising commitment to quality.
Historic Preservation

DSEA has a deep respect for iconic and historic periods of architecture, with over 20 years of experience in historic preservation. The elements of historic styles that stand the test of time include preserved features that represent how architecture responded to the socio-economic issues of the era in which they were designed and built. Quality design from then to now can be accomplished regardless of any circumstances surrounding the current project, whether they be economic restrictions, space and height limitations, trends of artistic expression, etc. It is important to preserve our historic heritage as we continue to learn from the past, and to best understand how to design our futures. In doing so, we can ensure these re-imagined structures will be as long-lasting as the historic styles that preceded us.

DSEA has thorough knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation and the guidelines that the US Department of the Interior published to qualify the intent of the standards.

Our experience in iconic periods of architectural design includes:

Victorian
(1886-1910)

Craftsman
(1909-18)

Spanish Colonial
(1913-31)

Mediterranean Revival
(1920-35)

Hip RoofCottage
(1904-11)

Bungalow Style 
(1920-29)

Prairie 
(1916-21)