Architects Magnus

Oh man... I literally cannot say enough good things about Pam and Hector - Architects Magnus. I'm a certified super fan and love love love these two amazing humans so much. I was a San Diego-based General Contractor for almost 20 years and worked with them on several projects, one of which was awarded "Home of the Year" by San Diego Home and Garden. The coolest thing about that project was that it wasn't given that award because we spent a billion dollars on super high-end finishes (which we DID NOT do), it was plain and simple good design, really smart choices, and flawless execution using pretty basic materials. That right there is a gift, and in my opinion, the ultimate test of an architect or design professional. And by the way, those homeowners recently hired them again for an even bigger project, which says a lot about how great they are to work with. I knew from the moment I met them that I wanted to work with them, and thankfully, I was lucky enough to win a few of the contracts to build their projects. If you're in need of some seriously great architects, you can stop looking and start designing because you found them. Pam and Hector are real, they're thoughtful, they're talented, they love what they do, and they're damn good at it. I don't think I have any more big projects in my future, but man... would I love to get one more build with the Dream Team! Cheers, my friends!

Without reservation, I can highly recommend Architects Magnus for your next livable modern home design project. After finding a post of a past project of this firm online I contacted them to discuss my very unique project and it turned into a 4+ year close work relationship that was truly remarkable. Pam and Hector have an immense architectural and engineering knowledge and access to highly skilled subcontractors for each subtask such as structural engineering and a wide knowledge of products available not just locally but globally. Our project required a close work relationship with a vineyard developer and an HOA in SoCal Wine country where we intended to build this modern home that needed to fit in the area from an aesthetic point of few yet had all the trademarks and amenities of a modern home such as partially exposed steel hybrid structure, large floor to ceiling windows and extra large sliding doors, unique heating and cooling, modern fireplaces and steel roof. Large outdoor space embracing the 270 deg mountain and wine country views was another criteria and all of that within a tight budget. The result is a home we truly love - it is amazing to live in and completely exceeded our expectations. Particularly important to Hector was the curb appeal and experience you have when driving up to the home, down the street, through the gate and then the 500’ winding private road journey with a 100’ rise trough the vineyard arriving at the lower garage level with stairs to the 8’x8’ pivot door - it’s truly a remarkable experience. When working on my tractor, near the access road, occasionally cars stop and ask if this is a winery and open to the public - my answer full of pride: No its our home.

When my wife and I decided to remodel/and add another 1000 sq ft of space to our 2400 sq ft San Diego home I went to the local AIA website for names... I chose 7 to interview and hopefully select... mostly based on Zip code of each one. When each of the Architects arrived they usually told me about themselves and their work and discussed my project ... but when Hector arrived he told me about my 1952 house... it's uniqueness and it's history and even gave me some magazine articles about the original Architect I had never heard of [Palmer and Crissel from Los Angeles] Hector had already worked on 4 earlier Palmer and Crissel homes and was adamant that the original design of the house must not be disturbed... that it could be enhanced by my remodel... I was very impressed at his professionalism and enthusiasm and immediately hired Hector for my job... Subsequently during my contractors remodel work Hector joined him when requested to go over questions and to sometimes just to observe the progress..... he was available every time needed. All of his work, drafts, plans were submitted to the city on time.. The completed project was beyond our expectations... in short, my wife and I are very pleased with Hectors work. I highly recommend Hector Magnus for any new or remodel work anyone may have sincerely and with warmest regards, Betty and Ed Greene Living in San Diego [since 1963 after both of our U S Navy Vietnam service]

Hector and Pam Magnus are the ultimate architecture partners! They actively listened to all our hopes and dreams for our home and then brought them each to life. Thanks to the Magnus’ brilliant execution, creative ideas and immaculate sense of purity, we now live in the house of our dreams. It meets and exceeds all our needs in ways we couldn’t have envisioned would be possible when we started the project. For more than a year we planned with the Magnuses. For another year we were under construction with the Magnuses careful eye on the project all along the way. And now we look around the perfect outcome and have to pinch ourselves at our good fortune for having engaged such pros as Hector and Pam! Every angle in our house is beautiful. Every detail consistent with every other detail. The goals we established were all achieved. We love the aesthetics of our “new” home and its functionality. Our project was a complete remodel of our longtime home that transitioned it from a home to raise our family in to the home we hope to enjoy forever.

Hector and Pamela aren't just architectural consultants on our project; they're an integral part of bringing our vision to life. I couldn't be happier that we chose to work with them.

We hired Architects Magnus to turn our 570 ft. cottage into a 1394 sq. ft. modern home. At every step, from initial design, through construction, to the final finishing touches, Pam and Hector Magnus worked with us to create our dream home. They allowed our voices to be heard, were sensitive to our budget, and kept our best interest at heart throughout. Working with the Magnus' was an inspirational experience. And oh, by the way, the house they designed won San Diego Home and Garden magazine's "Home of the Year" award. Awesome! http://sandiegohomegarden.com/sdhg3dissue/january2014/january2014/files/64.html

Magnus is a great firm with exceptional understanding of contemporary design, materials and forms. Their services deliver to those who need full-service solution, as it should be: architecture and design under one roof.

Architects Magnus provided architectural services in connection with the ground-up construction of an approximately 3,500 sq. ft. home in San Diego, CA. The husband and wife team of Hector and Pam Magnus provided excellent insight, progressive design and demeanor throughout the project. They worked well with city officials and construction professionals in order to effectively and efficiently work through various issues. They met all design related deadlines and completed their services within the budget. Their considerable experience and knowledge was invaluable when it came to the implementation of a custom design with the maximum use of conventional construction techniques that were more cost effective than custom fabrication alternatives. Some examples include the use of stucco without color additives in order to mimic poured-in-place concrete and the use of an inexpensive torch-down roof membrane so that more of the roofing budget could be used for an inlaid tongue and groove ceiling made from sustainably grown hardwoods. This balanced approach between design and construction allowed us to maximize our budget by emphasizing those components of the home that give us the most enjoyment. Perhaps most importantly, Hector and Pam understand people. They challenged our notions of what our home could be in a manner that gained our trust and allowed for a far more dynamic and interesting living environment than we otherwise would have had. The end result far exceeded our expectations. Thanks to Hector and Pam, the house, affectionately known as the “Jewell Box”, is not just a custom floor plan, but truly a custom home with unique elements designed to make the most of our living environment within the confines of applicable building codes, coastal commission requirements and our budget. We love living in the Jewell Box that Architects Magnus envisioned for us.