Architecture Guided by Detail, Function, and Lasting Design

Officially founded in 2021, AKDA Architects is a boutique architecture studio with more than 15 years of architectural experience focused on high-end residential design throughout Los Angeles.

The studio specializes in custom homes, remodels, additions, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), tenant improvements, interiors, and strategic planning projects developed through clean architectural detailing, organized planning, and carefully integrated material relationships.

Based in Lake Balboa, California, AKDA Architects works closely with homeowners, property owners, consultants, and contractors to create spaces shaped around functionality, circulation, long-term livability, and architectural cohesion. Every project is approached with careful attention to layout efficiency, natural light, permitting requirements, construction coordination, and the overall experience of the built environment.

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The AKDA Philosophy

Architecture should feel cohesive from every angle - from the earliest planning decisions to the final built environment. AKDA Architects approaches each project with a focus on proportion, functionality, architectural continuity, and lasting visual impact while balancing the practical requirements of construction, zoning, and long-term usability.

The studio values direct communication, organized project management, and a collaborative process that allows homeowners, property owners, consultants, and contractors to move through each phase with greater clarity and confidence.

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Architecture Across Residential & Commercial Spaces

• 15+ Years of Architectural Experience
• Principal-Led Project Oversight
• High-End Residential & Architectural Design
• Clean Architectural Detailing
• Well-Integrated Interior & Exterior Spaces
• Organized Planning & Documentation
• Strong Knowledge of Los Angeles Planning & Permitting
• Collaborative Consultant & Contractor Coordination
• Function-Driven Space Planning
• Architecture Tailored to the Property

What Defines AKDA Architects

AKDA Architects works across a wide range of project types throughout Los Angeles, including:

• New Custom Homes
• Remodels & Additions
• Custom ADUs & Garage Conversions
• Tenant Improvements
• Strategic Site Planning
• Interior Reconfiguration & Layout Planning
• Architectural Planning & Permit Documentation
• Space Planning & Design Development

Frequently Asked Questions

  • AKDA Architects is a boutique, principal-led architecture studio led by Aris Keshishian, AIA. The firm provides architectural design, planning, permitting support, construction documents, and construction-phase coordination for residential and select commercial projects.

  • AKDA Architects is based in the Los Angeles area and works with clients throughout Southern California. Project availability may vary depending on location, scope, and permitting requirements.

  • Yes. AKDA Architects is led by a licensed principal architect, Aris Keshishian, AIA, who is licensed in California and Florida. This allows AKDA to support clients with professional architectural services, technical documentation, permitting coordination, and construction-phase guidance across applicable project types.

  • AKDA works on custom homes, ADUs, interior remodels, residential additions, tenant improvements, commercial spaces, and select conceptual or development projects. The best fit is a client who values thoughtful design, clear communication, and a well-organized process.

  • No. AKDA evaluates projects based on scope, fit, design opportunity, and client needs. The firm works on a range of project sizes, from focused remodels and ADUs to larger custom homes and commercial improvements.

  • AKDA is a boutique, principal-led architecture firm, which means clients work directly with Aris Keshishian, AIA through key phases of the project. The firm offers hands-on principal involvement, practical permitting knowledge, clear documentation, and a design process that balances creativity with buildability. Each project scope is tailored to the client’s needs, from focused architectural plans to more developed design packages with renderings, consultant coordination, and construction support.

  • Yes. AKDA can shape the scope around the project’s needs, from early feasibility and focused permit drawings to more developed design packages with renderings, consultant coordination, and construction-phase support. The goal is to provide the right level of architectural service for the property, budget, timeline, and client goals.

  • Helpful items include the property address, photos, existing plans if available, a rough project description, desired timeline, budget expectations, and any city notices, survey documents, or contractor input already received.

  • Yes. Inspiration images, sketches, reference projects, and wish lists are helpful starting points. AKDA uses them to understand the client’s taste and goals, then develops a design that is specific to the actual property and project requirements.

  • Yes. Early architectural review can help buyers understand whether a property may support their goals. AKDA can help identify potential design opportunities, zoning constraints, permitting concerns, and site issues before a major investment is made.

  • AKDA prepares architectural drawings for permitting and can help coordinate responses during plan check. The permitting process varies by city, project type, and consultant requirements.

  • AKDA provides architectural services and coordinates with outside engineers when needed. Structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, Title 24, survey, or other consultants may be required depending on the project.

  • AKDA may be able to coordinate with contractors or work with a client’s preferred contractor. Contractor selection is an important part of the process, and AKDA can help clarify scope and documentation so contractors can better understand the project.

  • Architectural fees depend on the project type, size, complexity, location, consultant needs, and level of service required. AKDA can provide a proposal after learning more about the project scope and reviewing the property or existing conditions.

  • AKDA is a boutique, principal-led architecture firm, which means clients work directly with Aris Keshishian, AIA through key phases of the project. The firm offers hands-on principal involvement, practical permitting knowledge, clear documentation, and a design process that balances creativity with buildability. Each project scope is tailored to the client’s needs, from focused architectural plans to more developed design packages with renderings, consultant coordination, and construction support.

  • Timeline varies by project. Design, documentation, consultant coordination, city plan check, client decisions, and construction logistics all affect schedule. AKDA helps clients understand the likely process and major milestones early in the engagement.

  • Yes. AKDA can provide construction administration or construction-phase support depending on the scope of services. This may include answering contractor questions, clarifying drawings, reviewing changes, and helping protect the design intent.

  • AKDA primarily serves the Los Angeles area and Southern California. The firm may consider projects in other locations depending on scope, licensing, and consultant requirements.