AO

AO Full service Architectural, Master Planning and Design firm All phases receive continuous involvement from a Partner in its appropriate division.

With 50 years of experience in architecture and in the building industry working with America’s premier Multifamily, Retail, Commercial, Mixed-Use real estate developers. The firm is one of Southern California’s most respected and sought-after Architectural and Planning firms and is widely recognized as an industry leader in the design of high quality projects. AO emphasizes the team approach - Ow

ner, Architect and Consultants - to interact throughout all phases of the project. AO’s Multifamily Division specializes in medium and high density attached housing and Mixed-Use projects. AO's Retail Division has developed an expertise in Neighborhood, Promotional, Entertainment and Factory Outlet Centers with over 3 million square feet of projects designed last year. AO approaches every project with a fresh perspective and thoughtfully addresses the needs of individual clients and their specific sites, context, program and end user. Our philosophy will always to be design and help build places of character and significance for people, companies, and communities. AO also specializes in collaborating with clients to reach their project’s mission while working within their budgetary parameters. The firm understands the need to create viable Commercial, Residential and Mixed-Use environments that produce a valued return on investment. With our corporate offices located in the heart of Orange County, California, AO has provided services for developers and corporate clients Internationally. With the recent project completion of a 2008 Gold Nugget Merit winning project in Yeoju, Korea, the firm is now currently in design with projects in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Korea and is providing Design and Construction Administration services for developers and corporate clients across the globe.

AO is pleased to see momentum continue at Dana Point Harbor, where two new waterfront hotels are expected to break groun...
06/04/2026

AO is pleased to see momentum continue at Dana Point Harbor, where two new waterfront hotels are expected to break ground as part of the harbor’s ongoing revitalization. As Architect of Record, AO has been working alongside R.D. Olson Development to help bring this transformative hospitality project to life.

The development represents a significant investment in one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal destinations, enhancing the visitor experience while supporting the long-term vision for Dana Point Harbor.

Beyond Southern California, it is exciting to see R.D. Olson continue advancing hospitality destinations across the West, including the planned Sedona Resort & Spa in Sedona, Arizona. The proposed 70-room luxury resort is expected to become part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection and marks another significant milestone in the developer’s growing portfolio of destination hospitality projects.

Read more on Orange County Business Journal: https://www.ocbj.com/oc-homepage/dana-point-harbor-hotels-to-break-ground-soon/

AO is excited to see progress on Harbor Island West Marina, a transformative $70 million waterfront redevelopment projec...
06/02/2026

AO is excited to see progress on Harbor Island West Marina, a transformative $70 million waterfront redevelopment project in San Diego. Working alongside clients HIW Associates and Beauchamp Realty, the project will modernize marina facilities, enhance public access to the bayfront, and introduce new amenities that strengthen the connection between the community and the waterfront.

Projects like Harbor Island West Marina reflect the growing demand for destinations that blend recreation, hospitality, and public gathering spaces while creating lasting value for the communities they serve.

Read the full article in Citybiz: https://www.citybiz.co/article/853836/harbor-island-west-marina-breaks-ground-on-70-million-bayfront-project/

At AO, we help create thoughtful solutions that evolve alongside the communities we serve. Our collaboration with Shopof...
05/28/2026

At AO, we help create thoughtful solutions that evolve alongside the communities we serve. Our collaboration with Shopoff Realty Investments on Bolsa Pacific reflects an innovative approach to
revitalizing outdated retail spaces while addressing the growing need for housing in Southern California. This transformative Westminster project will bring new market-rate and affordable housing opportunities to the community, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.

As featured in CoStar News, AO Partner Ioanna Magiati shares
insights on the vision behind the development and the importance of creating communities designed for long-term connection and accessibility.

Read the full story about Bolsa Pacific: https://www.costar.com/article/1612962664/demolishing-this-dead-southern-california-mall-makes-way-for-a-rare-development-opportunity

Momentum continues for housing accessibility in San Mateo County. The City of Belmont has approved additional funding fo...
05/27/2026

Momentum continues for housing accessibility in San Mateo County. The City of Belmont has approved additional funding for The Ridge on Masonic located at 951 Old County Road, helping advance a transformative residential community just steps from the Belmont Caltrain Station.

Designed by AO in collaboration with CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development and Jett Landscape Architecture, the eight-story mixed-use project will deliver 63 homes alongside ground-floor retail and community-focused amenities. The development reflects a continued investment in transit-oriented solutions that strengthen accessibility, connectivity, and long-term community growth.

Read more on San Francisco YIMBY: https://sfyimby.com/2026/05/additional-funds-for-951-old-county-road-belmont.html

Over the past year, AO has continued to expand its presence across Utah through collaborations with clients including Ce...
05/21/2026

Over the past year, AO has continued to expand its presence across Utah through collaborations with clients including CenterCal Properties and Boyer on projects that support one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. Utah continues to experience significant population and economic growth, driving demand for vibrant, community-focused destinations throughout the state.

At Mountain View Village in Riverton, AO’s architecture, interiors, and landscape teams have worked alongside CenterCal Properties and builder Layton Construction to help shape a dynamic mixed-use destination that brings together retail, dining, office, entertainment, gathering spaces, and community-focused experiences within a cohesive environment.

Alongside multifamily communities such as the recently completed Millhaus apartments and the upcoming Elliott development in Salt Lake City with Boyer, these projects reflect AO’s integrated approach to creating vibrant places that strengthen and support Utah’s evolving communities.

Photography by Dustin Bailey

Read more about Mountain View Village: https://www.aoarchitects.com/project/mountain-view-village/

AO continues to advance thoughtful, community-focused solutions in the affordable housing sector, responding to evolving...
05/19/2026

AO continues to advance thoughtful, community-focused solutions in the affordable housing sector, responding to evolving needs around density, livability, and access. Our recent work on The Parkline for Thrive Living in Los Angeles reflects this approach—delivering a modern residential community that balances efficient design with quality amenities to support long-term residents. Projects like The Parkline reinforce our commitment to creating housing that is both attainable and impactful for the communities it serves.

Read more on Building Design+Construction Media: https://www.bdcnetwork.com/building-sector-reports/multifamily-housing/affordable-housing/news/55315450/10-trends-in-the-affordable-housing-sector

AO was proud to be part of the grand opening celebration for The Orion in Orange. Ed Cadavona, NCARB, AIA, Serafin Maran...
05/14/2026

AO was proud to be part of the grand opening celebration for The Orion in Orange. Ed Cadavona, NCARB, AIA, Serafin Maranan, Edward Wu, Architect, Nakisa Heshmati, and Kia Assadzadeh attended alongside Orange Mayor Dan Slater and City Councilmember Arianna Barrios to celebrate this exciting milestone for the community.

The Orion brings a new active adult living experience to Orange through thoughtful design, modern amenities, and spaces that encourage connection, wellness, and community engagement. Congratulations to Riverside Charitable, USA Properties Fund, Inc., and the entire team who helped bring this project to life.

Thank you Adrian Tiemens for the beautiful photography.

Read more about The Orion: https://www.aoarchitects.com/project/the-orion/

05/13/2026

AO recently toured Colonnade at The Market Place, part of the larger Colonnade and Meridian transformation reimagining one of Orange County's most iconic retail destinations into a vibrant mixed-use community in the heart of Tustin. Designed by AO for Irvine Company, the project replaces underutilized retail space with 1,261 residential units across three wrap-style buildings, introducing new residential density, connectivity, and pedestrian activity to the center.

AO Site Walks provide valuable opportunities for our teams to experience projects firsthand, strengthening our understanding of the design, detailing, and user experience that shape successful communities.

AO is looking forward to attending ICSC Las Vegas 2026 next week and joining the conversations shaping the future of ret...
05/12/2026

AO is looking forward to attending ICSC Las Vegas 2026 next week and joining the conversations shaping the future of retail, mixed-use, and community-driven development. Our team will be meeting with partners, clients, and industry leaders throughout the event to explore new ideas and opportunities across the evolving retail landscape. If you’ll be at the Las Vegas Convention Center May 18-20, we’d love to connect.

Learn more: https://www.icsc.com/attend-and-learn/events/details/las-vegas-2026

The momentum is building for DSRT Surf, the highly anticipated surf park and mixed-use destination in Palm Desert slated...
05/08/2026

The momentum is building for DSRT Surf, the highly anticipated surf park and mixed-use destination in Palm Desert slated to open in Summer 2026! Recently featured in the New York Post, the project will bring together Wavegarden Cove technology, hospitality, dining, recreation, and residential experiences to create a first-of-its-kind desert destination for both residents and visitors.

As a recognized leader in the emerging surf and sportstainment industry, AO is proud to be helping shape the future of these experience-driven destinations. With more than a dozen surf-anchored projects in progress, our team continues to push the boundaries of lifestyle, entertainment, and community-focused design, creating immersive environments that redefine how people gather, play, and connect.

Read the full NY Post article: https://nypost.com/2026/05/06/lifestyle/californias-new-wave-pool-dsrt-surf-to-open-summer-2026/

Address

144 N Orange Street
Orange, CA
92866

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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+17146399860

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