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Philokalia Design
Architecture · Interiors · ADU · Technology — California

Architecture & interiors for California homes that actually get built.

Thoughtful design, deep California code expertise, and permits approved in under 90 days — so your project moves from idea to reality without the usual delays.

100+
Projects
<90 days
To permit
Tell us about your project
Our philosophy

Spaces that hold up to everyday life.

The best architecture isn't a photograph — it's the place where mornings, dinners, milestones, and ordinary Tuesdays unfold for years to come.

Whether you're adding an ADU to your backyard or reimagining a 4,000 sq ft residence, every project gets the same architect-led attention from concept through construction.

Bespoke creative mastery.
Open dialogue, zero surprises.
Your vision, our shared mission.
What we provide

Six practices, one studio.

01

Homes built around how you actually live.

Single-family renovations, ground-up custom homes, hillside and historic neighborhood specialists.

  • Site analysis & feasibility
  • Schematic design
  • Design development
  • Construction documents
  • Permit submission & follow-up
  • Construction administration
Timeline
4–10 months to permit
Project size
800–6,000 sq ft
02

The fastest path to more home, more income, more flexibility.

Garage conversions, detached ADUs, and SB-9 lot splits. We know California building codes chapter and verse.

  • Detached ADU design
  • Garage conversions
  • Junior ADU (JADU)
  • SB-9 lot splits
  • Setback & coverage analysis
  • Title 24 energy compliance
Timeline
60–90 days to permit
Project size
up to 1,200 sq ft
03

Commercial spaces that get past plan check the first time.

Restaurants, retail, offices, mixed-use. Tenant build-outs that pass plan check the first time.

  • Programming & space planning
  • Brand-aligned interior design
  • ADA & code compliance
  • MEP coordination
  • Health Department coordination
  • Construction documents
Timeline
3–8 months to permit
Use types
F&B, retail, office, mixed-use
04

Build-outs from shell-and-core to turnkey.

Commercial build-outs and adaptive reuse. From shell-and-core to turnkey delivery.

  • Existing conditions documentation
  • Demolition planning
  • Space planning & layout
  • Mechanical & electrical design
  • Permit drawings
  • Construction support
Timeline
2–6 months to permit
Scope
500–20,000 sq ft
05

Full-service interiors, from space planning to final styling.

Full-service interiors from space planning to final styling, designed for how you'll actually live.

  • Space planning & layout
  • Material & finish selection
  • Custom millwork design
  • Lighting design
  • Furniture & art curation
  • Procurement coordination
Typical engagement
3–9 months
Scope
single rooms to full homes
06

Technology that disappears into the architecture.

AV-over-IP, sound systems, and home cinema — designed into the architecture from day one.

  • AV-over-IP distribution
  • Multi-zone sound systems
  • Home cinema design
  • Smart home control
  • Network infrastructure
  • Lighting & climate integration
Best when
integrated during design
Tiers
budget-conscious to reference-grade
Selected work

Recent portfolio.

A small studio means we say no to most projects so we can say yes — fully — to the ones we take on.

01 / 03
Design + Technology, one team

Designed in, not bolted on.

The architect and the technology designer sit at the same table from the first sketch. Conduit gets roughed in, equipment lands in the right room, speakers vanish into the ceiling — because the building was drawn that way.

Architecture & interiors Lydia Salib
Network infrastructure — one network, every room AV over IP
Multi-zone audio — music in every space that needs it ∞ zones
Cinema, lighting, climate — your home, in your hand 1 unified control
Fire & flood awareness Hany Salib
Plan your technology system
LIVINGKITCHENBEDROOMCINEMA NETWORK AUDIO ZONES UNIFIED CONTROL
Why clients choose us

The difference is in the doing.

Permits handled, not promised.

Our clients regularly receive approved permits in under three months, because we design to plan-check standards from day one.

One architect, start to finish.

You won't be handed off to a junior associate. Lydia is personally involved in every project, every meeting, every revision.

Coordination, not just drawings.

We work directly with your engineer, contractor and consultants — so problems get solved before they reach the job site.

Client testimonials

What it's like to work with us.

“Her attention to detail, ability to stick to the budget, knowledge of California building codes, and commitment to quality made all the difference.”

Matt Jimenez — Owner

“She understood my vision immediately and brought it to life with creativity, precision, and style.”

Armen Adamyan — Owner

“From the very beginning, she took the time to truly understand our vision. We couldn't be happier.”

Joseph Filly — Owner
ADU & JADU

What can I build on my lot?

Three quick questions. Lydia reads every answer personally and replies within one business day with what's feasible on your property.

Step 01
Your lot
Step 02
The structure
Step 03
Your feasibility note
Setbacks, coverage, timeline — in your inbox.
Get my feasibility note
Let's begin

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