Business Details
Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture in Santa Monica
AI Architects is an award-winning, internationally recognized firm based in Santa Monica, California, renowned for elegant spatial planning, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainable contemporary design. Our work spans diverse scales and typologies, from intimate residential projects like secluded Beverly Hills hilltop homes to large-scale urban developments such as the Rondstadt Transit Center in Tucson. We specialize in adaptive reuse of landmark buildings, including the Biscuit Company Lofts in Los Angeles and the Karsiyaka Vertical Commercial Center in Izmir, Turkey.Our hands-on approach, rooted in modernist principles and Southern California environmental sensibilities, ensures each project becomes a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic integrity. We prioritize collaboration, in-house research, and mentorship, fostering a studio culture that values intellectual rigor, playful minimalism, and tactile materiality. Our designs consistently balance contextual sensitivity with innovative solutions, creating spaces that resonate emotionally and endure culturally.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Sustainable Design
Urban Planning
Historic Preservation
Interior Architecture
Public Infrastructure
Highlights and features
- Award-winning international firm with sustainable, contextually responsive designs
- Hands-on leadership by principal Aleks Istanbullu in every project
- Specialized expertise in adaptive reuse of historic and industrial buildings
- Proven track record in urban revitalization and mixed-use developments
- Commitment to material authenticity and environmental stewardship
What people say
Innovative adaptive reuse
Sustainable design leadership
Contextual sensitivity
Award-winning projects
Material authenticity
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential spaces that balance modernist principles with environmental sensitivity. Our designs emphasize natural light, tactile materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration. Projects range from hillside homes to urban lofts, prioritizing contextual harmony and functional elegance.
Adaptive Reuse
Specializing in transforming historic and industrial structures, we preserve architectural heritage while introducing contemporary functionality. Notable projects include the Biscuit Company Lofts and Armory Center for the Arts, demonstrating our ability to merge old and new with technical and aesthetic precision.
Urban Planning
Our urban design approach prioritizes walkability, public spaces, and mixed-use integration. We've revitalized transportation hubs in Tucson and redeveloped industrial zones in Culver City, creating vibrant communities that reduce car dependency and enhance urban ecosystems.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability is embedded in our systems-oriented approach. We optimize resource efficiency through passive design strategies, material selection, and energy-conscious planning. Projects like the Cerritos Bath House demonstrate our commitment to natural solutions that enhance occupant well-being.
Commercial Architecture
We design commercial spaces that balance functionality with architectural identity. From high-end retail centers in Turkey to mixed-use developments in Los Angeles, our work creates dynamic environments that respond to both business needs and urban contexts.
People
Aleks Istanbullu
Principal Architect
Aleks Istanbullu is an award-winning architect known for sustainable, innovative designs. With a focus on client needs and contextual harmony, he leads projects ranging from residential to urban developments, emphasizing tactile materials and environmental sensitivity.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential design, commercial architecture, adaptive reuse, sustainable design, urban planning, and historic preservation projects.
How do you approach sustainable design?
Our systems-oriented approach prioritizes resource efficiency through passive design, material selection, and energy-conscious planning while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Can you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, we have extensive experience in adaptive reuse of historic structures, including landmark projects like the Biscuit Company Lofts and Armory Center for the Arts.
Do you handle international projects?
Yes, we've completed projects in Turkey, including the Karsiyaka Vertical Commercial Center, and collaborate globally while maintaining our Santa Monica base.
What makes your firm unique?
Our hands-on leadership, commitment to material authenticity, and ability to blend modernist principles with environmental sensitivity create emotionally resonant spaces.
