5 Whether undertaking a custom home, a renovation, or a commercial project, James Newhall Smith, Architect is a trusted partner that has made a name for guiding clients from initial concept to final design. Recognised for its individualised and personalised service, James Newhall Smith, Architect has become a name synonymous with excellence in design, carefully considering every aspect of a project – from the broader context of the specific site to the particulars of its interior look and feel. As James Newhall Smith, Architect earns further applause in the Architecture Awards 2026, we spoke with Architect and Founder James Newhall Smith for more information. “Our goal is to create homes that are timeless, beautiful, and a joy to live in every day.” Since its inception in 2004, James Newhall Smith, Architect has specialised in custom, high-end residential architectural projects for clients across the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. The firm is owned and operated by James Newhall Smith, an established architect well known for his work with refined detailing, thoughtful spatial planning, and sensitivity to each site’s natural character, from oceanfront estates to secluded hillside retreats. Supported by decades of experience and a deep appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship, James’s work reflects a lifelong connection to the landscapes of California. His education boasts architectural roots in Southern California, Colorado, Berkeley, Copenhagen, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the latter of which providing him with a five-year professional degree in architecture. Drawn to the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, James designs distinguished homes and select commercial projects for clients throughout Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, Fresno, Houston, Maui, and surrounding communities. He has dedicated more than two decades to designing high-end architecture in one of the most extraordinary coastal settings in the world, utilising a collaborative design process that has earned the trust of countless clients, builders, and partners across the region. At James Newhall Smith, Architect, every project begins with understanding the property’s highest and best use, as well as the unique goals of the client. The firm carefully studies the site, its views, its natural light, and surroundings to ensure that the design takes full advantage of every opportunity its environment presents. This observation is paired with a thoughtful floorplan based upon how the client actually lives, creating spaces that support their daily routines in a comfortable, intuitive, and natural way. The team prides itself on delivering an individualised and personal service throughout the entire design process. Meticulous attention to detail is paid to every aspect of the project, from consideration to the broader context of the site to the unique character, warmth, and functionality of each interior space. Through listening, mutual understanding, and respect, James Newhall Smith, Architect creates homes that reflect the client’s vision whilst fulfilling their goals for programme, style, and budget. Of course, every project brings its own unique set of challenges. This is common across the industry, but what truly matters is how these obstacles are overcome and turned into opportunities. Approaching every project as a “team sport”, the James Newhall Smith, Architect team works in close collaboration with the involved clients, consultants, and general contractors to maximise amenities and resolve challenges in a practical, and often graceful, manner. “We aim to create homes that are not only beautiful but enrich our clients’ lives every single day.” When a client approaches James Newhall Smith, Architect, they know they are approaching a reliable partner dedicated to helping them navigate the complex and expensive undertaking of building a signature home. A local team is assembled for every new client, comprised of seasoned professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that the client’s goals remain at the very forefront of every decision made throughout the process. “Our greatest differentiator is that we truly listen,” James told us. “Too often, architects focus on their own vision rather than fully understanding their clients’ goals, lifestyle, and aspirations. We believe a home should be a genuine reflection of the people who live there. We take the time to understand what inspires our clients and then elevate those ideas through thoughtful design, experience, and creativity.” James Newhall Smith, Architect put this approach into practice when undertaking the Teh Residence project on Rodeo, which demonstrated the team’s unrivalled ability to utilise the best features of a site. Earning the title of Best Luxury Custom Residence Project 2026 in Northern California, the Teh Residence’s main focus was to capture the best views for the client whilst building a beautiful home that suits their needs. To achieve this mission, James Newhall Smith, Architect designed a “reverse floor plan”, placing the main living areas on the upper floor of the house. Of course, the team’s innovations were not limited to the floor plan; James Newhall Smith, Architect also created a large, open stair leading up to the second floor, with a dramatic pyramidal skylight sitting above to afford abundant lighting and additional views. Alongside this, the team also installed an elevator into the house for added ease of mobility, ensuring that the architecture continues to provide value for years to come. By placing the most important living spaces on the upper level, James Newhall Smith, Architect ensures that the home’s inhabitants are provided with expansive, uninterrupted views of the golf course and ocean surrounding their home. These views would have typically been obstructed by the housing lining the opposite side of the road, if not for the elevation provided by the team’s innovative floor plan. This decision has also played a key role in significantly enhancing the home’s value, along with the homeowner’s everyday living experience. The result of James Newhall Smith, Architect’s approach is always a home that feels deeply personal to the client whilst exceeding their every expectation. For this reason, the firm has built a strong base of repeat clientele, which its team believes to stand as the greatest testament to the unrivalled quality of its work and the relationships it builds. Now looking ahead, the firm is preparing to undertake a number of new projects that came through referrals from past clients and friends, further signifying a level of continued trust that the James Newhall Smith, Architect team will never take for granted. Now, named Northern California’s Best HighEnd Residential Architecture Practice 2026, James Newhall Smith, Architect will move forward with the intention of continuing to set new standards of architectural excellence across the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. Reflecting on the firm’s great successes, James concluded, “As we move through the rest of 2026, we remain focused on creating exceptional custom homes while continuing to welcome new clients who value a highly personalised design process and exceptional service.” Contact: James Newhall Smith Company: James Newhall Smith, Architect Web Address: www.jnsarch.com
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