Q3 2021

10 BUILD Q3 2021 Jul21374 Best High-End Custom Home Design Firm – Southern California Sorensen Architects is an award winning architectural and general contracting design firm located in Southern California, led by Principal Architect Christopher Sorensen and Adria Sorensen. From La Jolla to the City of Malibu, the California coastline and hillside are embellished with custom architectural beach homes. Sorensen’s designs bring modernism and minimalism while preserving warm accents. Every element is present, combining the latest technologies in engineering with classic principles to create distinctive, sustainable homes. e apply sustainable design concepts and utilize organic building materials to educate clients about alternatives to the wasteful conventions that define typical construction projects. Virtually, every project that we design uses active photovoltaic power and solar hot water systems to energize the home. Our designs inherently incorporate passive solar and natural ventilation techniques, creating buildings that require less energy,” says Christopher Sorensen, Principal Architect of the Southern California based firm, Sorensen Architects. Through countless projects spanning several decades, Sorensen Architects has developed its own signature style. Whether it is a property, addition or commercial building, each project is in harmony with its natural surroundings. The majority of them are located primarily in the Hills of Malibu as well as in city of Los Angeles, in San Francisco and the state of New York. Their designs are futuristic and are inspired by the natural elements. The firm has collaborated with elite clientele including Brad Pitt, Anson Williams, Pamela Anderson, James Keach and Jane Seymour. Sorensen Architects worked with Brad Pitt following his purchase of a Malibu beach bungalow in 2005, helping him to remodel the property by adding a pool, tennis court, stainless steel kitchen, and bamboo flooring. In addition, glass walls were added to create panoramic ocean views as well as stairs leading to the sandy beach cove. Christopher Sorensen was instrumental in obtaining Brad Pitt’s planning and coastal approval for the second story. “Brad Pitt can hire anyone,” says Christopher. “He worked with Frank Gehry, and he took a leap of faith with me. I really respect Brad’s passion for architecture, so I was honored to be hired.” Sorensen Architects has also been a part of the redesign of Charlie Chaplin’s former home, which was later owned by Sam Francis. Located in the Santa Monica Canyon, it is an 8,000sqft home with a 4,500sqft guest house. Sorensen added 500-year- old reclaimed Balinese teak for the walls, ceilings and cabinetry, and the main house’s master bedroom was given a two-sided stone column fireplace with suspended fossils. “W Sorensen featured a saltwater pebble stone pool with a swim up bar and with stools. In addition, in the spa, glass walkways over stream beds were incorporated into the final design with koi ponds and waterfalls. The property resembles a Japanese garden with a serene atmosphere and exquisite sculptures. The property was listed for sale at $18.8 million in 2012. “Innovation is an odd word because we’re also bringing it back to the old school,” concludes Christopher. “L.A. is such a magical place that’s supportive of innovation. We’ve built a body of work and now we’re blossoming.” As such, Christopher Sorensen has a spectacular portfolio of work behind him. He is an artist, an environmentalist, and a true believer in all things green. Whatever the project, he approaches it with thoughtfulness and passion, while looking to architectural icons for guidance. Company: Sorensen Architects Inc. Contact: Adria Sorensen Email: [email protected] Website: www.sorensenarchitects.com