Business Details
18 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture Solutions in Monterey
At Justin Pauly Architects, we approach architecture as a collaborative process rooted in deep listening. Our practice focuses on creating structures that harmonize with their environment, utilizing materials and energy efficiently while addressing technical, regulatory, and construction challenges. We prioritize designs that are structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, and minimally impactful on the land. Our work spans California's diverse landscapes, from coastlines to valleys, with a commitment to contextual solutions that respect both immediate surroundings and broader regional character. Founded in 2008, our firm brings decades of combined experience in residential, commercial, and planning projects across the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley, and South Bay areas.Our team includes licensed architects and professionals trained at institutions like UC Berkeley, MIT, and Cal Poly, with expertise in sustainable building practices and site-specific design. We believe architecture must serve both clients and future occupants by understanding their cultural context, functional needs, and visionary goals. This philosophy has guided award-winning projects like the Angelo Reserve Environmental Science Center and continues to shape our approach to every new challenge.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Site-Specific Design
Urban Planning
Environmental Science Facilities
Historic Building Adaptation
Interior Design
Project Management
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience in sustainable California architecture
- Our team includes MIT and UC Berkeley-trained professionals
- We specialize in site-specific designs for diverse landscapes
- Our firm holds multiple awards for environmental design excellence
- We maintain active California architectural licenses for regulatory expertise
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture practice creates energy-efficient buildings that minimize environmental impact. We utilize locally sourced materials and passive design strategies to achieve LEED-certified standards. This approach reduces operational costs while maintaining aesthetic quality and structural integrity across residential and commercial projects.
Residential Design
Custom residential design services focus on creating functional living spaces that integrate with natural surroundings. We specialize in modern interpretations of coastal and valley architecture, balancing client preferences with environmental considerations. Our portfolio includes single-family homes and multi-unit developments across California's Central Coast.
Commercial Architecture
We design commercial spaces that optimize functionality while maintaining environmental responsibility. Our expertise spans office buildings, retail spaces, and mixed-use developments. Each project incorporates energy-efficient systems and materials tailored to specific business needs while complying with California's strict building codes and sustainability requirements.
Site-Specific Design
Our site-specific approach creates architecture that responds to local geography, climate, and cultural context. We conduct detailed environmental analyses to inform design decisions, ensuring buildings complement their surroundings. This methodology has produced award-winning projects that seamlessly integrate with California's diverse landscapes from coastlines to forests.
Environmental Science Facilities
Specialized design services for environmental research facilities that combine scientific functionality with ecological sensitivity. We create spaces that support environmental study while demonstrating sustainable practices. Our experience includes the Angelo Reserve Environmental Science Center, which serves as a model for low-impact research infrastructure in sensitive ecosystems.
People
Justin Pauly
Principal Architect
Licensed architect with 20+ years of experience in sustainable design. Graduated from UC Berkeley, worked at Siegel & Strain Architects, earned MIT master's in City Planning. Specializes in Central Coast projects combining environmental responsibility with functional aesthetics.
Dayv Dunnigan
Architect
Experienced in diverse project types from historic renovations to industrial developments. Santa Cruz native with Cal Poly architectural education. Brings multidisciplinary perspective to site-specific design challenges across residential and commercial sectors.
Chris Rudzis
Senior Architect
30-year veteran with expertise in residential and commercial architecture. Holds degrees from Cal Poly and Cornell. Formerly worked in Monterey, Palo Alto, and Connecticut, bringing cross-regional insights to California design challenges while maintaining local regulatory expertise.
Rebecca Skelin
Licensed Architect
Bachelors of Architecture from California College of Arts. Specializes in high-end residential and commercial projects with experience in San Jose and Truckee markets. Licensed California architect known for translating complex design concepts into buildable solutions.
Ashlei Plonsky
Office Manager
BFA in Interior Design from Art Institute of Seattle. Manages firm operations since 2019 while contributing drafting expertise. Focuses on sustainable design principles and native landscaping solutions that align with the firm's environmental mission.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on modern, site-responsive designs that integrate with California's natural landscapes while meeting functional requirements for residential and commercial spaces.
Do you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, our team has experience adapting historic structures for contemporary use while preserving architectural integrity and meeting modern sustainability standards.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
We use energy-efficient systems, passive solar design, locally sourced materials, and low-impact construction methods to minimize environmental footprint across all project types.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas include Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley, and South Bay regions, with select projects across California's Central Coast.
Are your architects licensed in California?
Yes, multiple team members hold active California architectural licenses with specialized knowledge of state building codes and environmental regulations.
Can you handle both design and construction phases?
We offer full-service architectural solutions including design development, permitting assistance, and construction oversight to ensure project vision realization.
