Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in San Diego
Union Architecture is a specialized architectural firm dedicated to vernacular architecture, which represents 90% of buildings worldwide. We focus on contemporary architecture and interior design for residential, multi-family, and small commercial projects. Our expertise extends to historic preservation, including additions to and rehabilitation of historically designated or older buildings. We provide historic consultations, adaptive reuse studies, and Historic American Building Surveys (HABS). Our firm is directly managed by the principal, ensuring personalized attention to every project.Certified as a Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE/ELBE) with the City of San Diego, we combine deep historical knowledge with modern design principles. Our team includes licensed architects with decades of experience in both the U.S. and Germany. We actively contribute to local heritage preservation through board memberships and public resource documentation. Client testimonials and project publications highlight our commitment to quality and innovation in architectural solutions.
Services
Historic Preservation
Adaptive Reuse
Contemporary Design
Architectural Consultations
Interior Design
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in historic and contemporary architecture.
- Our principal directly oversees all project aspects from start to completion.
- Certified Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE/ELBE) with the City of San Diego.
- Specialized expertise in vernacular architecture and historic preservation.
- Flexible scheduling to meet client demands with personalized service.
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized rehabilitation of historically designated buildings while maintaining cultural integrity. Services include HABS documentation, monitoring during construction, and treatment plans. Ideal for property owners seeking to preserve architectural legacy while updating functionality for modern use.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming older structures into functional spaces for new purposes. Includes commercial-to-residential conversions and historic building revitalization. Combines structural analysis with creative design to extend building lifespans while meeting contemporary needs and zoning requirements.
Contemporary Design
Creating innovative residential and commercial spaces that integrate with existing urban contexts. Focuses on sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and open layouts. Designed to complement both historic surroundings and modern developments in San Diego's diverse neighborhoods.
Architectural Consultations
Expert guidance on historic building analysis, preservation strategies, and regulatory compliance. Services include feasibility studies, material investigations, and construction monitoring. Helps clients navigate complex preservation standards while achieving practical design outcomes.
Interior Design
Tailored interior solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. Specializes in historic building interiors while offering modern design options. Focuses on maximizing spatial efficiency and creating environments that reflect client needs and architectural context.
People
John Howard Eisenhart
Principal Architect
Licensed architect in California since 1995, founder of Union Architecture in 2004. Former San Diego Historic Resource Board member with expertise in vernacular architecture and heritage preservation.
Eva Luise-Juliane Thorn
Architect
Licensed architect in Germany and California with 15+ years of experience. Specializes in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, contributing to San Diego's architectural heritage since 2010.
Questions
What services does Union Architecture offer?
We specialize in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, contemporary design, and architectural consultations for residential and commercial projects.
How does Union Architecture handle historic projects?
We conduct detailed historic analyses, adaptive reuse studies, and HABS documentation to preserve architectural integrity while modernizing spaces.
Are you certified for local San Diego projects?
Yes, we are certified as a Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE/ELBE) with the City of San Diego.
What experience does your team have?
Our principal has over 25 years of experience, including roles on the San Diego Historic Resource Board and international projects.
Can you accommodate urgent project timelines?
We prioritize client scheduling flexibility to meet urgent or non-traditional project demands.
