Welcome to Torrence Architects. We see architecture as more than just buildings—it’s about enhancing the way people live, connect, and experience the city around them.
From single-family homes to civic buildings and community spaces, our work is all about creating environments that feel natural, effortless, and deeply connected to the community. We draw inspiration from the vibrant energy of the people around us and believe that architecture has the power to bring everyone together.
Collaboration is at the core of what we do. Every project is a conversation between light and space, geographic place and locality, and between the people who will inhabit it and those who build it. Our goal is to create architecture that feels effortless yet deeply considered, spaces that don’t just exist in the city but truly belong to it.
selected
works.
With over 20 years of experience, we have built a diverse portfolio that showcases our commitment to innovative, functional, and aesthetically compelling design. We believe that great architecture is not just about creating structures but about shaping environments that enhance the way people live, work, and interact.
Our creative process for designing homes goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about transforming the way you live. A well-designed home enhances comfort, efficiency, and inspiration in your daily life. We start by understanding your vision and lifestyle, then blend thoughtful design with timeless principles to create a space that is both beautiful and functional. Every detail is carefully crafted to ensure harmony between form and purpose, making your home a true reflection of you.
For commercial and restaurant projects, we design spaces that go beyond function to create a distinct identity and atmosphere. Our approach blends aesthetics with practicality, ensuring a welcoming, adaptable environment that enhances the customer experience. Thoughtful design choices balance branding, efficiency, and longevity while staying mindful of budget and operational needs.
our
services.
Our firm offers a full spectrum of architectural services tailored to meet the diverse needs of homeowners. From custom home design, where we create unique residences that reflect individual lifestyles, to design+build, ensuring a seamless process from concept to construction, we prioritize excellence at every stage.
Our expertise in sustainability and passive design allows us to integrate energy-efficient strategies, renewable materials, and climate-responsive solutions for environmentally conscious homes. For those looking to maximize their property’s potential, our small design & ADU services provide smart, stylish, and space-efficient solutions, including accessory dwelling units for additional living space or rental income.
We can help with wildfire recovery, guiding homeowners through the complex rebuilding process with fire-resistive design strategies and streamlined permitting support. Whether creating a dream home from the ground up or rebuilding stronger after a disaster, we are committed to delivering innovative, resilient, and beautifully crafted spaces.
From garage conversions to multi-family ADU development, we rapidly take projects from concept to permit. Whether you're looking to expand your living spaces, create an office space, or create rental income, we offer creative solutions for small design development.
We provide guidance for homeowners rebuilding after the Los Angeles fires, navigating recent state and city executive orders that streamline permitting and approvals. We can help you with:
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navigating the expedited code compliance,
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provide fire-resistant design,
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insurance documentation support,
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finding contractors, engineers, and consultants to rebuild with confidence, and
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practicing sustainable rebuilding solutions.
With a focus on efficiency and resilience, we can help you rebuild faster, safer, and smarter.
meet
the team.
At our firm, our dedicated small project team specializes in crafting bespoke designs that bring creativity, precision, and personalization to every project. Whether it’s a custom residence, an intimate outdoor space, or a boutique commercial build, our team approaches each design with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. With a deep appreciation for Southern California’s lifestyle, we create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while reflecting the unique vision of our clients.
Principal, Architect
Aaron Torrence, AIA
Aaron is personally involved as the lead designer and architect for every project. He manages the staff and work load to provide personal attention to each client’s project needs and development so that the quality of work is to the highest standards of design and originality. With over 25 years of architectural experience, Aaron is a California licensed architect and licensed General Contractor. He has led design efforts for master planning projects throughout California, China and Vietnam. He has designed numerous residential, commercial and retail projects, from small budget renovations to new high-rise mixed use developments. Aaron and his team have successfully negotiated contract documents through the Pasadena Hillside District, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Architectural Review Board (ARB) and the California Coastal Commission. Working throughout Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Beverly Hills he has successfully design and built hillside residences dealing with severe gradients and soil conditions.
Designer
Cris Sanchez Marino
Cris earned her Master of Architect from the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. She is the lead coordinator for our commercial and institutional projects. While working for Arquitectura Azagra worked on housing projects, two wineries, hotels, and the rehabilitation and restoration of a 16th-century palace. She works directly with owners and consultants from concept design through construction. In addition to being a second degree Dan, black belt in Karate where she has won three competition gold medals, Cris is an avid traveler and can be found in places like Europe, Tunisia, Morocco, San Francisco, and Southern California.
Designer, Project Manager
Marta Espinosa de los Monteros Fernández de Valderrama
Marta earned her Master of Architecture, Technical University of Madrid (ETSAM), Spain. Working directly with owners and consultants from concept design through construction, she focuses most of her work on the design and coordination of custom residential projects. She has worked with a wide variety of clients to design their homes in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Bel Aire. An avid equestrian, Marta has interests in nature, animals, and sustainability.