RLB Architecture

Richard was a delight to work with. Incredibly knowledgeable about pertinent building code issues, sensitive to our aesthetic and economic concerns while advocating strongly for certain solutions he considered important to overall project design. His plans are detailed and easy to read -- very much appreciated by our GC and his subs!

After many interviews with various architects around town, we had our first meeting with Richard and knew immediately he was the right architect for us. The home Richard built us far exceeded our expectations. He was patient, thoughtful and a pleasure to work with and his involvement and diligent oversight during the project resulted in a flawless home built on-time and on-budget in less than 9 months.

RICHARD LISTEN TO OUR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND TOOK THE TIME TO MAKE IT WORK CORRECTLY. HE WORKED WELL WITH OUT CONTRACTOR.

We worked with Richard from fall, 2013 to fall, 2015. He designed and oversaw the major remodel of our home which included adding square footage, removing walls, relocating the staircase and adding an elevator. From the moment we met Richard we were impressed by his professionalism, attention to detail and warm response to what we wanted. We gave him a long wish list and he gave us what we wanted and more. It was a pleasure working with him and we would hire him again should we ever decide to embark on such an adventure again. We absolutely love our home thanks in large part to Richard's design.and assistance throughout the project.

When it was time to select an architect to do an addition and remodel to my 60 year old home in Beverly Hills, I needed to find an architect who could appreciate the intricate detailing of the house and integrate the new and old into a harmonious design. I chose Richard Blumenberg AIA because he had helped the previous owner remodel the home, and was honest with me about what needed to be done. The completed design incorporates rusticated granite veneer 5" thick, limestone quoins and caps, and slate roof which perfectly matches the existing house. Richard is a gifted architect and a pleasure to work with. He does what he promises. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of an architect.

We have had the privilege of working with Richard Blumenberg, AIA for more than twenty years. He designed and rebuilt our home several times to accommodate the needs of our family. We never moved because Richard always managed to create the perfect home for us. Whenever we put our key in the door, it always feels like a five star hotel. Each of our projects were in the $300,000.00 to $400,000.00 range. We have friends who never miss an opportunity to tell us that they wish they had chosen Richard as their architect. They went with someone else and always regretted it...........he's simply..........THE BEST !!!!! Holley and Bob Agulnek

I am currently working with RLB Architecture on a major renovation of a house with a client. It is a small house onto which we are adding about 1,000 square feet. Although the house is small the project for my client is HUGE! Richard brought so many ideas to the table beyond what we were asking for. He identified opportunities to expand the space that will both add value and make my clients life in the home so much better. Richards experience has made each step of the process a delight for my client. He listened to her initial desires, worked with her as a team to incorporate her ideas (and mine) and is now following the building period carefully, which is really helping the homeowner relax through the process. I am looking forward to seeing how my design choices add to the design RLB Architecture has started. I look forward to many more collaborations with Richard in the future!

We have worked with Richard Blumenberg twice with such stellar results! The first time was to modify the look of the front of our house. This project, which evolved to completely remodel much of our living space, progressed with enthusiasm, creativity and collaboration. We are so happy with the house we have now. About 18 months later, we tackled our master bath, closets, windows, etc. Richard is truly a master of his craft and his discipline. He is exacting in the construction phase, but open minded and a true problem solver in the design process. Extremely easy to work with, experienced in all aspects of structural design, light, space and proportion. We can't recommend him highly enough. A true talented professional.

RLB Architecture is a joy to work with! Richard and his staff are true professionals who know their craft. We have been working with Richard since 1993 and he consistently delivers beautiful and complete Architectural designs and drawings. We recommend him to anyone contemplating a custom home! John and Krista Everage, Everage Design.

We have worked with RLB Architecture and Richard Blumenberg, AIA on numerous residential luxury projects in Pacific Palisades and Malibu over 15+ years - new construction, and remodels. Lafia/Arvin works only on luxury projects - residences, estates and getaways. What's important to us is an Architect's skills, experience on large and luxury projects, attention to critical details that make the project special, personal service - and ability to please our clients, consistent reliability and get along well with the project team/trades. RLB gets an "A" on all of those items - and in addition has brought into projects outstanding team members that our clients have greatly appreciated working with (contractors, trades). We admire RLB so much, that we regularly referred RLB/Richard to projects - which we are or are not part of - and sometimes relate to our closest friends!

Richard & I have been involved with numerous projects over the past 4 years. Richard has considerable experience with traditional design with numerous high end projects to his credit. His desire to provide the most detailed plans is a major benefit to his clients as it helps avoid change orders once the project begins. High integrity, an abundance of residential construction knowledge and great design abilities!

I am an interior designer & have had the pleasure of working with Richard many times in the last 20 years. I find him to be an excellent architect. His detailed plans are very impressive as is the end result. He sees a job all the way through to completion, is very good at construction supervision & is clever at finding creative solutions for the many dilemmas that come up during construction.

We live in a hillside home located in Rustic Canyon that was originally built in 1928. We loved the home for its location and its many charming features that simply are not available in today’s contemporary houses. However, the home was badly in need of a “make-over” to bring it up to date in terms of earthquake safety, efficient plumbing and electrical systems. Make-over is probably an understatement; it needed to be stripped down to the frame and rebuilt. Based on everything we read and heard from people who had experience in major remodels, choosing the right architect was viewed as the key to a successful outcome. In early 2007, we began searching for an architect. We were interested in a professional who understood our desire to maintain our home’s charm without imposing any preconceived notions about how the house should turn out. We interviewed five architects including Richard Blumenberg. At the end of the process our choice was clear; Richard’s extensive knowledge about local building requirements, his attention to detail and his willingness to listen to our needs and desires set him apart from all others. During the crucial design phase he met with us frequently and was always available to answer questions or discuss ideas. His friendly, easy going demeanor helped dispel anxieties that can become overwhelming during major construction projects. His design elements reflected good taste and practicality that greatly enhanced the curb appeal of the finished product. We particularly appreciated his patience while walking us through this process. As novices we needed his to help to convert our dream house into a visual reality. When final drawings were presented to us it was obvious that he put extraordinary effort into his work – no detail was left to imagination. As a result, the plan check and permit process occurred without unnecessary delays. During construction Richard was our partner every step of the way. He helped us select a competent contractor and even reviewed the contract to ensure it met his and our expectations. His detailed construction documents helped guide the project from start to finish with a minimum of conflict or cost overruns. During the twelve months of construction Richard spent hours on the job site supervising construction and explaining the process to us. His tenacity in representing our interests during construction was value added. Undoubtedly, had he not been so personally involved the house would not have turned out as it did. Whether you are considering a major remodel or a simple room addition Richard Blumenberg is the right choice. We give this endorsement not only from personal experience, but also from other clients of Richard’s we interviewed before making our final decision. He is competent, creative and honest. We were so satisfied with our relationship with Richard that we would not hesitate to use him again if the need arises.

Richard has always treated our projects as priorities, and is always so pleasant and accommodating. He's overcome many challenging technical, functional, aesthetic, and city-related obstacles, and always invents creative ways to achieve even our most complex objectives.