Company Description

East Beach Ventures is a full service architectural firm based in Santa Barbara. Pete Ehlen, Architect and Founder is a native Santa Barbaran and has been practicing architecture for over 25 years. As the son of a structural engineer he grew up in an architectural environment and has a strong appreciation for Santa Barbara. He has been an Associate Partner in a prestigious architectural firm, Vice President of an aggressive young design-oriented firm, a sole practitioner and has incorporated East Beach Ventures adding real estate services to the practice.

Client relationships are forefront in our services. “The Joy is in the Journey.” We work hard and take pride in making the process an enjoyable one. The firm has been kept small purposefully so that when you hire Pete you get Pete. Projects do not get handed-off to a project manager. Rather, Pete works closely with Associate Joe Steuer in tandem throughout the project. This allows Pete to be intimately involved with each project and keep in close contact with each client. There is no big business machine to feed.

The firm’s diverse experience includes hospital, institutional, governmental, commercial, medical and residential projects, large and small, from $9,000 to $9,000,000. All aspects of professional architectural services have been provided – design, construction documents, specifications, cost estimating, project scheduling as well as construction observation and administration.

To be a successful small firm efficiency is the key. The firm uses ArchiCad, a state of the art architectural practice Modeling/CAD program which incorporates 3D technology as an integral part of the work. The software was selected because it is focuses directly on architecture. It is completely transparent with AutoCad allowing files to be exchanged between applications and consultants without conversion.

We only work with the best and most qualified consultants and are capable of assembling and administering the correct consultant team for each individual project. We have a long track record with local structural, mechanical, electrical and civil engineers as well as landscape architects. It is critically important that the architect have a good working relationship with all members of the consultant team so the project can be as well organized and cohesive as possible.

The firm’s most recent accomplishment is the design and construction of their new office building at 404 Garden Street. The project’s unique design incorporates many green/sustainable features which symbolize the firm’s commitment to the profession.