McClean Design

Overlooking Lake Folsom, this Northern California residence takes its cues from both the landscape and the clients’ connection to the coast.

A sequence of oak trees, water, stone, and glass shapes the arrival and frames views in every direction. The architecture unfolds across the site, with each wing carefully positioned to capture the changing light from morning to evening while maintaining a strong connection to the lake and surrounding valley.

Inside, a light palette of cream limestone, white and silver metal, and expansive glazing brings a relaxed coastal sensibility to the setting. Cantilevered roofs move across the property like gentle extensions of the landscape, while the pool creates a continuous visual line toward the water beyond.

Designed around art, photography, gathering, and the everyday rituals of home, the residence offers a quiet interpretation of coastal living far from the coast.

Defined by its dramatic structure and expansive views, this West Hollywood residence brings together bold architectural forms with a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. Bridge-like elements link the levels of the home, while expansive glass walls open the living spaces onto the surrounding terraces. Gray basalt, limestone, and natural stone create a refined material palette throughout, balancing the home’s industrial character with a sense of warmth and openness.

A study in contrast, proportion, and privacy.

Set against the steep terrain of Beverly Hills, this residence maximizes its limited buildable site through a precise L shaped plan, creating a seamless relationship between the architecture, garden, pool, and surrounding views.

A central courtyard brings natural light deep into the home, while travertine, walnut, crisp white planes, and black metal details create a refined material palette throughout.

Architecture shaped by its site, defined by its details.

On a tightly constrained site in the Bird Streets, this residence is shaped by the relationship between view, light, and privacy. The main living spaces open toward sweeping views of Los Angeles, while a linear courtyard and two-story green wall bring daylight into the spaces below.

A sculptural staircase, floating stone fireplace, and warm palette of natural woods, travertine, and marble give the home a sense of depth and warmth, balancing its contemporary architecture with a more intimate atmosphere.

A house shaped by water.

One of McClean Design’s earliest major projects in Los Angeles, this 7,000 square foot house is organized around a 75 foot pool that runs through the center of the architecture. The water divides the private and public spaces while creating a strong visual axis that carries through the entire house.

A bridge spans the pool at the entry, connecting the two sides of the plan. Full height glazing opens the interiors to the surrounding landscape and the city beyond, while the pool extends toward an infinity edge overlooking Sunset Strip.

The concept began with a simple constraint: a request for a 75 foot long pool. McClean Design transformed that requirement into the defining gesture of the architecture, envisioning the house as a narrow canyon with water running through it.

Precise materiality and clean geometry give the project its distinct character, creating a house that feels deeply connected to its site while remaining unmistakably architectural.

Reimagining a home, 16 years later.

Originally completed in 2010, this residence was reworked to create a more expansive estate—introducing additional parking, a guest house, and a wellness spa while preserving the character of the original architecture.

Set within a steep site above the Los Angeles skyline, the landscape became an opportunity in itself. An aerial walkway weaves through the trees, connecting boardwalks, gardens, and viewing platforms to create a place not simply to arrive, but to wander, pause, and take in the view.

Three structures, one cohesive palette, and a new way of experiencing the landscape.

Built into the hillside, this West Los Angeles residence is defined by what it reveals—and what it dissolves.

A once-traditional single-story home was reimagined as a contemporary two-level residence, with a new lower level carved beneath the existing terrace. Retractable glass walls open the main living spaces to the landscape, while terraced gardens and uninterrupted views connect the home to the city beyond.

At the center of the lower level, a 1,200-square-foot transparent pool crosses the grand stair, allowing light and water to become part of the architecture itself.

A home shaped by its hillside setting, where inside and outside are designed to feel like one continuous experience.