
Since its founding in 2000, McClean Design has grown into one of the leading contemporary residential design firms, committed to excellence in modern design. After working for a few years in downtown Chicago, I made the move out to Southern California for life’s next adventure. Everything around us can be designed, and what we design is a result of what inspires us and what we want to inspire in others. I grew up in Ireland where I attended the Dublin Institute of Technology graduating with honors in architecture in 1994.
CALIFORNIA HOMES
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PROJECTS
I first found those intertwining fields pushing me towards a love of music, which still flourishes but evolved into a love of architecture. After SDSU, I got my master’s degree from NewSchool of Architecture with concentration in digital architecture and fabrication and became a licensed Architect shortly thereafter. As a project manager at McClean Design, I work on all aspects of the building process, from early schematic design to construction administration. There is a holistic approach to our design method where we fully embrace our client’s lifestyle and transform it into something that is both artistically timeless and simplistically functional.
TEMPLE HILLS II
This inspired me to attend Mendrisio Academy of Architecture in Switzerland where I received a Master’s of Science in Architecture in 2017. As a university student, I’ve learned how to put these passions into a design process in order to create an architectural piece, with a connection between space, light and the environment. After working for two years at an architectural firm in Florence, I decided it was time for a life-changing experience.
Pool or Aquarium? Transparent Walls Entertain Swimmers and Onlookers Alike. - Mansion Global
Pool or Aquarium? Transparent Walls Entertain Swimmers and Onlookers Alike..
Posted: Sun, 20 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Materials were selected to withstand the corrosion of salt air, but there are luxurious accents, notably an onyx wall in one of the powder rooms. A glass bridge sails over a lower-level swimming pool, and leading to the great room, which runs almost the whole width of the house. Heaters and a two-sided fireplace allow the covered patio and spa at one end to be used year-round. A stainless steel, spiral staircase with limestone treads links the three levels and sparkles in the light of suspended globes.
MODERN LUXURY INTERIORS
During my time at university I traveled extensively and worked for award winning architectural practices in London, Dublin and Sydney, Australia. I also had an opportunity to work with the Monument Service of Ireland sketching and surveying many of the historic castles and monasteries dotted throughout the Irish landscape. In addition, I spent a year working with a firm in Dublin on museums and art galleries in the national capital. After graduation, I arrived in Southern California and worked for various local architectural firms before establishing McClean Design in 2000. He attended the Dublin Institute of Technology graduating with honors in architecture in 1994.

Outdoor areas readily penetrate inside spaces to create a visibly seamless threshold between exterior and interior. Marcheeta I is located on a tight lot in a very desirable tract in the hills above Sunset plaza. Our goals for this project were to make the most of the views and utilize the terrain of the lot to allow for a large basement level entertaining area as well as parking. We achieved this using a beautiful marble wall that completely screens the front of the house and creates an entry water courtyard that opens to the kitchen.
Coats Homes
During his time at university he traveled extensively and worked for award winning architectural practices in London, Dublin and Sydney, Australia. He worked with the Monument Service of Ireland sketching and surveying many of the historic castles and monasteries dotted throughout the Irish landscape. In addition, he spent a year working with a firm in Dublin on museums and art galleries. After graduation, he arrived in Southern California and worked for various local architectural firms before establishing McClean Design in 2000.
Friday Five With Paul McClean - Design Milk
Friday Five With Paul McClean.
Posted: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
MODERN LUXURY

The living area contains a unique bar area with an aquarium back drop and a clear glass floor to the wine cellar below. A home office next to the kitchen area enjoys a unique perspective, borrowing views across the living room and the courtyard, as well as opening to a small, landscaped patio. The remainder of the program for the upper level consists of two additional bedrooms, as well as support spaces. Since its founding in 2000, McClean Design has grown into one of the leading contemporary residential design firms in Southern California committed to excellence in modern design. We are currently working on a wide variety of projects across much of North America with additional projects overseas. We work with both homeowners and developers and our staff offers a full range of design skills ensuring that our projects are completed in a timely manner and to the highest standards.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. My passion for high-end residential architecture inspired my relocation to Southern California. After being given the amazing opportunity to work at McClean Design, I have been fortunate enough to contribute to the design and development of some of the most luxurious custom homes in the world.
I particularly liked working on the house at Point Place, listed under projects, and my native German has come in useful with our recent projects in Bavaria. Each interior design project is unique to me, from the smallest children’s room to the largest home. My goal with every project is to help my clients create a warm and inviting environment that will maximize the potential of each space for years to come. The primary space is a large room with a warm bar area, seating surrounding the fireplace, and a pool table, with direct access to the courtyard and views to the west through the adjacent library space.
The house is flooded with natural light through the use of large operable walls and linear skylights. We worked with Lynda Murray Interior Design to create a palette of rich warm natural tones using different stones and wood ceilings to give the home a comfortable feel. The pool on the main level of the house cascades into a water feature below which wraps around a fire pit off the main entertaining space. A unique feature of the home is the skylights within the pool that allow daylight and views of swimmers to the pool below. Balboa Peninsula runs parallel to the Pacific coast, just south of Newport Beach, enclosing a sound that is alive with pleasure boats. That makes it a picturesque location for houses that back up to the marina, but most are generic structures squeezed onto narrow lots.
A highlight of my jobis building relationships with our clients and seeing their dream homescome to fruition. The process of designing a home is very personal to eachclient and it is very rewarding to see the finished product. Our studio isfilled with creative minds that collaborate to create unique one-of-a-kinddesigns. When I'm not designing or visiting a job site, you can find me on thegolf course or a surfboard.
The nearby kitchen and family room are more intimate in feel and seamlessly connect to a poolside outdoor covered patio and kitchen area. The main bedroom reached across the stairwell is elevated to add a sense of privacy, while still connecting to the garden by way of a terrace and outdoor fire pit area. With glass walls retracting on two sides and a terrific view toward downtown LA, the bedroom and adjacent bathroom appear to float above the city below. I was born and raised in a little town in Lake Como in the northern region of Italy. Since childhood, I’ve always had a creative mind and have been very passionate about hand-drawings and model-making.
I have been able to establish lasting relationships with high quality builders and other design professionals helping to ensure that our entire team is committed to realizing the dreams and aspirations of our clients. It is what I wanted to do as a little boy and which I am lucky enough to be able to practice today and hopefully for a very long time. We continue to strive for excellence in design and to push the boundaries of imagination in creating extraordinary spaces that we hope will provide enjoyment for many years to come. Presently, I am practicing new approaches to architecture and assisting in the design process with 3D models, drawings, and presentations. Moved over to the U.S. with my husband in my early twenties and we have lived here ever since.