Steven Corley Randel, Architect
Steven Corley Randel is a licensed architect in California where he works in residential design throughout the state. Also, a contributing writer at HOUZZ.com, Steven's articles appear regularly. He has completed more than 100 design projects in 11 counties and 26 cities within California ranging from condominium remodels to new homes. Homeowners have built homes from his ready-to-build house plans in 37 states and Canada.
He is the author of the forthcoming books:
Good Bones: An Architect's Home Design Secrets
Architecting a Career to Love
Steven first became interested in architecture at a young age, finding inspiration in the beautiful homes built in the city in which he grew up. Encouraged by his parents who supplied him with a drafting board at age ten, Steven continues his fascination with residential architecture to this day. As he learned through play: "LEGO may be a toy, but it is a marvelous exercise in three-dimensional study and has recently become an art medium. My father, an advertising executive with a degree in commercial art, taught me how to draft plans with t-squares and pencils. CAD has since made the process much more fun." In 1981, Steven received a BEST IN STATE first place award among an intramural class for a home design competition among hundreds of other Texas schools.
He attended Texas A&M University and earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design in 1986. During his junior year, he participated in the School of Architecture's study abroad program. "We lived in a rural compound near Florence, Italy, made up of dorms and classrooms with a monastery bordering one side and a church on the other. It was an enriching experience, and we studied incredible architectural and cultural sites throughout the country."
Steven spent summer internships in Dallas, Texas and Washington, DC. By invitation of a college friend, Steven visited California in 1986 and has since called it home. "California's diverse and extraordinary landscape enchanted me then, and still does."
Since working independently, Steven has designed new homes on challenging hillsides and fantastic locations. He has created remodels and additions that respect the existing character of the original house, and that keep within the scale of the neighborhood. "I'm often asked what style I design. I design any architecture as long as it belongs to its context. Fashions of architecture have their distinct vocabulary, which is not difficult to follow and I love it all.”
Steven's latest projects include writing articles for HOUZZ and plans to publish books on the subject of home design. He continues to design new houses in California and sell stock plans that are built all over the country. "My latest favorite project involves a new house on a steep upslope in the Oakland Hills, a rare treat for an architect as undeveloped property is scarce in the Bay Area. I have enjoyed writing more than I ever imagined, and I am looking forward to seeing my first book published."
He is the author of the forthcoming books:
Good Bones: An Architect's Home Design Secrets
Architecting a Career to Love
Steven first became interested in architecture at a young age, finding inspiration in the beautiful homes built in the city in which he grew up. Encouraged by his parents who supplied him with a drafting board at age ten, Steven continues his fascination with residential architecture to this day. As he learned through play: "LEGO may be a toy, but it is a marvelous exercise in three-dimensional study and has recently become an art medium. My father, an advertising executive with a degree in commercial art, taught me how to draft plans with t-squares and pencils. CAD has since made the process much more fun." In 1981, Steven received a BEST IN STATE first place award among an intramural class for a home design competition among hundreds of other Texas schools.
He attended Texas A&M University and earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design in 1986. During his junior year, he participated in the School of Architecture's study abroad program. "We lived in a rural compound near Florence, Italy, made up of dorms and classrooms with a monastery bordering one side and a church on the other. It was an enriching experience, and we studied incredible architectural and cultural sites throughout the country."
Steven spent summer internships in Dallas, Texas and Washington, DC. By invitation of a college friend, Steven visited California in 1986 and has since called it home. "California's diverse and extraordinary landscape enchanted me then, and still does."
Since working independently, Steven has designed new homes on challenging hillsides and fantastic locations. He has created remodels and additions that respect the existing character of the original house, and that keep within the scale of the neighborhood. "I'm often asked what style I design. I design any architecture as long as it belongs to its context. Fashions of architecture have their distinct vocabulary, which is not difficult to follow and I love it all.”
Steven's latest projects include writing articles for HOUZZ and plans to publish books on the subject of home design. He continues to design new houses in California and sell stock plans that are built all over the country. "My latest favorite project involves a new house on a steep upslope in the Oakland Hills, a rare treat for an architect as undeveloped property is scarce in the Bay Area. I have enjoyed writing more than I ever imagined, and I am looking forward to seeing my first book published."
Architect's Testimonials:
Steven designed an addition for our house and we could not be happier! He is a breeze to work with; he really listens and understands the project's needs and is prompt to respond to questions even outside of business hours. He has excellent design instincts and did a great job combining them with our tastes and needs. He saw the project through permitting and construction without a hitch; he was quick to respond and handle any contingencies which came up. The project turned out beautifully, we love his design and it's even better in person than on paper. We were very lucky to find Steven. Phil & Eleni M., Redwood City, CA
"Steven was wonderful, knowledgeable, experienced and so very easy to work with." Nancy S, Burlingame, CA
"Steve really listened to our dreams and worked very closely with the general contractor on our kitchen/great room remodel. Six years later we still love the results - we can cook and prepare for entertaining while still engaging with our guests." Sue M, Walnut Creek, CA
"Steve listened to my ideas and enhanced them with his own resulting in a successful, synergistic plan....
Both projects exceeded my expectations. And on both projects, Steve stepped in during construction to correct mistakes made by the builder and resolved issues with inspectors (in my favor). I would hire Steve again without question." Tom D, Oakland, CA
"His plan greatly increased the usability of our space, giving us much more functionality with a sleek, livable easy care unit that has received many compliments from guests and provides us with a comfortable home." Connie W, Kaneohe, Hawaii
"We've been working with Steve for over a year on plans for an addition for our house. The slowness is because of us! Anyway Steve has designed what will be a wonderful addition to include a master bath, laundry room, closet and small den. We live in a historic district so our plans had to be approved by a cultural heritage board. We made it through this without too much drama and received many compliments on the plans. We are hoping to start construction soon and look forward to continued working with Steve. Last, Steve has patiently taught me much about houses and architectural elements and has even helped with advice on other projects." Nancy S, Oxnard, CA
"Steven was wonderful, knowledgeable, experienced and so very easy to work with." Nancy S, Burlingame, CA
"Steve really listened to our dreams and worked very closely with the general contractor on our kitchen/great room remodel. Six years later we still love the results - we can cook and prepare for entertaining while still engaging with our guests." Sue M, Walnut Creek, CA
"Steve listened to my ideas and enhanced them with his own resulting in a successful, synergistic plan....
Both projects exceeded my expectations. And on both projects, Steve stepped in during construction to correct mistakes made by the builder and resolved issues with inspectors (in my favor). I would hire Steve again without question." Tom D, Oakland, CA
"His plan greatly increased the usability of our space, giving us much more functionality with a sleek, livable easy care unit that has received many compliments from guests and provides us with a comfortable home." Connie W, Kaneohe, Hawaii
"We've been working with Steve for over a year on plans for an addition for our house. The slowness is because of us! Anyway Steve has designed what will be a wonderful addition to include a master bath, laundry room, closet and small den. We live in a historic district so our plans had to be approved by a cultural heritage board. We made it through this without too much drama and received many compliments on the plans. We are hoping to start construction soon and look forward to continued working with Steve. Last, Steve has patiently taught me much about houses and architectural elements and has even helped with advice on other projects." Nancy S, Oxnard, CA