About the Architect

Award-winning RDS Architecture & Planning specializes in the planning, design and construction of distinguished custom homes, having completed projects in some of the most exclusive neighborhoods throughout Central and Southern California.

Prior to earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree (BARCH) from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, Principal Architect, Rick Starnes, worked in the construction industry, gaining invaluable insight into the integral linkage between Architect and Builder/Contractor. He spent the first ten years of his architectural career working for renowned Architecture firms specializing in the planning and design of residential architecture before opening his own practice. Since 1985 Rick and his firm, RDS Architecture & Planning, have been designing and planning a diverse spectrum of custom California residences. He began building his designs in 1998 with his father, Darrell Starnes -- who has been building custom homes since 1977 -- under the General Contracting firm, The Starnes Company Architects-Builders.

Whether just starting the process of designing and building your dream home, or transforming your existing residence into one that better suites your tastes and lifestyle, Rick Starnes brings more than three decades of experience -- from design through completion of construction --effectively streamlining on behalf of his clients the multi-faceted Design and Design-Build processes. A keen ear to client design preferences, space prioritization and budget, coupled with a hands-on approach every step of the way, to have earned Rick a reputation for excellence and exceptional attention to detail among a discerning, broad-based clientele.

Contrary to the limitations of most Architects, Architectural firms or Design-Build firms, Rick‘s comprehensive understanding of the many phases of the design and building process helps his clients avoid common pitfalls that can hamper the Design-Build process; possessing the foundational expertise to properly vet the complicated allowances and constraints that may be relevant to a particular parcel, neighborhood, community, city and/or jurisdiction, is essential.

The beneficial efficiency of the Design-Build process -- one in which the Architect both designs and builds the custom home cannot be overstated. The many benefits of continuity and Architectural oversite throughout the design and building process, including expedited communication and execution of job-site modifications, can result in substantial cost and time savings.