We are an international planning, architecture, interior design, development and consulting firm with offices in the San Diego area of California and Belluno, Italy.  Our may years of experience can make your project, your dream a reality.

Principal architects:  Luisa Melacini architect licensed in Italy and John Helm architect registered in California and Oregon and NCARB certified.  John is also a licensed general contractor who has built numerous homes

Our projects vary from religious, to commercial and to housing of all types.  We do both classical styles as well as modern. 

Using the latest techniques such as insulated concrete wall panels (Perform Wall, Tridipanels and others) along with both passive and active solar systems and other energy efficient and green building techniques we place emphasis on designing environmentally friendly, fire resistant and economical buildings.  And of course we have extensive experience in the design of wood frame structures.

Contact us, we can almost always be reached at the US number listed at the left.

Typical Client comments (names available with a personal request):

"My wife and I recently completed a large residential design with Helm & Melacini.  The structural issues were complex since we insisted upon using a fireproof shotcrete wall system.  The local bureaucracy and code officials were difficult. The site was large and the house could have been placed in a dozen locations. 

 Now that we have completed the site work it is perfectly obvious that John and Luisa chose the perfect location.  Their ability to visualize in three dimensions is incredible to me; they take our vague ideas and make them both real and far better. I am continually impressed by their amazing ability to extract from us exactly what we wanted: it is as if they know more than we do about what we actually want.  This is the second house that I have had designed by architects -and I thoroughly recommend John and Luisa. 

Dear John & Louisa:

Your guys do immaculate work! You have pretty much captured the "feeling" of the project. Excellent!.  I will respond in one day with any changes. Lets get this on the road to reality!

Thanks for seeing what we want.   Phil

OUR CLIENTS:

Rarely looking for the norm when it comes to design our residential clients seek an architecture that reflects a modern lifestyle compatible with today’s needs and desires, an economical, energy efficient and environmentally friendly design, an architecture that encompasses their family values and presents a living environment which encourages gatherings of friends and family, provides spaces for reflection, study, and private or group activities. 

PROJECTS:

Past and current projects include  many residences, hi tech labs, churches, various commercial buildings, offices, shopping centers and medical facilities.

Planning a new home, click on USEFUL TOOLS to make a quick estimate of the overall cost and review various loan options.  Or estimate the amount of land needed for your new office.