We're Qualified...

Architectural Concepts brings more than 75 collective years of experience providing architecture, planning, interior design and branding as part of the Concentric Design Process. Our firm is dedicated to innovation and responsiveness, bringing marketable designs to satisfy our clients’ primary goals.

"I have come to depend upon your professionalism, outstanding work product and dedication and we are very appreciative of everything you have done for the Resort."

Bunty Ahamed
General Manager
The Westin, Mission Hills Resort Rancho Mirage, CA

The Team

Margit WhitlockBrian GiguereAbraham KataseTawndra WilliamsChristine LeyJennifer FolkestadJessa RuppGretchen JordanRhonda Richards

About Us

Architectural Concepts, Inc. located in San Diego provides Architectural Design, Site and Building Planning and Interior Design services for a variety of project types worldwide. With awards of distinction for projects ranging from timeshare resorts to renowned spas, intimate lounges and branded hotels, Architectural Concepts Inc. is highly regarded as the architectural design firm to use for creative solutions in hospitality oriented architectural and interior design. Whether our projects are resorts, hotels, restaurants, spas or mixed use developments, our goal is to create high quality and marketable architecture and interior designs with detailed client services.

We have a proven and defined approach to our practice of architecture. Our "Consumer Concentric Design process incorporates brand identity development, concept thematics and creative collaboration. We take the time to listen carefully to our clients, drawing out their needs and desires. As we work closely with the client, we focus our experience and expertise on tailoring the design to reach our client’s target market. The result is integrating high style design with uncompromised attention to budget, schedule and details.

Principal / Creative Director

Margit E. WhitlockMargit E. Whitlock, AIA, a sought after professional with more than 19 years of extensive experience in the creative process and management of multi-million dollar projects that includes programming, site analysis, master planning, design, construction documents and construction administration. She directs a team of architects, interior designers, drafters and an architectural illustrator in the preparation of concept studies, master planning and programming, design, value engineering, construction documents and construction administration. She is also a highly sought-after public speaker and panel member on topics regarding architecture, predominantly as it pertains to hospitality. She has been recruited on a national level by such organizations as the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), an international trade association with 4000 convention attendees and The National Exposition of Contract Furnishings (NEOCON), an international trade show with 40,000 attendees. She has also spoken at the Friends of Architecture in San Diego, at the Hospitality Design Boutique Show in Miami on her specialty of Sensory Perceptions and its impact on emotional branding. During her numerous speaking engagements she has focused on conceptual development, theme building and the synergy of the architect / developer team. She is available to conduct workshops at the community level as well as at the corporate level to create your own hospitality DNA.

© 2007 ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WEBSITE BY TURTLE JULIAN
3015 SAINT CHARLES ST. SUITE B
SAN DIEGO, CA 92110 (619) 531-0110

Margit E. Whitlock

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Sunset Colors – The “dusk” hues are so soothing

Favorite Design Idea
Utilizing color and light to enhance the architectural experience of the built environment

Dream Vacation
Five star island retreat and no contact with the mainland

Margit E. Whitlock, AIA, Principal/Creative Director, has more than nineteen years experience as an architect and sixteen years as owner and principal of Architectural Concepts. Her extensive experience in management of multi-million dollar projects and her personal approach with clients has led to her success. Ms. Whitlock has also been asked to speak at numerous national conventions on topics such as conceptual development, theme building and the synergy of the architect/developer team. She is highly skilled in conducting workshops at either the community or corporate level in creating a personalized hospitality “DNA" program.

* She is on fire!

Brian Giguere

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Indigo blue

Favorite Design Idea
Roofs that do not leak

Dream Vacation
Sailing the Mediterranean

Brian Giguere AIA, Director of Architecture, joined our firm in 2003 with twenty-two years of prior practice in architecture. He is a member of AIA, CSI and a LEED Accredited Professional. His experience extends the full range of architectural services including master planning, architectural design, construction documents, specifications and construction administration.

* He really is the glue of the firm.

Abraham Katase

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Black

Favorite Design Idea
Organic architecture

Dream Vacation
Mediterranean cruise

Abraham Katase, Architectural Designer/Illustrator, has more than twenty years of experience working as a designer and illustrator for architectural firms and the state government in Mexico and as an educator in illustration at the University of Sonora and Institute of Technology in Monterrey. He is an expert in creating elaborate renderings for architectural presentations and marketing/design analysis. He is fluent in Spanish and English and an Architect in Mexico.

* Our Secret Weapon.

Tawndra Williams

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Green

Favorite Design Idea
At the moment, Painting the ceiling instead of an Accent Wall

Dream Vacation
Touring Europe

Tawndra Williams, Senior Interior Designer, has a unique background of corporate, retail and hospitality design experience. Prior to pursuing a career in Interior Design, Ms. Williams acquired a degree in Business Administration and had a career in accounting. She has a balanced approach to her design methodology because of her business experience, which clients appreciate.

* A talented designer who creates a budget first, brilliant!

Christine Ley

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Espresso

Favorite Design approach
Adaptive reuse

Dream Vacation
S
ailing around the Greek islands

Christine Ley, Designer, has a Masters of Architecture with a minor in Art and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a concentration in Hospitality Management. Her professional experience includes architectural design, interior design, construction documents, model building, renderings, specifications, graphic design and presentation display design. Her education in Architecture and Interior Design along with her diverse background in the arts brings a unique combination of interests and multi-disciplinary talent to our firm.

* Don't let this one fool you - she is a looker and a thinker.

Jennifer Folkestad

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Red-Violet

Favorite Design Idea
Retractable Roofs in Interior Spaces

Dream Vacation
Bicycle the North Sea Cycle Route, Norway

Jennifer Folkestad, Interior Designer, has a wide range of experience in hospitality, retail, exhibit and graphic design projects. Her lifelong interest and extensive experience in art coupled with her interest in architecture led to a career in design. Prior to pursuing a bachelor degree in interior design she had a successful career in the legal field. The rigors of the legal world set a foundation for her strong work ethic and project management skills.

* She ACTS serious but when she laughs, you know it is just that.

Jessa Rupp

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Red

Favorite Design Idea
The luxurious look of a canopy over a bed

Dream Vacation
Visiting museums, dining and staying in great hotels in Europe

Jessa Rupp, Interior Design Librarian, is pursuing a degree in Interior Design while assisting our interior designers with projects, material sourcing, color boards, and presentations. She is a valuable member of our team and assists at all levels of a project.

* We think someday she will take over the company.

Gretchen Jordan

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Purple

Favorite Design Idea
Victorian Style Farmhouse

Dream Vacation
A month in Italy

Gretchen Jordan SDA, Office Manager, joined our firm in 2000 with a wealth of experience in office management. She has been a valuable member of our team and performs many tasks such as accounting, human resources, contract management and marketing. Ms. Jordan is also Ms. Whitlock's personal assistant, which is a job of its own.

* Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple - that's all.

Jessica Espinosa

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Green or orange, but moving towards dark purple

Favorite Design Idea
I love how Philippe Starck makes the furniture part of the overall design concept

Dream Vacation
On a beach anywhere with no phone or email

Jessica Espinosa, Resort ProSource Director of Purchasing, brings more than twelve years of experience in merchandising management and purchasing. Ms. Espinosa has comprehensive experience in the hospitality, government, healthcare and commercial sectors. In addition she is completing her BA in Interior Design.

* You should see her in action - watch out!

Rhonda Richards

Margit Whitlock

Favorite Color
Green

Favorite Design Idea
Where do I start?

Dream Vacation
Family reunion on-board an Alaskan cruise

Rhonda Richards, Office Assistant, joined our firm in 2007 with fifteen years of experience in office administration. Ms. Richards is an important member of ACI and RPS. She is the first person you see or talk with when contacting the office. Her attention to detail and organization keeps the office operating smoothly.

* Light as a feather ..stings like a bee.