What’s New at DMHA

A Refreshed Website

For the past 30 years, DMHA has created inspired spaces that foster connection and act as catalysts for community development. We believe that architecture is high-art, and our designs balance creativity with environmental stewardship and efficiency. This month, we unveiled a refreshed website to better represent who we are. Browse our pages to view our portfolio, read about our philosophy, and meet our team.

Linden Avenue: A Revitalizing Project In The Heart Of Carpinteria

Nestled between local businesses and the Pacific Ocean, the 700-block of Linden Avenue lies in the heart of downtown Carpinteria. Last year, DMHA was approached to represent the architecture of this exciting project, breathing new life into the unused buildings of this central location. 

Proposing a multi-tenant retail, restaurant, and office development with a central outdoor plaza, our design strips the buildings to their architectural essence. We enhanced the authentic features of the block by adding a second floor composed of office suites, a 614 sq. ft. bar, and a rooftop patio. Each of these additions echo the geometrics of the original hardware. With a spacious plaza anchoring the project, we envision the site to become a local gathering place and focal point for city-wide events such as the Farmers’ Market and the Avocado Festival.

In April of this year, the proposal received a glowing response from the City Architectural Review Board, revealing our unique ability to capture the character of downtown. In contrast to previous proposals that relied heavily on new developments, we designed through omission to highlight the distinct soul and underlying characteristics that make Carpinteria, Carpinteria. 

With hopes of completing construction in early 2022, the project is gearing up for Planning Commission, where the official approval process will begin. We are honored to play a role in revitalizing downtown Carpinteria and are excited for the next steps. Stay tuned to see the progress of this future placemaking project.

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

DMHA is excited to take part in rehabilitating The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a historical inn that originally opened as the Central Hotel in 1886 and served as a popular stagecoach stop during the California Gold Rush. While carefully rehabilitating the true historic structures, the future Mattei’s Tavern will provide a new resort experience with 67 luxury guest rooms and cottage-style accommodations for this new wine country boutique hotel and spa in the Santa Ynez Valley. As a local landmark revered and enjoyed for generations, we eagerly await the completion of this project. Future details to come.