McClean Design

McClean Design Architecture firm based in Southern California specializing in custom modern homes.

Located in the heart of the Pacific Palisades, this hillside residence captures sweeping views from the Santa Monica Mou...
01/30/2026

Located in the heart of the Pacific Palisades, this hillside residence captures sweeping views from the Santa Monica Mountains across the Pacific Ocean to Catalina Island beyond. Designed as a family home for living, working, and gathering, the architecture is deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.

Set on an irregular flag lot descending into a tree-filled ravine, the home extends over the slope to create open garden spaces at ground level while drawing daylight and air deep into the lower floor through courtyards and terraces. Arrival is marked by a water wall and ornamental tree, revealing ocean views beyond. The southern edge of the home is defined by water—a lap pool, hot tub, and sunken fire pit forming a tranquil outdoor living sequence.

Inside, primary living and workspaces face the view, while a sculptural stair descends to a light-filled lower level with entertainment, wellness, and guest spaces opening to gardens. Extensive operable glazing and a warm palette of travertine, oak, and satin metal accents create seamless year-round indoor–outdoor living.

Set on a steep hillside with sweeping views of Beverly Hills and the Pacific Ocean, this residence transforms a challeng...
01/27/2026

Set on a steep hillside with sweeping views of Beverly Hills and the Pacific Ocean, this residence transforms a challenging site into a private, light-filled retreat. Limited flat land and surrounding neighbors inspired a compact L-shaped plan that maximizes garden and pool space while preserving privacy.

Arrival is choreographed through a carved courtyard and bridge entry, drawing natural light deep into the home and creating a moment of transition from street to sanctuary. The main level opens fully to the garden and reflective pool, where water mirrors the city and sky beyond. Above, bedroom suites enjoy elevated views, while a glazed walnut stair links all levels through the central courtyard.

At the heart of the lower level, a two-story outdoor room brings daylight into entertainment and wellness spaces. Water and planted walls create privacy, while warm travertine, walnut, crisp white planes, and black metal accents balance softness with contemporary clarity.

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01/25/2026

Designed for a new expression of coastal living in Dana Point, this residence balances protection from ocean breezes with uninterrupted shoreline views. Organized around an entry courtyard, the home welcomes natural light deep into the plan while revealing framed glimpses of the ocean from the moment of arrival.

Operable glass walls open the main living spaces to a terrace, garden, and infinity pool, creating a continuous indoor–outdoor environment. A palette of warm oak, limestone, and soft coastal tones sets a relaxed atmosphere, layered with landscaping for privacy and calm.

From upper living areas to the lower-level courtyard and lounge, every space maintains a direct connection to the outdoors—allowing the home to feel both sheltered and fully immersed in its coastal setting.

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Set along the Balboa Peninsula just south of Newport Beach, this waterfront residence redefines coastal living on a rare...
01/21/2026

Set along the Balboa Peninsula just south of Newport Beach, this waterfront residence redefines coastal living on a rare triple lot overlooking the marina. Designed as a modern retreat for family and friends, the home balances scale, openness, and privacy within a vibrant harbor setting.

Set back from the street, a south-facing entry garden creates a quiet buffer before revealing interiors wrapped in veined white marble that flows seamlessly from outside to in. From the gate, the home reads as nearly transparent—framing boats, water, and sky straight through the glass façade.

A floating glass bridge crosses the lower-level pool into the great room, where pocketing walls open fully to a covered terrace, fireplace, and spa. Below, a sea-level terrace meets the harbor’s edge, with light constantly shifting across stone, water, and glass throughout the day.

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Set on the edge of Highland Park in Dallas, this long and narrow site presented a unique challenge—one without tradition...
01/14/2026

Set on the edge of Highland Park in Dallas, this long and narrow site presented a unique challenge—one without traditional views, yet full of opportunity. Backing onto the Katy Trail, the home was conceived as an inward-focused retreat where gardens, water, and natural light shape daily family living.

A sequence of courtyards and outdoor rooms runs parallel to a linear pool that connects the front and rear of the property. Bridges and terraces link formal and informal spaces, while secondary bedrooms float above the main outdoor living area, offering year-round shelter and connection to nature.

A defining feature is the acrylic section of the pool, casting light into the basement courtyard below and bringing drama to the wellness, office, and entertainment spaces. Throughout, warm horizontal planes and gallery-like vertical surfaces create a refined backdrop for living and art alike.

Set directly above the Sunset Strip, this West Hollywood residence is defined by its powerful connection to the city bel...
01/12/2026

Set directly above the Sunset Strip, this West Hollywood residence is defined by its powerful connection to the city below. What began as a proposed remodel evolved into a complete reimagining—transforming site constraints into an opportunity for vertical, highly immersive living.

What followed was a long and collaborative journey, ultimately leading to a result that truly reflects the Owner’s taste and involvement. This project was a true collaboration. Over many years, the client became deeply involved in every aspect of the design—sketching, studying models, and continually exploring alternatives alongside us.

Designed as both a daily residence and an entertainment destination, the home unfolds across multiple levels carved into the hillside. Primary living spaces and the main suite occupy the upper floors, opening to terraces, pools, and panoramic city views. Below, dedicated wellness and guest levels lead to a fully immersive entertainment floor featuring a lounge, media room, bar, and bowling alley—each space integrated into the architecture of the hill itself. A rooftop terrace crowns the home, transforming into an open-air cinema overlooking Los Angeles at night.

Throughout, glass elevators, cascading water features, and a central light well stitch the vertical experience together, while a warm palette of oak, stone, plaster, and wood ceilings balances refinement with comfort. The result is a residence that feels grounded, dynamic, and deeply connected to its urban landscape.

Owner .alexander
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Set directly above the Sunset Strip, this West Hollywood residence is defined by its powerful connection to the city bel...
01/10/2026

Set directly above the Sunset Strip, this West Hollywood residence is defined by its powerful connection to the city below. What began as a proposed remodel evolved into a complete reimagining—transforming site constraints into an opportunity for vertical, highly immersive living.

Designed as both a daily residence and an entertainment destination, the home unfolds across multiple levels carved into the hillside. Primary living spaces and the main suite occupy the upper floors, opening to terraces, pools, and panoramic city views. Below, dedicated wellness and guest levels lead to a fully immersive entertainment floor featuring a lounge, media room, bar, and bowling alley—each space integrated into the architecture of the hill itself. A rooftop terrace crowns the home, transforming into an open-air cinema overlooking Los Angeles at night.

Throughout, glass elevators, cascading water features, and a central light well stitch the vertical experience together, while a warm palette of oak, stone, plaster, and wood ceilings balances refinement with comfort. The result is a residence that feels simultaneously grounded, dynamic, and deeply connected to its urban landscape.

Photos by

Set on an expansive site overlooking the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio, this residence was designed to fully embra...
01/08/2026

Set on an expansive site overlooking the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio, this residence was designed to fully embrace its landscape and long-range views. Inspired by a California approach to modern living, the home places its primary rooms toward the rear of the property, opening daily life to light, water, and the surrounding terrain.

Arrival unfolds through a walled garden and ornamental pool, anchored by a glass pavilion office that appears to float on water. The home is organized around a modified H-shaped plan, allowing courtyards and gardens to pe*****te deep into the interior and ensure every space connects to nature. Living areas bridge the ornamental pool at entry and the main pool beyond, while wellness spaces overlook a tennis court set discreetly downslope.

Warm stone, natural wood, and champagne-toned metal accents ground the architecture in its setting, creating a residence that feels both refined and deeply connected to the Hill Country landscape.

Located within the Summit Club in Las Vegas, this residence is designed as a private desert retreat centered on family l...
01/05/2026

Located within the Summit Club in Las Vegas, this residence is designed as a private desert retreat centered on family living and indoor–outdoor flow. Set on a prime golf course lot with views toward the Strip, the home unfolds across three levels, balancing open entertaining spaces with areas of retreat.

Arrival is choreographed through a courtyard and bridge entry, where fire and water elements introduce a sense of calm. The main living spaces open seamlessly to the rear garden, pool, and cabana, while a dedicated pool house extends outdoor living year-round. Below, a series of landscaped courtyards bring light and air into the lower level, connecting wellness, guest, and family spaces to nature.

A warm contemporary palette and layered courtyards anchor the home to its desert setting, creating a residence that is both serene and highly livable.

Address

Los Angeles, CA

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