Stan Schrofer, Architect, Philosopher, Engineer, and Artisan
Story by Sara Pentz

Architect Stan Schrofer Designs a Mediterranean Villa in Pelican Hill where the light dances a pirouette to the architecture. Story by Sara Pentz Atop Pelican Hill, along California's sun-drenched beaches, stands a Mediterranean Villa. Regal in scale, gazing across all of Newport Beach and westward to the expanse of the ocean beyond, it is a graceful blend of its French and Italian heritage in elegance, tradition and style.

That's the way Capistrano Beach-based architect Stan Schrofer describes this beautiful structure, a recently completed project. "It is a house with rich influences, blending styles that merge and play with each other," he explains.

"The owners wanted every opportunity possible to open the house up to the magnificent views outside," explains Schrofer. "That's why I've come up with some of the radius elements for the windows that take full advantage of the panorama."

Another signature element in his designs are skylights. "I always try to give the home a spectacular skylight. The skylight in this home allows the California light to drop in and spread throughout the space," he adds.

For Schrofer, the flow of the house is fundamental. Each room must have the proper orientation according to the client's wishes. "When you've worked more than 25 years on designs and floor plans, you can see certain solutions that are only developed through many years of architectural experience. It's not just a gift, it's hard work. You are constantly experiencing how to achieve solutions for each individual client. These are the kinds of things that I bring to the table when the client encourages creative designs."

Schrofer is more than an architect, he is a philosopher-engineer-artisan. Extensive travel throughout the United States, Europe, North Africa, India and Asia has helped him understand the philosophy and cultural tastes of many different peoples. These experiences have given him the designer's edge; the confidence that he can handle anything that is thrown at him. Schrofer has worked with and understands the principles of Feng Shui (China) and Vaastu (India) as a way of integrating a flow of positive harmonies and energies to the home. Stan demands that his staff understand leading-edge architectural and engineering technology. His quest for excellence using a fully CAD computer-integrated office for the last 15 years allows him to deliver high standards of precision and accuracy for his clients. "I have to keep up with the latest technology," he explains. Schrofer has designed 220 high-end custom residential projects on the West Coast. He has the reputation for creating one-of-a-kind architecture for large estates and difficult lots. He has a strong construction and engineering background. He has an all-encompassing support staff. "We review outside contractors and bring to the table excellent builders. We are able to supply the client with people we believe are capable and do quality work. I am very active in the direct solutions within my architectural projects, and I work very closely with structural engineers who calculate the final resolution to the problem," explains this perfectionist.

For those clients who desire taste, originality and attention to detail, Stan Schrofer & Associates possesses a blend of creativity, technical expertise and hands-on experience rarely seen in one architect. He has the elusive ability to understand and transform his clients' desires into the home of their dreams.