Grizzly Bear Architecture and Design
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GB Architecture’s Big Bear Coffee Shop
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One of a Kind, Hard to FInd, Architecture and Design!

about us

we help You Navigate Building Permits in California and Beyond!

Charles A. Matthews, RA, NCARB is a licensed architect serving clients across California and 12 additional states. With dual experience in Architecture and Environmental Themed Design we bring both technical precision and creative vision to every project.

Grizzly Bear Architecture and Design specializes in Tenant Improvements, Residential Designs including New and Home Additions, ADU design, Project Management and Permitting. We assist you in achieving plan check satisfaction through obtaining building permits throughout California, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington State, Nevada, Idaho, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, and Utah. We operate as a lean, efficient remote (as needed) practice delivering clear ‘permit-oriented’ construction documents and code-compliant solutions in many jurisdictions including Santa Clarita, San Diego, Murrieta, Temecula, The Antelope Valley, Riverside, San Fransisco and beyond.

Whether you need full architectural services or need a more conceirge specific approach, we are hands on to help you!

1-800-745-6973

35+

Year of experience in design

our services

Architectural Services For Your real Life Needs!

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New Custom Home Design

Custom residences from concept through permit-ready construction documents.

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Complete design, documentation, and permitting support tailored to California regulations and local AHJ requirements.

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Tenant Improve-ments (TIs) / Build-outs

Code-compliant, efficient designs for retail, office, medical, and specialty spaces.

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Residential Additions & Remodels

Thoughtful expansions that complement your home’s character while meeting current codes and your lifestyle needs

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Themed & Entertainment Environments

Drawing from Theme Park Design Experience for family entertainment centers, attractions, and immersive spaces

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Consulting Conceirge Services

As-Built Documentation, Conditional Use Permits, Minor Use Permits, Accessibility and other Jurisdc

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WHY CHOOSE US

Why Clients Choose Grizzly Bear Architecture

Begun by the Matthews family over 15 years ago, we deliver custom architectural solutions for challenging situations — whether you need to respect an existing home style, navigate complex California codes, create a bold new statement, or act as your “Architectural Pinch Hitter.”

Charles A. Matthews, RA, NCARB brings a rare combination of technical precision and creative vision. Dual degrees in Architecture (NAAB-accredited program, Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society) and Environmental Design with emphasis on Entertainment/Themed/Narrative Design from Art Center College of Design. His resume includes Disney Imagineering, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Cuningham Group, AECOM, and Miller Hull.

Licensed in 13 states with deep California roots. We operate as a focused, efficient remote practice serving businesses, homeowners, contractors, and developers across California and beyond.

  • 35+ Years design experience
  • 13 States licensed (full California practice)
  • Many successful projects and plan checks
  • Direct access to the licensed architect — no layers of project managers
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FAQS

How long does an ADU project typically take?

Timelines vary by jurisdiction and scope, but we focus on efficient documentation and proactive plan-check responses to keep projects moving.

Do you work remotely with my local contractor?

Although we work primarily remotely, we make site visits on an as-needed basis. Contact us for your specific needs.

What is your fee structure?

We provide clear proposals based on scope of work including area in Square Feet, complexity of detail, Municipality interaction, severity of difficulty to solve issues, and the like. Our prices are based on building types and situations we have encountered in the past and may or may not be consistent with your project needs, which will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Can you help with plan check corrections?

Yes — this is one of our strengths. We respond thoroughly and professionally to comments.

What jurisdictions do you commonly work in?

Extensive experience across Southern and Central California including Murrieta, Temecula, Palmdale, Corona, Union City, National City, Perris, Borrego Springs, Modesto/Stanislaus County, San Pedro, San Fransisco, branching into other cities and states including St. George, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City and others. We research specific AHJ requirements on every project.

Call for a proposal!

1-800-745-6973