The Architect Trusted by Celebrities for Their Dream Homes

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In the secluded hills of Beverly Hills and along the coastline of Malibu, some of the world’s most exclusive residences bear the unmistakable signature of Paul McClean. An Irish-born architect who now leads one of the most sought-after luxury residential firms in California, McClean has made a name designing high-end homes for celebrities and entrepreneurs alike. His work bridges minimalist modernism with bold opulence, transforming visions of extravagance into architectural reality.

A childhood fascination that became a global career

Raised in Dublin, McClean’s interest in architecture emerged early. Fascinated by buildings and how people lived within them, he pursued this interest formally at University College Dublin. There, he gained foundational training in European modernism, a style that would later shape his distinct design language.

But it wasn’t just about academic rigor. McClean has mentioned that it was the contrast between Ireland’s more restrained architectural expressions and California’s expansive possibilities that ultimately pulled him across the Atlantic. That move would prove pivotal.

Laying the foundation for McClean Design

After relocating to the United States in the 1990s, McClean gained experience working for several architecture firms in Southern California. In 2000, he founded McClean Design, a firm focused exclusively on luxury residences. The timing was ideal. As demand surged for expansive, high-tech homes with seamless indoor-outdoor flow, McClean’s aesthetic, with clean lines, open layouts, and large water features, caught the attention of affluent clients seeking privacy, prestige, and originality.

Over the next two decades, the firm grew steadily and now boasts a portfolio of more than 100 custom residences, many in Los Angeles County’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

A distinct architectural signature shaped by place and purpose

McClean’s designs are instantly recognizable. He favors bold geometric forms, extensive glazing, and a layered approach to spatial organization that prioritizes movement, light, and views. Yet beneath the visual drama lies a careful balance between minimalism and indulgence.

His use of water features such as reflecting pools, cascading walls, or entire moats has become a defining trait. These elements are not just decorative. They reinforce his commitment to serenity and reflect his belief that homes should offer a peaceful refuge from the demands of celebrity and commerce.

Despite the grandeur, sustainability is a priority in many of his projects. From advanced HVAC systems to solar integration and passive cooling strategies, McClean’s designs often meet strict environmental standards without compromising aesthetics.

Building for stars and crafting cinematic homes

Among McClean Design’s most high-profile projects are residences for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Calvin Klein, and several unnamed tech executives. One of the most publicized is a 30,000-square-foot Bel Air mansion that sold for more than $88 million. Featuring a wellness center, glass elevator, and panoramic views of Los Angeles, the home is a prime example of McClean’s ability to create not just houses but personal ecosystems.

These clients demand more than design. They seek discretion, innovation, and the ability to visualize spaces that don’t yet exist. McClean’s team collaborates closely with interior designers, landscape architects, and artisans to deliver a cohesive, custom-built experience.

The pressures and philosophies of large-scale luxury

While luxury brings creative freedom, it also invites complexity. Navigating the regulatory, environmental, and logistical challenges of hillside construction in Los Angeles demands experience and resilience. McClean often acts as a translator between client dreams and real-world constraints, always advocating for design integrity.

He is known for pushing back when ideas threaten to dilute the architectural vision, often finding inventive ways to incorporate preferences without sacrificing cohesion.

An Irish architect’s global impact

McClean’s ascent is not only a personal success story. It also highlights the growing influence of Irish-trained architects on the global stage. His work blends his heritage, rooted in precision and restraint, with the expansiveness and confidence of the Californian landscape.

He remains a vocal supporter of emerging Irish architects and frequently participates in initiatives to support design education and architectural innovation in both the United States and Ireland.

In 2025, McClean is set to return to Dublin as part of Design Week, bringing his journey full circle. While his firm continues to take on major commissions in California and other parts of the world, this visit signals a renewed connection with his roots and a desire to share his experience with a new generation of architects.

Sources:

• Newstalk Article
• McClean Design