Life House Design and Construction
Company Overview
Life House Design and Construction excels in the realm of ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units) design and building.
Our comprehensive service model manages every phase of your project, from the first design sketches to the final construction details.
We have a dedicated group of specialists who make certain that the process is seamless, including all planning and permitting requirements.
Our goal extends beyond mere construction; we strive to create thoughtfully designed areas that improve your property's value and utility.
Trust us to realize your concept with craftsmanship that stands out.
Founded by CEO Carrin Michael Johnson, a veteran of the Navy, and his wife, COO Laura Rios Johnson, Life House Design and Construction has a strong foundation.
They joined forces to establish a company that focuses on home design and construction while addressing the needs of the community.
With extensive experience in architecture, construction, and real estate, Life House has earned a reputation in San Diego for top-notch ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), multi-family projects, and home renovations.
The Johnsons, driven by a commitment to help others and their deep faith, focus on creating affordable housing solutions and eco-friendly living spaces.
Life House stands out in the industry due to its commitment to excellence, creative designs, and customer satisfaction.
CJ, a veteran Chief from the US Navy, is dedicated to realizing your home enhancement visions.
After his Navy service, CJ has focused on supervising the design, permitting, and building of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Business Services
- Architectural design
- Architectural project management
- Architectural site analysis
- Building additions
- Construction design services
- Garage remodeling
- Guest house or ADU construction
- Detached garage construction
- New structure construction
- Plumbing inspection
- Remodeling
- New room addition
- New room design
- Garage addition
- New story design
Business Location & Hours
Mon: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tue: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wed: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thu: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Fri: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Sat: | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Sun: | Closed |
Recommended Customer Reviews

Very professional and helpful. They really thoughtful of what your goals are and how to get you to accomplish it. If you're looking for contractors who are thorough then look no further.

If you're looking for a reputable Architect, congratulations - your search is done!
As a real estate investor, developer, and broker, I've worked with dozens of architects and contractors in San Diego.
Everyone in the industry is looking for 3 things: a job done well, a job done cheap, and a job done fast.
Carrin and his wife Laura are the ONLY architects that can deliver all 3.
What sets Carrin and Life House apart from the competition is their industry knowledge of working for years with larger and pricier ADU and architect companies. Carrin brings this experience into his own company, where he spent years learning how to accelerate plans through permitting, and passes that savings on to you - the client!
Most newer architecture companies will offer a cheap service that hits tons of delays due to inexperience, or they will offer an expensive service that gets the job done but you really pay for the boutique and white glove experience. With Life House Design, you get the attention of a boutique firm, the experience of 10+ years in the industry, and the professionalism of a 5 Star architect.
Life House has the experience to take on garage conversion ADU's, ground up large multifamily, and everything in between.
As an aside, Carrin is a military Veteran, and his attention to detail and care for his clients is top notch !

CJ is very knowlegeable about the entire process. He listens and will execute your vision with precison, all while being flexible to your needs!

CJ and his crew did a phenomenal job from the start until the end. They made a complicated and tedious permitting and building process much easier than I expected. His team was transparent and communicated realistic targets and deadlines (which to me is most important so you know what to expect without being mislead). They were pleasant to work with along the way. I will use them again if I need any assistance in the permitting/building process. If anyone has any questions they can contact me as a reference. They do good business.

I've had 3 bathrooms in my home renovated by Life House Design. I didn't have any sense of urgency to remodel my 1970's home at the time. After agreeing to have 1 bathroom surveyed, the Owners, PM, and Construction Team showed up. They did not spare any details. They took into consideration my extended family situation and thoroughly went into detail everything they would do if I decided to come through. This team of professionals are available around the clock and are very responsive to calls and texts. I didn't have to deal with any secretaries or company staff. I was able to talk to the owners when I needed them the most. Their designer is top-notch and was very easy to work with. Issues were communicated earlier (mostly scheduling on my part). They worked around our times. I communicated my expectations and they followed them to a tee. Because of their business ethic, they ended up renovating 2 more bathrooms for me and was able to point out things that needed to be corrected from a previous renovation. They stayed on budget, were courteous, on time, and communicated very well. I will definitely have Life House do my future renovations.

I had renovations completed October 2022. I was extremely happy with this company. Their professionalism is top notch. They focus on customer service, that in itself won me over. They inform you on the process step by step. They are very accommodating.