John Gilmer Architect, Inc.

          John Gilmer Architect, Inc. provides comprehensive architectural and interior design services throughout the US and Canada. Drawing upon the time-honored traditions of classical architecture, with an emphasis on proportion and rigor, John melds the modern, eclectic and classic to create a dynamic, contemporary, 21st century environment. The work is timeless and comfortable, exhibiting a fresh, innovative approach with a classical sensibility. Working closely with clients, every project is tailored to its context, program and budget so that each one is unique. Our focus is on creating a partnership with clients and consultants to provide an elegant, practical resolution to each project that truly reflects the personality of the owner.


With offices in Palm Springs, California and New York City, John’s work encompasses a wide range of retail and residential projects. Current projects include the construction and decoration of a 16,000 sq ft house in Atherton, CA, the renovation of historic houses in Bronxville and Chatham, New York, and houses in Beverly Hills, Palm Springs and Indian Wells, CA. Recent projects include apartments on Park Avenue, Sutton Place and at 15 Central Park West in New York, a pool house in Philadelphia, a house in Lenox, Massachusetts, and residential projects in Palm Springs. JGA has completed a range of houses in California, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and British Columbia; and apartments in London, Beverly Hills, New York, Palm Beach and Vancouver. Other recent projects include the renovation of a boutique hotel and spa in Palm Springs, the interiors for a custom racing sloop, and luxury retail stores for Hickey Freeman and Bobby Jones.

John’s avid interest in furniture design and antiques led him to create a separate company, Porter & Plunk, in 2004. Porter & Plunk is an internet based shop specializing in 19th and 20th Century American and European antique and vintage furniture, lighting, glass and ceramics. John searches out unique and memorable pieces that reinforce his curatorial vision and reflect his strong eye for clean sculptural pieces. Porter & Plunk is represented on incollect.com.

Prior to founding his own firm, John was a Senior Associate and Director of Interior Design for Robert A.M. Stern Architects in New York. During his ten years at RAMSA, John led the design of large scale public and private projects, including institutional, corporate, retail, residential and hospitality projects throughout the US and Asia. John also created product designs ranging from tableware for Sasaki to furniture and fabrics for HBF.

A member of the American Institute of Architects, John is a registered architect in California, Nevada, New York, and Georgia. His work has been published in Architectural Digest, Lonny.com, House Beautiful, Palm Springs Life and Builder Magazine. John graduated from Yale University with a Masters in Architecture and from Davidson College with a degree in Economics. John has served as the Chair of the City of Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board and as a Director on the Boards of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council and the Cabot’s Museum Foundation.