We started in 2009 as a small studio with big standards. Since then we’ve grown, changed our name, and leveled up more than once, but the heart hasn’t moved: real design, honest pricing, and clients who feel like family.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
After serving as an infantryman in the U.S. Army, founder Gil Castillo launched G-Studios with one mission: deliver custom, high-quality design without the agency price tag. He brought the same discipline and work ethic to every project, building websites, logos, and marketing materials with HTML, CSS, Photoshop—and yes, Flash. The work spoke for itself, and early clients like CalOptima and WebMD trusted us from the jump. Small studio, big standards.
LEVELING UP
Three years in, the portfolio was growing and so were the projects. We moved past one-off designs into full brand identities, responsive web design, user experience, and content strategy. We weren’t just making things look good anymore—we were helping businesses grow and connect with the people they serve.
A NEW NAME, SAME HEART
G-Studios had outgrown its name, so we took one that matched who we’d become: Urban Designs. Inspired by the culture, grit, and color of Los Angeles, the new name was a promise—edgy, diverse, modern, and built for impact. The look changed. The hustle didn’t.
THE ONE-STOP SHOP
We went deep on the tech side with custom programming, web apps, e-commerce, and CMS builds in HTML5, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, and WordPress. Then we added product and model photography, so clients could get the visuals and the platform from the same team. Design, code, and content, all under one roof.
MAKING IT OFFICIAL
What started as a one-person operation became a real crew of designers, developers, photographers, and project managers. In 2024, Urban Designs incorporated, giving us the structure to take on bigger contracts and more partners while keeping the quality that got us here.
ROOTED AND BUILT FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Urban Designs became an Urban Rooted company and grew into a full digital ecosystem. Today we build brands and websites alongside client portals, scheduling platforms, CRM apps, admin systems, and online stores—tools designed around how each client actually works. Seventeen years in, we’re not just finishing projects. We’re building foundations that grow with you. The best is yet to come.
WHO WE’VE WORKED WITH
From healthcare leaders to neighborhood businesses, brands big and small have trusted us with their name.
MEET THE CREW
The people behind the work. Creative minds, technical skills, and real ones who show up for every client like it’s day one.
Gil Castillo
Founder & CEO
Grace Salgado
Client Relations Manager
Erick Fonseca
Marketing & Content Strategist
Vince Wong
Lead Developer / Technical Director
Projects completed
Positive feedback
Years Strong
Cups of Coffee
WHAT WE DO
Web design, coding, e-commerce, branding, graphic design, photography, marketing, SEO, and hosting. Nine ways to build your brand—one crew behind all of it.