Washington Wealth Management, a hybrid RIA firm, has recruited a veteran advisory team to staff a new office in California’s Orange County.

Pearce Saunders Murray Wealth Management is made up of three advisors and has around $160 million in assets under management. It is the first team to staff Washington’s new 3,500-square-foot office in Brea, CA.

Washington Wealth said it has increased assets under management from $100 million in December 2011 to over $1 billion today through recruiting advisors and teams. Its platform supports fee and commission-based advisors.

The latest team to join is comprised of Janet Pearce, Bradley Saunders and Krista Murray, who all joined from Morgan Stanley. They work with wealthy individuals and institutions on investments, estate planning, and retirement and college funding, with a focus on fee-based business, according to Washington Wealth.

“This dual announcement demonstrates both the strength of Washington Wealth Management’s commitment to building a substantial presence in Southern California and the proven ability of our multi-custodial platform,” said David Richman, Washington Wealth Management’s market area director for Southern California.

The new Orange County office has room for several more teams and Saunders, who was previously a regional director for Morgan Stanley in Southern California, will leverage his ties in the region to assist with recruiting efforts there.

Washington Wealth is based in San Diego, CA.