Welcome. We are an architecture and interiors studio that believes in the power of thoughtful design to better connect us to the built environment, the landscape, and each other. Our process is equal parts creativity and pragmatism –so that our work draws out the strongest potential of any site, the resources at hand, and ultimately, the experience of our clients. Design is both a process and an adventure; we see ourselves as both your partner and guide. We look forward to hearing from you.

Box on the Rock:
A name helps keep us focused on keeping it simple>

The affectionately named ‘Box on the Rock’ is a response to a difficult site –with shallow underground waterways popping up in unexpected and unwanted locations– which needed relatively expensive pier foundations. Given this challenge, we minimized the number of piers by creating a compact footprint to build a new ‘ground’ / platform perched on the rocks with the home on top. From there, we carved out protected outdoor spaces and customized the home’s overhangs to have outdoor options for sun and shade throughout the day. Viewed from below, the home appears to be a lone outpost settling the higher ground of the undisturbed natural site –a box on the rock.

Work ^ In The Landscape
Green House

The original home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s protégé, Aaron Green and built by Echler Homes in 1966, is a modern masterwork in Palo Alto, California. Remaining preserved in time by its original owner until 2019, its new owners, a young couple with two young children and one on the way, needed additional space and amenities. But how to update and extend Green’s low-slung complete thought for a new era and new growing family?

Work ^ In The Grid
Dovecote Details:
A personal space inspires bespoke details>

This highly personal and customized project by the architect-owner became a site for exploration and play. We followed every intuition about details that might contribute to the space, hoping to stay just this side of ‘too-much.’ What unites the disparate details of this addition is a sense of movement, craft, and nature.

Work ^ In The Studio
Neil S. O’Shea:
Senior Specialist

Neil earned a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University before continuing his education there to receive a Bachelor of Architecture, including study at the prestigious Cornell in Rome Program. He then worked on a variety of large-scale commercial, airport, performing arts, and public architecture projects before becoming S^A’s very first employee in 1998. In 2002, Neil left to work in medical facility design and planning before returning to the S^A fold in 2011, becoming a Senior Associate in 2014. Neil has a great depth of experience managing complex projects and shares his seasoned technical and construction expertise with all S^A staff. Meticulous and thorough, he leads our in-house peer review and quality control efforts. He enjoys rooting for the Warriors from his Miraloma Park home with his husband Marcus and dogs, Felix and Ysabel.

Practice ^ Team
We are beyond excited to receive the 2025 SARA design award of excellence for our project: The Green House! To learn more check out our website :) A special shoutout to @jacksonbunis for receiving the award in Washington, D.C. at the SARA awards ceremony!! Architect - @schwartzandarchitecture Interiors - @sarahshermansamuel Contractor - @buildmarrone Client/photographer - @aylacchristman Landscape - @boxleafdesign Lighting - @loisosubbelohde #midcenturymodern #siliconvalley #frankloydwright
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