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.

The Meander:
Like water finding its path while eroding a zigzagging valley through rock, this home gently meanders across its ridgetop site>

Meandering rivers carved the coastal valleys surrounding this ridgetop home over millennia, forming zig-zagging interlocking crevices that draw our eye into the distance as they recede from view. This sense of movement inspired the staggered forms of this home as it tucks into the natural landscape. Elements of the surroundings–reservoir, grassland, and rocky outcropping –inspires the roof of each wing of the home.

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
Peace Industries Rugs:
A creative collaboration with traditional Iranian felt-rug artisans draws inspiration from our work>

Many are aware of how we feel about felt: our love knows no bounds. So, the opportunity to collaborate with Peace Industries on prototypes for a line of felt rugs was a natural for us. Three of our recent homes inspired the designs. In the process, we gained immense respect for the Iranian artisans who use their traditional methods to create their modern artwork.

Work ^ In The Studio
Laura P. Huylebroeck, Architect:
Principal

Laura, a licensed architect in the state of California, has been with S^A since 2014. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona where she graduated Cum Laude and received both the prestigious national AIA Alpha Rho Chi Medal and a Capstone Project Award, as well as an athletic soccer scholarship. Laura’s work –From Ruin to Wetland –was a critical analysis of the possible transformations of historical structures and urban ruins.

Practice ^ Team
Not every line stays straight... and that’s the point. Crook | Cup | Bow | Twist - named after the four ways green lumber deforms - celebrates the unpredictable nature of living materials. The striated pattern references traditional wood-drying stacks at the local mill, echoing the fluid movement of wind through the site’s open grasslands Architect - S^A | @schwartzandarchitecture Contractor - Hammond Fine Homes Landscape - @randythuemedesign Lighting - @pritchardpeck Photography - @brucedamonte #ModernArchitecture #ContemporaryArchitecture #BayAreaArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #DesignDriven #MinimalArchitecture #CaliforniaArchitecture #ArchitecturePhotography #ArchitectureInspiration #CustomHomeDesign #SiteSpecificDesign #SustainableArchitecture #DesignMatters #ModernResidential #BayAreaModern #ArchitectsLife #ArchitectureLovers #FormFollowsFunction #ModernistArchitecture #LightAndSpace #ContextualDesign #ArchitectureDaily #DesignExcellence #schwartzandarchitecture #crook #crow #bow #twist #sf
Instagram^