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
S^A Studio:
Family, food, and furry friends bind our creative studio together>

Given the intensity of our work in the studio, we are lucky to enjoy the company of each other so thoroughly. Outside the studio, our Fine Wine Fridays (FWF) have a no-work discussion policy. Our Summer Fest and S^A Holiday Party are epic cooking throwdowns –competitive sushi rolling to cookie bake-offs, cassoulet to fried chicken.

In the studio, at our monthly Culture of Design (COD) workshops, we find images using randomly selected prompts that combine a building element, a quality of space, and a sensation ­–stair, open, moist– that then spawn often-rollicking conversations about our design and process. Even our Culture of Practice (COP) sessions evoke passionate and hysterical debates about office standards and technical detailing. Of course, there is also Beyoncé, true-crime dramas, the Warriors, and reality TV to banter about every day at 4:00 pm.

 

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
Instagram^