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.

Paradox House:
Paradox House

The clients for this new 4,500 SF home in Sonoma, California’s wine country are a wonderful paradox as a couple: one raised in Iran and the other in South Africa; one fiery, one cooler; one drawn to order, the other to serendipity; one operating in shades of grey, the other in bold colors.

Out of these fascinating character dialectics came opposed intuitions for the siting and design of the home: one wanted a multistory structure high above the ground to capture distant mountain views, the other gravitated towards a single-story firmly grounded in the landscape. One’s priority was a formal lawn and a pool to plunge into from their bedrooms, while the other’s was meandering paths through smaller gardens and outdoor spaces.

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
Florence J. Schwartz- Emeritus:
Human & Non-Human Resources

Our sweet Florence, was a Spinone Italiano, came to S^A in 2012 who hailed from Paso Robles, California. She majored in Bossiness and Ignoring Commands at Potrero Hill’s prestigious Dogpile Dogs, with a specialization in Nonchalance. She did not graduate. Florence, alternately known as Lady Florence or The Machine, could store a day’s worth of food in her copious beard.

Practice ^ Team
Team Highlight: Christopher and more importantly, Buffy! (Our newest office puppy!) 🐶 Christopher is a Partner here at S^A, bringing sharp design instincts, creativity, and plenty of jokes to the office. As lead of our marketing team, he had a talent for graphic design and thinking outside of the box. Outside of the office, you can find Christopher and Buffy hiking the Marin hills or heading out on camping adventures together. Thanks for everything you do, Christopher (and Buffy)!
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