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.

A Mourning Dovecote:
Nesting boxes for cooing Mourning Doves make a workspace feel like home>

A traditional country ‘dovecote’ houses pigeons or doves, sometimes freestanding but often built into the ends of houses or barns. The Mourning Dove, one of the most widespread of all North American birds, is typically monogamous and is a prolific breeder, raising up to six broods a year. Both sexes take turn incubating, the male from morning to afternoon, and the female the rest of the day and night. Their soft, drawn-out calls sound like laments.

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
Lichen Trellis:
The delicate shadows of lace lichen inform a sun shade>

Enamored by the atmospheric lace lichen shadows cast around this site’s mature oaks, we set out to evoke the essence of those spaces with aluminum and rivets. With help from our enthusiastic contractor, we used a series of metal fins strategically fixed with pop-rivets to create an undulating pattern. The proof of concept, however –even more than the form and beauty of the trellis itself– was in the delicacy of the shadows they cast.

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
I’m Lichen this one! Take a peak at one of our favorite S^A projects The Lichen House! Inspired by the Ramalina lace lichen that spreads across the Sonoma hills, to learn more about its porous and breathable envelope check out our website! Architect - @schwartzandarchitecture Contractor - @eamesconstruction Landscape - @pritchardpeck Photography - @richardbarnes #oldiebutgoodie #modernhome #bayareadesign
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