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.

Leit House:
Blackened volcanic rocks, surprising in their lightness, inspire the distinctive roof of this Sonoma fire-site home>

Millions of years ago, the fiery volcanoes of Sonoma Valley spewed hot magma across the landscape. As the lava cooled, the eruption’s gases became trapped, forming porous cavities instead of crystallizing into dense stone. In 2017, fire transformed this landscape again, revealing the ancient igneous rocks still strewn across the burnt, yet strangely beautiful and resilient, landscape.

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
Twist and Turn Screen:
Leaning into a material’s latent desire to twist and turn yields unexpected beauty>

We love it when a client asks, “Have you done this before?” and then trusts us to keep going when we say, “Never!” After fretting over how to keep this wood screen ‘perfect,’ we finally leaned into the potential beauty of the imperfect. Instead of fighting nature’s latent desires, we gave into the screen’s impulse to crook, cup, bow, and twist.

Work ^ In The Studio
Aldo van Buren:
Security & Napping

Aldo, a Spinone Italiano, came to S^A in 2013 from Carson City, Nevada. He worked towards a Bachelor of Good Manners at Potrero Hill’s prestigious Dogpile Dogs. He did not graduate. Aldo excels at sleeping and having his belly rubbed. He is afraid of kitty cats, dog treats, and people wearing caps. References Upon Request.

Practice ^ Team
We are so excited to kickoff our newest series, Team Highlights! Lina, recently promoted to Associate, is an integral part of our everyday here at S^A. Not only is she an excellent designer, she’s an absolute code weapon, and someone who’s always there to help you find the answers. As a coffee lover and music enthusiast Lina roasts her own beans and always keeps the office on vibe. #customhome #officeculture #midcenturymodern #bayarea #architecture
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