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:
Both | And thinking and the paintings of Edward Hopper set the mood>

“How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have some hope of making progress.” ― Niels Bohr

It might have been tempting to gloss over the inherent tensions in the logically incompatible impulses of our two clients for the design of their new Sonoma home, and to deny the multitude of conflicting technical requirements for this complex site. Yet, the Paradox House attempts to find fodder in the creative power of paradoxical thinking.

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
Concrete Nightlight:
How do you make concrete come to life?

The master-mason initially gave us some serious stink-eye when we asked to cast sheets of acrylic into this board-formed concrete wall, but was immensely proud when it worked. During the day, the entry powder room comes alive with bold strips of natural light. At night, though, the concrete suddenly glows, illuminating the path towards the entryway.

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
Our summer party was one for the books — paella on the grill, oysters shucked fresh, and future architects on the run. Cheers to good food, great vibes, and an even better team. #SummerVibes #ArchitectLife #WorkHardPlayHard #bestteam #shindig #paella🥘 #summerwine #workouting #modernistdesign #midcentury #customhomes #bayarea #bayareadesign #architectsinthewild #architectsarchitecting
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