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.

Portola Valley Home:
In the end, it is all a façade>

To add a bit of surprise to what otherwise could be a standard ranch house façade, we wanted the updated ‘face’ of this home to feel as if it were suddenly coming alive and welcoming you as you approach. Driving up from the road, the façade screen appears solid and extremely private, yet as you move closer to face it, views through the screen open, giving glimpses into the hidden second floor courtyard beyond. Adding to the surprise is a subtle egg-shaped indentation carved into the interior of the screen –a bit of an architectural “Where’s Waldo?” that flickers in an out of view as you move past it.

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
Laura P. Huylebroeck, Architect:
Principal

Laura, a licensed architect in the state of California, has been with S^A since 2014. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona where she graduated Cum Laude and received both the prestigious national AIA Alpha Rho Chi Medal and a Capstone Project Award, as well as an athletic soccer scholarship. Laura’s work –From Ruin to Wetland –was a critical analysis of the possible transformations of historical structures and urban ruins.

Practice ^ Team
Where would you hang out at the Paradox House? #customhomes #architecture #poolday #modernhome #designinspiration Architecture - @schwartzandarchitecture Photography - @brucedamonte Contractor - @dkg_construction Landscape - @arterralandscapearchitects Pool - @oxbowpoolandlandscape Cabinetry - @millwork_mgmt Artwork - @davidmaiselstudio
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