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.

Box on the Rock:
A name helps keep us focused on keeping it simple>

The affectionately named ‘Box on the Rock’ is a response to a difficult site –with shallow underground waterways popping up in unexpected and unwanted locations– which needed relatively expensive pier foundations. Given this challenge, we minimized the number of piers by creating a compact footprint to build a new ‘ground’ / platform perched on the rocks with the home on top. From there, we carved out protected outdoor spaces and customized the home’s overhangs to have outdoor options for sun and shade throughout the day. Viewed from below, the home appears to be a lone outpost settling the higher ground of the undisturbed natural site –a box on the rock.

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
Christopher W. Baile, Architect:
Principal

Christopher, a licensed architect in the state of California, has been with S^A since 2015 after completing his Master of Architecture at the California College of the Arts, where he has since served as a guest instructor and juror for graduate architecture studios. His thesis work –Raum-Fiction– focused on architectural representation as a lingua franca between those in –and out of– the know. Christopher is originally from Indianapolis and holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ball State University, where he was a fellow at the Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts and an employee of the Institute for Digital Fabrication.

Practice ^ Team
We are beyond excited to receive the 2025 SARA design award of excellence for our project: The Green House! To learn more check out our website :) A special shoutout to @jacksonbunis for receiving the award in Washington, D.C. at the SARA awards ceremony!! Architect - @schwartzandarchitecture Interiors - @sarahshermansamuel Contractor - @buildmarrone Client/photographer - @aylacchristman Landscape - @boxleafdesign Lighting - @loisosubbelohde #midcenturymodern #siliconvalley #frankloydwright
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