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.

The Lichen House:
Draping veils of lace lichen enfold a site’s massive oaks and inspire a home>

Sometimes the distinctive feel of a site forces us to look more closely to fully understand its sway. Here, at the top of a Sonoma ridge, we found a knoll of massive oaks draped in Ramalina lace lichen, also known as Spanish Moss. Beautiful, but also inspiring to us as architects because of the deeply dappled outdoor ‘rooms’ the veils of lichen create.

Work ^ In The Landscape
Light Box | Dark Box: RayKo Photography Center:
A scrim of light wraps a darkroom>

RayKo has had a long history as a community hub for photographers in the Bay Area. Their new facility, in a 12,000 sq ft former warehouse, offers digital imaging and scanning tools, rental darkrooms and studios, as well as a retail space and gallery promoting the work of regional artists. We used a translucent stretched scrim as a parapet to hide the proliferation of snaking mechanical ducts above the space that are essential to the darkrooms below. Not only did this function as a shield, but it also created a softly glowing light that serves as both a backdrop to the gallery space and an illuminated beacon from the busy street outside.

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
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
“This innovative design incorporates nesting boxes for mourning doves into a small addition, uniting environmental response, poetic formgiving, and spatial drama.” We are honored to be a recipient of AIA California’s 2024 Merit Award for Residential Design, and for the jury’s thoughtful comments. See link in bio to our website to learn more about how the pandemic, the passing of loved ones, and the realization that this house would become a forever home, all inspired the atmosphere and details of this chapel-like dovecote/studio addition –that, and the comfort of hearing soft, drawn-out coos of Mourning Doves sounding like laments just outside. @aiacalif Architect - S^A | Schwartz and Architecture Contractor - @cutrightconstructioninc Photography - @douglassterlingphoto Lighting - @pritchardpeck Landscape - totem_landscape_services #modernhome #moderndesign #modernarchitecture #customhome #bayarea #bayareahomes #architecturedesign #modernhouses #architecturephotography #moodboard #photooftheday #design #designinspiration #view #design_only #architect #exterior #californiahomes #indooroutdoorliving #material #homedesign #homedesignideas
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