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
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
Neil S. O’Shea:
Senior Associate

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
Honored to be recognized by the jury of AIA Redwood Empire's Design Awards - S^A came home with SIX awards for FOUR projects submitted! Congratulations to all involved in bringing these homes to life. @aiaredwoodempire DIAMOND ADU: COTE Award_ Honorable Mention, Merit Award_ Residential Design - Built Architect - S^A | Schwartz and Architecture Contractor - @fairweather_associates Photography - @brucedamonte Landscape - Huettl Landscape Architecture Lighting - @loisosubbelohde Plaster - @mineral_concept MOURNING DOVECOTE: Honor Award_ Residential Design - Built Architect - S^A | Schwartz and Architecture Contractor - @cutrightconstructioninc Photography - @douglassterlingphoto Lighting - @pritchardpeck Landscape - totem_landscape_services LEIT HOUSE: COTE Award, Merit Award_ Architecture - Built Architect - S^A | Schwartz and Architecture Contractor - @eamesconstruction Landscape - totem_landscape_services Structural Engineer - @framework.eng Photography - @douglassterlingphoto PARADOX HOUSE: Merit Award_ Architecture - Unbuilt Architect - S^A | Schwartz and Architecture Contractor - @dkg_construction Landscape - @arterralandscapearchitects Pool - @oxbowpoolandlandscape Cabinetry - @millwork_mgmt #modernhome #moderndesign #modernarchitecture #customhome #bayarea #bayareahomes #architecturedesign #modernhouses #architecturephotography #moodboard #photooftheday #design #designinspiration #view #design_only #architect #exterior #californiahomes #indooroutdoorliving #material #homedesign ##homedesignıdeas
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