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 Meander:
The Meander

Meandering rivers carved the coastal valleys surrounding this ridgetop home over millennia, forming zig-zagging interlocking crevices, which draw our eye into the distance as they recede from view. This sense of movement inspired the staggered forms of this home as it tucks into the natural landscape. The design of this family retreat attempts to inscribe the power of the 40-acre site’s natural gestures into the form of the building.

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?

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.

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.

It’s official! We’re in print! So grateful to be on the second issue of @shltr_mag Check out more on our website! Architect - @schwartzandarchitecture Interiors - @sarahshermansamuel Contractor - @buildmarrone Client/Photographer - @aylacchristman Landscape - @boxleafdesign Lighting - @loisosubbelohde
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