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.

Mr. Fool Moves a Mountain

For almost nine years, we have been helping our client, Qing, build a 730-square-foot cottage on the water in Bodega Bay, California—the foggy coastal village where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds in 1963. Over the years, at the most unexpected times, we began to receive parables and poems from Qing, snippets from her writings: “The Chronicles of Mrs. Old Fool Woman Building a House by the Sea.”

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
Peace Industries Rugs:
A creative collaboration with traditional Iranian felt-rug artisans draws inspiration from our work>

Many are aware of how we feel about felt: our love knows no bounds. So, the opportunity to collaborate with Peace Industries on prototypes for a line of felt rugs was a natural for us. Three of our recent homes inspired the designs. In the process, we gained immense respect for the Iranian artisans who use their traditional methods to create their modern artwork.

Work ^ In The Studio
Neal J. Z. Schwartz, FAIA:
Founder + Principal

Neal completed Master of Architecture and Master of Public Policy dual degrees at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and Kennedy School of Government. He graduated with Distinction in Architecture, received the Thayer Award for Meritorious Scholarship, the Sheldon Traveling Fellowship, as well as national awards from the Urban Land Institute and American Planning Association. His capstone work included a critical look at the design of juvenile detention facilities –“Points are Earned; You Start the Day at Zero”– and a policy manual for a non-profit advocating for affordable housing for people with disabilities in Massachusetts. This unique combination of design and policy is the foundation of Neal’s practice –a commitment to creative excellence combined with a devotion to rigorous management of the entire process through construction.

Practice ^ Team
We are stoked to announce the digital release of our @nytimes feature for “Mr. Fool Moves a Mountain”! Tap the link in our bio to read the full article and check out our website to learn more! A big should out to our amazing team, @fairweather_associates @hoganlandservicesca @mkmengineering Photography by @brucedamonte
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