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.

Diamond ADU:
The beauty of the dilapidated farm structures of Sonoma wine country inspire a guest house filled with light>

This new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) takes inspiration from the dilapidated farm structures that dot the landscape of the Sonoma wine country –legally preserved from outright demolition and thus in a state of constant decay. These relics have their own strange elegance though; their original steeply sloped roofs now drooping into low slung structures, peeling apart allowing in unexpected puddles of natural light, and revealing fragments of their interior framing to the outside elements.

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?

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.

Wyatt A. Arnold, Architect:
Principal

With over 20 years of experience, Wyatt has been a mainstay of S^A since 2005, arriving soon after receiving his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona. While attending the U of A, Wyatt received the M. L. Tophoy Scholarship for excellence in architecture with a focus on the construction trades. Wyatt’s capstone work focused on emerging prefabricated typologies for construction. Wyatt has been involved in every aspect of the practice, becoming a licensed architect in 2013, Principal in 2017, and part owner in 2021.

Team Highlight: Christopher and more importantly, Buffy! (Our newest office puppy!) 🐶 Christopher is a Partner here at S^A, bringing sharp design instincts, creativity, and plenty of jokes to the office. As lead of our marketing team, he had a talent for graphic design and thinking outside of the box. Outside of the office, you can find Christopher and Buffy hiking the Marin hills or heading out on camping adventures together. Thanks for everything you do, Christopher (and Buffy)!
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