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
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.

Work ^ In The Studio
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.

Practice ^ Team
It’s been a model filled summer in the studio! Here are some bits we’re excited about :) Come back soon to see how we are using these models to inform our design decisions! #architecturelover #designprocess #shadowstudies #customhomes #modelmaking
Instagram^