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 Lichen House:
Draping veils of lace lichen enfold a site’s massive oaks and inspire a home>

Sometimes the distinctive feel of a site forces us to look more closely to fully understand its sway. Here, at the top of a Sonoma ridge, we found a knoll of massive oaks draped in Ramalina lace lichen, also known as Spanish Moss. Beautiful, but also inspiring to us as architects because of the deeply dappled outdoor ‘rooms’ the veils of lichen create.

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
Dovecote Details:
A personal space inspires bespoke details>

This highly personal and customized project by the architect-owner became a site for exploration and play. We followed every intuition about details that might contribute to the space, hoping to stay just this side of ‘too-much.’ What unites the disparate details of this addition is a sense of movement, craft, and nature.

Work ^ In The Studio
Florence J. Schwartz- Emeritus:
Human & Non-Human Resources

Our sweet Florence, was a Spinone Italiano, came to S^A in 2012 who hailed from Paso Robles, California. She majored in Bossiness and Ignoring Commands at Potrero Hill’s prestigious Dogpile Dogs, with a specialization in Nonchalance. She did not graduate. Florence, alternately known as Lady Florence or The Machine, could store a day’s worth of food in her copious beard.

Practice ^ Team
Savor this landscape with us while we wait for our newest project "The Meander" to be released. We’re so excited to photograph it this month! Architect- @schwartzandarchitecture Contractor- @fairweather_associates Landscape- @arterralandscapearchitects @allen_land_design Interiors- @michellelisacinteriordesign Lighting + Energy- @loisosubbelohde
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