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.

Leit House:
Blackened volcanic rocks, surprising in their lightness, inspire the distinctive roof of this Sonoma fire-site home>

Millions of years ago, the fiery volcanoes of Sonoma Valley spewed hot magma across the landscape. As the lava cooled, the eruption’s gases became trapped, forming porous cavities instead of crystallizing into dense stone. In 2017, fire transformed this landscape again, revealing the ancient igneous rocks still strewn across the burnt, yet strangely beautiful and resilient, landscape.

Work ^ In The Landscape
Berkeley Home:
A remodel realigns the bones of a cottage home>

Sometimes we need a little radical surgery to save the patient. Here, a well-intentioned prior owner developed their attic with a new closed stair placed squarely in the middle of the home, like an immovable rock in the middle of a stream. Once demolished, we breathed new life into the space and created an open stair as the centerpiece to the home. The classic bones of this Craftsman cottage were there –just obscured by a series of unfortunate events.

Work ^ In The Grid
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.

Work ^ In The Studio
Lina M. Kudinar:
Designer

Lina received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis in 2016, majoring in Design with an emphasis in graphics and interior architecture. After working on mixed-use residential projects, she pursued a Master of Architecture from California College of the Arts. Upon completing her degree, Lina had the privilege of being the 2021 Commencement Graduate Student Speaker and received the AIA 2021 Henry Adams Award for Academic Excellence.

Practice ^ Team
The paradox house is almost there !! Architect - S^A | Schwartz and Architecture Contractor - @dkg_construction Landscape - @arterralandscapearchitects #modernhome #moderndesign #modernarchitecture #customhome #bayarea #bayareahomes #architecturedesign #modernhouses #architecturephotography #moodboard #photooftheday #design #designinspiration #view #design_only #architect #exterior #californiahomes #indooroutdoorliving #material #homedesign #homedesignideas #woodconstruction #underconstruction
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