Our Approach

Sustainability

Environmental and efficiency considerations are an integral aspect of how we develop our projects. When designing a project we utilize a number of tools to maximize environmental efficiency in our buildings - from climate data to solar modeling. Other advantages of the BIM methodology we use include simulation tools to visualize sunlight during different seasons and to calculate building energy performance. As such, the firm's capable use of the software helps with analysis and modeling to achieve peak performance of the structure.

Interior

While residential architecture sets the essential decisions about orientation, space, and light, interior design plays a huge role in the human experience of the space. Space planning considers efficiency and movement, while interior design provides the color, texture, material, comfort, and feel. Interior design then interfaces with space planning to enhance pathways of movement and light and to elicit an emotional reaction to the qualities of the space. 

Mixed-Use Downtown

Santa Barbara neighborhoods benefit from having a variety of building uses close to one another. Mixed-use buildings with stores, restaurants, and other businesses on the ground floor and live-work apartments above, are active in some way at all times of the day. People who live in these apartments can walk in their neighborhood for shopping, dining, work, school, services, and recreation. This reduces traffic and parking congestion on our streets and enriches life in the community. 

Workforce Housing

A recent survey conducted by the SB Coastal Housing Coalition shows that people hired for skilled jobs in the last 15 years in Santa Barbara struggle to find affordable and desirable housing. Many either leave our community for more affordable areas or live far away and commute into Santa Barbara on our congested freeways. It’s time for a more sustainable solution. As residents of the Santa Barbara area, our team has strong local ties and passion for projects that strengthen our community. We recognize the need for inclusive housing for a wide variety of people who are working hard to afford to live and work in our community - these people range from recent college graduates to single parents with children to people with special needs to active older adults. People in these groups would likely benefit from affordable co-living where talents, time and resources can be shared. Our team’s ability to listen and collaborate closely with our clients empowers our design approach which focuses on creating varied indoor/ outdoor community spaces. With close attention to design and awareness of how to weave together public and private spaces, we have each demonstrated through our comparable projects and qualifications that transformative results are attainable within a limited budget.