Montecito, California — Private Residence | Completed 2022
This project is a comprehensive remodel of a private hillside residence on a steeply sloped site within a high fire-risk area. The work reconfigures the building to step more deliberately with the terrain, improving both its relationship to the landscape and its performance in a wildfire-prone environment.
Fire-resilient strategies are integrated throughout the remodel, including the elimination of eaves to reduce ember exposure and the establishment of defensible space around the structure. A highly resolved material palette introduces full terrazzo interior surfaces paired with travertine exterior cladding and smooth plaster, reinforcing durability, craft, and a cohesive architectural identity across the transformed residence.
Ventura, CA — Single / Multi-Family Residence
Feasibilty
An adaptive reuse and housing feasibility study exploring the subdivision of an existing coastal single-family residence into multiple dwelling units. The project investigates zoning and building code constraints, unit count scenarios, and access requirements to test a range of housing options within an established coastal neighborhood.
Design strategies focus on code-compliant separation, egress, parking, and life-safety considerations, while maintaining neighborhood scale and coastal character. Multiple unit configurations were evaluated to balance density, privacy, and shared outdoor space, with attention to coastal climate exposure, durability, and long-term livability.
Agoura Hills, California
Completed 2022
This project involved a vertical addition that introduced two bedrooms at the upper level while reorganizing the main floor to support large-scale entertaining. The primary challenge was creating a large, column-free room below while accommodating an open balcony above.
A centrally located fireplace anchors the plan and serves multiple functions. It acts as a spatial divider between the foyer and the main living space while also functioning as the sole structural support for the open balcony above. By consolidating structure and program into a single element, the surrounding space remains open and uninterrupted.
Interior finishes reinforce a sense of craft and permanence. Wood floors laid in a herringbone pattern provide warmth and rhythm, while coffered ceilings add depth and proportion to the primary living space. Full-panel wainscoting wraps the room, contributing texture and scale. Together, these elements support a space designed for both everyday living and larger gatherings.
Coastal, CA – Private Residence
Completed 2019
This coastal residence was designed to address the combined challenges of wildfire risk and marine exposure. The project emphasizes durability and long-term performance, with materials and detailing selected to withstand salt air, coastal weathering, and fire-related conditions.
Defensible space strategies and fire-resilient construction were integrated throughout the site and building design. Exterior assemblies rely on highly durable materials, including cement board cladding and powder-coated stainless steel doors and windows selected for resistance to corrosion in a marine environment. Copper is used extensively for exterior elements, allowing the material to weather naturally while providing longevity in harsh coastal conditions.
Protected eaves and carefully detailed transitions balance fire safety requirements with material performance and maintenance considerations.
This private residence in Paradise, California was rebuilt following total loss from wildfire. The project responds directly to post-fire conditions, prioritizing clarity of structure, durability, and efficiency of construction within a high-risk wildfire environment.
An A-frame structural system was selected to simplify the building form and accelerate the rebuilding process while providing clear structural logic. The system supports fire-resilient detailing and defensible space strategies appropriate to the site and regional conditions, allowing for efficient construction without compromising long-term performance.
Material selection and detailing were guided by durability and constructability, with assemblies chosen for resilience in wildfire-prone conditions. The resulting residence balances speed of construction with long-term habitability, shaped by necessity, clarity, and place.
