Designs for the way people live, work, and play.

 

HSA Studio is concerned with people - how buildings and environments affect their experience.  Our practice includes  individual homes, commercial workplaces including offices and restaurants, and outdoor spaces such as pool cabanas, courtyards, and gardens.  We aim to produce work with a high level of sensitivity and discipline, engaging the spirit of each owner and site.  

 

 

More than just 'outside'.

 

Living space.

 

 

Outdoor Living

Mid-century modern

As part of a whole home renovation, this outdoor space was re-created to provide outdoor lounging. An associated outdoor kitchen and bocce ball court keep the the action outside.

Courtyards

Winding Creek Residence

This courtyard was designed to compliment the Moorish-Spanish architecture of the residence. As part of an newly designed entry, it provides privacy and views from the dining room, with a chance to spill into the courtyard for drinks.

 
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Co-working Space

working together and separately

Co-working spaces have popped up as the antidote to distracting offices and isolated work-from-home.  They provide amenities and colleagues when you need them without the overhead and interruptions of a traditional office.  We create opportunities to work and take breaks outdoors when possible - what better way to re-charge?

Sustainability

Carrillo Street Garden

This small courtyard garden lives large. The center accommodates a large table for outdoor dining, the vine covered pergola provides shade for lounging, and a trough fountain creates reflections and a pleasant gurgle. The formal design includes permeable gravel pathways, drought tolerant Mediterranean plantings, and drip irrigation.

The street is a room by agreement. Louis Kahn

Maybe, just maybe, we shall at last come to care for the most important,

most challenging, surely the most satisfying of all architectural creations:

building cities for people to live in. Philip Johnson
 

 

a community shouldn't be gated or fenced in – it should seamlessly meld into its surroundings.  We are inspired by the neighborhood communities in santa barbara and the cities we visit.  See our blog for some recent inspiration. 

HSA Studio has contributed to a variety of community design projects, including the AIASB charrette on increased density housing, and the Future of the Funk Zone study sponsored by Community Arts Forum, and believe that each project should be an integral part of its community.

 

 
 
 

Firm Principals

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Susan Sherwin, architect

Susan has been practicing architecture for over 20 years.  She was a founding partner in Bildsten & Sherwin Design Studio for 12 years prior to establishing HSA Studio. She received her Masters Degree in Architecture from UCLA, as well as a BA in Economics and BS in Environmental Studies from UCSB.

 

Brian Hofer, architect

Brian has been a practicing architect for over 20 years.  He has worked for Berkus Architects, Bobrow Thomas Architects in Los Angeles, and had a solo practice prior to forming HSA Studio with Susan.  Brian has a Masters Degree in Architecture from UCLA and a a BA in Biology from UC Irvine.

 

 

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architecture    landscape    planning