Design

Our Philosophy

The architecture here is informed by a single principle: respecting the land it sits on.

Inspired by Howard Backen

Our design philosophy draws from Howard Backen's approach to minimal agrarian luxury—architecture that feels inevitable, as if it emerged naturally from the land itself. This is not about style trends or architectural ego. It's about creating homes with soul, warmth, and timeless sophistication.

Intimacy & Warmth

Human-scaled spaces that feel embracing, not grand. Warm materials create emotional connection.
Light & Vista

Natural light as design element. Long views that connect interior to landscape.
Craft & Detail

Honest joinery, authentic materials, refined detailing that reveals itself over time.

Material palettes

Stone

Local limestone, textured granite, tactile surfaces with natural variation
Wood

Reclaimed timber, natural oak, warm cedar—materials that age beautifully
Light

Incorporate light as a powerful tool in our projects, harnessing its potential to enhance the space
Glass

Expansive glazing, minimal frames, transparency that connects to landscape

Visual & Architectural Attributes

Agrarian Simplicity

Forms that reference California's agricultural heritage—barns, farmhouses reinterpreted with contemporary refinement.
Natural Light

Carefully positioned windows and skylights that track the sun's movement throughout the day.
Design Informed by Land

Each home responds to its specific site—topography, oak placement, sun orientation.
Tactile, Emotional Calm

Spaces crafted for sensory deceleration, featuring the warmth of wood grain and the quality of filtered light, put your mind at ease.
Timeless Sophistication

Architecture that avoids trends, pursuing quality that will remain relevant for generations.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

California's climate and La Terre's landscape demand architecture that dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior. Expansive glass walls that pocket away, covered terraces that extend living spaces, courtyards that bring landscape into the heart of the home. The result: homes where you're always connected to oak canopies, changing light, and the restorative rhythm of nature.

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