AB Design Studio is a full service architecture firm, providing world class high quality architectural services to their clients. They manage a collaborative process for ideas and concepts to create valuable products that exceed all expectations.
Clay Aurell + Josh Blumer created AB Design Studio, Inc. in July 2005. Since its inception, ABds has worked with various clients on an array of project typologies. The studio has extended their business and relationships throughout the region from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, San Francisco and beyond.
“For us, the collaborative studio work environment is a central and critical aspect of our work. This collaborative effort, which includes the client, their consultants and the builder, allows an opportunity for each project to be realized with enhanced possibilities. Collaboration allows each project to take on its own life and exceed the expectations of the parties involved.” the partners explain.
ABDS Projects-
Literally built ‘on’ the hillside, this project is a classic mid-century modern house constructed in the mid 1950’s.
The original house had been designed, built and occupied by its original architect, Noel Cook, and changed hands in 2006. The owner loved the mid-century modern style and spent eight months in Scandinavia living in the culture that helped spawn the movement.
The wall between the existing kitchen and the living room was removed to open up the floor plan and take advantage of the amazing ocean views. A new stair was designed to connect the upper level to the lower level and then completely re-envisioned the lower level.
As opposed to adding a top floor or pushing out the foot-print, the architects were able to create a spacious master suite on the lower level maintaining the existing bedrooms above for the family. The house was reduced to its foundation and floor framing while most of the walls and roof were reframed. The new roof and new exterior finishes respecting mid-century modern style was part of the new vision for the home. They expanded existing decks and added new deck space to the lower and upper level. Nana wall systems were used in many areas to open the home to the outdoors.
Every room was remodeled and updated keeping the same post-and beam aesthetic and most importantly the tongue-and-groove roof/ceiling for the upper floor. Natural materials finish of the home, with ipe decks, redwood siding and teak cabinetry. This home is a show case of beautiful woods and warm finishes.
This client’s vision was to take a Japanese-style home and infuse a bit of Indonesian flare.
The original home was burned down in the Painted Cave fires in Santa Barbara in 1990 and the previous owner re-built the home adding several Koi ponds and outdoor gardens.
While the gardens flourished, the home was never fully finished and many of the rooms and finishes did not work well. The owners wanted to create a new master suite and remodel the home to create more bedrooms, upgraded finishes and open up the home to the beautiful Koi ponds and new gardens. They were inspired by Indonesian design, but wanted a more modern adaptation with all of the comforts of the modern day home, with natural woods and materials that made the home feel like a spa. As their primary residence for them and their son, they set out to make their home unique and relaxing as well as a place they could entertain their family and friends.
Photography courtesy of Ciro Coelho
The home was designed with the client in mind and the architects worked closely with the wife to develop her vision into a wonderful place for her family and friends. Several deck areas and gathering spots were incorporated as small areas to go and relax at the end of the day as well as a beautiful spa-like master bathroom and outdoor soaking tub near the Koi ponds. The client wanted a real connection with the outdoor areas and the home was opened up to provide seamless visual and auditory experiences of the gardens, ponds, waterfalls and views.
ABDS Partners-
Clay Aurell obtained a Bachelor of Architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Clay started his architectural career in Los Angeles. After several influential years working and living in Los Angeles he moved to Santa Barbara (1998). Once in Santa Barbara, Clay began working with two top award winning architectural design offices in the down town area. In 2003, Clay began his own practice. Clay has a passion for Art, Photography, Graphics, Furniture Design, Technology and the future of Sustainable Design. Clay has traveled the world and he draws inspiration from his experience abroad when creating contexts for the many types design projects he encounters. Clay is also involved in the local artist community and has been instrumental in creating various art shows and events throughout the city to generate donations for local arts programs.
Josh Blumer obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He also studied architecture abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark at the DIS program. After traveling and living in Europe, Josh gravitated to Santa Barbara and began his architectural career working ten years with a top Southern California architectural design firm. In 2005, Josh joined forces with Clay to create AB Design Studio. Josh has extensive experience in custom high-end residential projects and award-winning commercial Tenant Improvement projects. His tenacity for design and imagery coupled with his artistic talent has made him an invaluable force in creating and communicating architecture and design.
AB Design Studio, Inc.
805.963.2100
130 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, #8 93103
P.O. Box 2220 Santa Barbara, CA 93121
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