At our boutique architecture firm, design is never just about what looks good on a screen. It’s about how materials feel, reflect light, and work together to bring a space to life. While computer renderings are helpful, there’s nothing quite like holding a sample of natural stone, running your hand over a wood finish, or seeing how a particular metal catches the light in real life. That’s where our material library—and the way we use it—makes all the difference.

Curated for Creativity

We keep our material library stocked with finishes we know and love—materials we’ve worked with before, trust for quality, and believe in for future projects. From warm wood species and natural stone to rich metal finishes and beautifully textured fabrics, our shelves are filled with pieces that inspire and inform. These are the building blocks of the atmospheres we create, and having them on hand allows us to kick off the design process with confidence and creativity.

Project-Specific Baskets

For every project we take on, we create a dedicated basket that houses the material palette selected specifically for that home. These baskets become a touchstone during client meetings, allowing us to pull samples as we talk through new finishes or changes. Whether we’re choosing a complementary wall color after the tile and wood have been finalized, or introducing a new fixture finish, the project basket helps us stay grounded in the overall vision.

Beyond the Basics

Materials aren’t just surfaces—they’re part of the story we’re telling. We consider everything: the grain of a wood species for cabinetry or doors, the texture of stone for a countertop or floor, the hue of grout, the patina of metal used in fixtures, even the feel of fabric on a built-in bench. Each element contributes to the overall vibe, and having samples on hand helps us keep that vibe cohesive from start to finish.

Why Samples Matter

Computer visuals are helpful for big-picture planning, but they can’t fully capture how a finish truly looks and feels. Lighting, texture, scale, and sheen all come into play—details that are hard to translate on screen. That’s why we rely on physical samples throughout the entire design process: from setting the initial tone to making finishing decisions that bring everything together seamlessly.

In the end, it’s not just about choosing materials—it’s about crafting a sensory experience that supports how you live and feel in your home. Our approach may be hands-on, but the result is a design that’s thoughtful, personal, and uniquely yours.