Contemporary architects who create thoughtful environments influenced by minimal, poetic, light-filled spaces and temperate homes.

I'm looking for ideas for a post-children, modern, prefab, light-filled not-too-expensive home

Feldman Architecture is an award-winning residential design practice recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces that are site-sensitive and carefully detailed. Highly collaborative in nature, the firm approaches design as a dialogue between client, design team and site. Each project is an opportunity to create an innovative solution that is relevant to the project environs and tailored to a clients' specific needs. The studio's culture is also informal and non-hierarchical; members of the small firm work with clients in an engaging, shared process to find smart and sustainable solutions. Closely guiding projects from design through construction, designers and project managers are deeply involved in research and probing the parameters of a project. Strong alliances with consultants, builders and artisans contribute to carefully informed design decisions and result in fully realized projects with conceptual clarity and precise detailing.

Paul McClean came from a very modest upbringing in Ireland, with influences such as Glenn Murcutt and Norman Foster. He established his eponymous firm in 2000, since growing McClean Design into one of the most successful contemporary residential design firms in Southern California. Paul has become the go-to architect for celebrity clientele such as Beyoncé, Jay Z and Calvin Klein. With projects ranging in size from 3,500 to well above 50,000 square feet, McClean’s homes are tailor-made to harmoniously fit his clients' varying lifestyles. Although based in Southern California, the firm is busy working on homes throughout the Western United States and abroad. His firm’s projects reflect an interest in modern living and a desire to connect their clients to the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. The incorporation of water and the elimination of the barrier between indoors and outdoors are hallmarks of McClean’s designs. His firm makes extensive use of glazing systems to maximize views and provide a warm light-filled contemporary space. McClean is committed to sustainable design practices. He is a member of the USGBC-LOS ANGELES chapter, and his firm just signed the AIA 2030 Commitment to make their homes carbon neutral/ net zero by 2030. To learn more about McClean Design, please visit https://www.mccleandesign.com/.

Perched and nested amidst the rolling hills of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, lies a remarkable organic villa that harmonizes seamlessly with its tropical surroundings. This architectural gem is an hommage to sustainable design principles and a deep respect for the natural environment. Every detail crafted from locally-sourced materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and natural stone, blends effortlessly into the hillside, appearing almost as an extension of the landscape itself. Its design ethos embraces organic forms and fluid lines, mimicking the contours of the terrain and maximizing panoramic views of the breathtaking Cerro Frío and the Pacific North coast stretching in the distance. Upon entering, one is greeted by airy, light-filled spaces adorned with minimalist yet elegant furnishings that highlight the sophistication of simplicity. Large open-air living areas invite the enveloping tropical breezes, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The interior decor celebrates local craftsmanship and sustainability, with handmade textiles, pottery, and artwork sourced from nearby communities. Every element, from the choice of materials to the layout, reflects a deep commitment to ecological responsibility and cultural preservation. Outside, lush gardens and native flora frame the house, creating a serene oasis that attracts local wildlife and fosters biodiversity. A salt pool is integrated into the , offering a tranquil retreat amidst the sounds of the jungle. This organic house in Santa Teresa is not merely a residence but a testament to a holistic way of living in harmony with nature. It embodies the idea that architecture can enhance the natural beauty of a place while minimizing its environmental footprint—a true sanctuary hidden in the hills of paradise.