Studio AR&D Architects

Desert Palisades Guardhouse We’re excited to showcase the Desert Palisades Guardhouse, this guardhouse is more than just a functional structure; it’s a statement piece that sets the tone for the Desert Palisades neighborhood. In designing the Desert Palisades Guardhouse, we aimed to create a structure that not only reflects the high caliber of homes in the development but also resonates with the raw, rugged terrain of the surrounding landscape. This balance is achieved by integrating the guardhouse seamlessly with both the built environment and the natural desert setting. A boulder on the site was a key reference in the design. The roof echoes the shape of the boulder, yet never physically touches it, symbolizing the thoughtful dialogue between the natural and the manmade. The material selection for both the exterior and interior was deliberate, chosen for strength, durability, and their ability to complement the Palm Springs desert hillside. Steel, board-formed concrete, and wood materials transition smoothly from outside to inside, separated only by frameless glass, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. With it’s panoramic desert views, expansive glazed surfaces, and a notable cantilever, the Desert Palisades Guardhouse respects and enhances its natural setting, welcoming residents and visitors alike to this unique community. 

Highlight of the week: Echo Rancho Mirage At Echo Rancho Mirage, we have crafted an enclave of nine residences that emphasizes a contemporary yet organic atmosphere, where the outdoor environment seamlessly integrates with the interior. The exterior, dominated by stone masonry, gives way to a softer interior palette of natural stone, marble, and hardwoods. Indirect skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows ensure a dynamic interplay of light and form. A key aspect of our design is the emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. South and west-facing sliding glass walls in each residence open up to private courtyards and swimming pools, embodying the essence of desert lifestyle. This design choice not only facilitates a seamless flow between spaces but also captures the desert views. At Echo Rancho Mirage we aimed to create spaces that not only are aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to their natural surroundings.

Today we're doing a project spotlight on the Hillview Cove Residence! Location: Palm Springs, California The Hillview Residence, completed in 2021, is an architectural project that underscores the transformative power of thoughtful design in fostering a deep connection between occupants and their environment while addressing specific lifestyle requirements, mental health challenges, and aging needs. The project’s primary intention was to design a serene sanctuary integrating the client’s active lifestyle and mental wellbeing, while ensuring it’s suitability for their future needs as they age. At the heart of the design was the goal to curate simplicity, peace, and natural incorporation into the living spaces. Taking into account the owner's mental health, it was pivotal to create an environment of calm and serenity. Catering to their active lifestyle and passion for swimming, the layout aimed at blurring the line between indoor and outdoor areas, represented by the creation of a visually stunning and practical pool and the design's integration with the surrounding environment. The seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces, inspired by local climate conditions, fosters a sense of cohesion and practicality. Furthermore, every room provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley, furthering the relationship between occupants and their surroundings. The project was programmed to factor in the long-term utility of the residence, considering the owners' transition into older age. A key programming requirement was the implementation of Universal Design principles, facilitating accessibility and ease of mobility. This included an 7,200 square foot all-on-one-level layout, wide corridors, doors, and stair-free access points, ensuring a seamless, stair-free progression from the street, through the garage, all the way into the home. This eliminated the necessity for stairs, creating a barrier-free journey that provides the utmost convenience and accessibility to the occupants.

Today we're doing a project spotlight on one of our recent projects: Rancho Road Residence! Location: Rancho Mirage, California Concept/Vision: Nestled in the heart of Rancho Mirage, this project began with an older California ranch-style house. The vision was to retain the existing structure while adding a contemporary extension. This new addition features taller ceilings and enhanced connections to the outdoor space, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The existing half-C shaped plan laid the groundwork for a strikingly rectilinear extension, enclosing a serene rear courtyard. The standout feature of this project is the steel frame entry door and the distinctive steel box window, which boldly projects from the house façade. These not only add a contemporary element but also serve as a pivotal transition from the traditional ranch style to the modern addition. Interaction with surroundings: A crucial aspect of this project was integrating the architecture with the surrounding landscape. We achieved a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces, evident in the kitchen, living room, and bedroom designs. The garden, devoid of concrete and enhanced with natural materials like gravel and ash stone strips, complements this integration, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.

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“This property is not just a luxury home, it is a work of art...” says listing agent Keith Markovitz of TTK Represents - Palm Springs Real Estate - Compass. Studio AR&D Architects and Anthony Cochran Design joined forces to revive this historic ranch-style home in Rancho Mirage, recently featured in the Robb Report. Meet Sean Lockyer of Studio AR&D Architects on Tuesday, November 7th for our second Members-only event, register on our website.

Excited to share our latest project featured in Elle Decor! This high-end residence nestled in the south end of Palm Springs is the perfect blend of modern architecture and serene natural surroundings. From the stunning views to the meticulous attention to detail, we are proud to have brought this vision to life. #architecture #highendresidential #PalmSprings #elledecor