About
A native Californian, listening his way through three decades of custom homes.
The Principal
A grateful native of Southern California, Donald earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly, Pomona in 1985. He worked in both architecture and construction during his first post-baccalaureate year, then spent three years on the East Coast — practicing with architects in North Carolina and on Nantucket Island.
Donald founded Blue Sky Studio in August of 1993, and has been working with discerning homeowners across Southern California ever since — from Pasadena, to Claremont, to Carpinteria.
“A great project results from a great team: the Architect who listens and guides, a talented contractor who realizes the spirit of the project, and, at the heart, the Owner dedicated to the journey.”
In conversation
Q & A with the architect.
What is the single most important aspect of a successful project?
To listen. After all, it’s about the Owner’s dream, and my job as the Architect is to find and guide that dream into reality.
How do you describe the studio’s work?
Quiet, considered, and deeply tied to site and client. We don’t chase a signature style — we design homes that feel like they belong exactly where they are.
What’s your favorite part of a new commission?
The first walk on the property, usually before a line is drawn. Every piece of land offers answers if you stand quietly enough to hear them.
Why work one-on-one instead of scaling the studio?
Because a home is personal. Clients hire us for a particular sensibility, and the only way to honor that is to stay deeply involved at every stage.