Our unique approach of deconstruction versus demolition paves the way for a regenerative process to unfold.
Place
as
Muse
Stories
UNFOLD believes that the stories of our natural and built environments give meaning to the design process.
ArtiSt Guild
Through a collaborative practice, our guild reveals the inherent beauty of what we already have.
reciprocity
Each project we design becomes a promise of reciprocity between people and place.
Our Process
Restore
We honor original craft, weaving it with informed intention.
Reconnect
We build a renewed bond with our environment by listening and learning.
Reinterpret
We merge regenerative principles and beauty to design for an evolving future
How we do this
Nurturing aging properties
in need of rehabilitation
Emphasizing artists and craftspeople in the design and construction process
Utilizing biophilic design strategies to enhance health and wellness
Implementing landscape plans that increase biodiversity and native plants
Elevating regional, reclaimed, and natural materials
Harvesting repurposed materials
by way of our Artfill
Creating opportunities for custom artwork and hand-crafted furniture
Providing vitality syncs that nourish and reinvigorate our guild
Hosting events that engage and connect the local community
Artfill is our response
to a wasteful world of development, which overlooks the potential of circularity, regional craft, and storytelling.
Instead of the demolition of materials destined for the landfill, we emphasize their careful deconstruction, redirecting them into artists’ hands.
Nick Pourfard
OUR PROJECTS
UNFOLD Encinitas
Currently Unfolding
Rehabilitation of a Kendrick Kellogg engineered house and artist flat
ENCINITAS, CALIFORNIA | Built in 1985
Conceptualized from the organic architecture movement, the main house was handcrafted inside the site’s old woodworking shop in the late 70s. A curved roof engineered by Kendrick Kellogg and designed by Shanna Kellogg was constructed and used to tie all pieces of the property together.
The house took almost a decade to plan out and to build, all with local artists and craftspeople. 45 years later, it yearned for care, similar craft, and updates to bring it back to its original intention, while meeting the demands of Encinitas’ changing climate.
UNFOLD was lucky to track down the original builder, Pat McGriff, and include him as an artist on the project. The main house and artist flat will serve as UNFOLD’s first artist residency and a place for salons about regenerative design.
Land Acknowledgment: This project rests on the traditional village sites of the Kumeyaay/Kumiais tribes. Learn more about Native Land.
Co-Created with: URC West, MHW Design, Ritual Architecture, Trace Controls, Engebretson Electric, RANA, California Deck Pros, Jason Lane, Nick Pourfard, Ren Ceramics, Tend Living, Aaron Glasson, Miki Iwasaki, Laura Huerta, Brillan De La Cerda, GAD Art & Fabrication, Cara Golden, Margaret R. Thompson, Steve Hartzog, Sasha Seyb, Heather Levine, Debbie Bean, and Pat McGriff
UNFOLD Idyllwild
Currently Unfolding
Restoration of a Creekside Cabin
Idyllwild, CALIFORNIA | BUILT in 1966
Once named the “Sky Yacht,” this A-Frame was bought by a family in 1969 and hosted people from all over the world. Located along the Devil’s Slide Trail with access to the backcountry of the San Jacinto Mountains, unique frequenters made impacts that you can feel throughout the cabin today.
Memories flow between the sounds of Strawberry Creek and the light flickering through the nearby ferns. Daughter of the original owners of the A-Frame, Peggy Martin chatted with UNFOLD, describing her parents as painters and conservationists, who used the space to connect with nature and feel rejuvenated, the moment they heard the creek just outside their car door. Soon, the A-frame will return to the role of host, this time for artists.
Land Acknowledgment: This project rests on the traditional village sites of the Pivil uwenetem Meytémak (Cahuilla) tribes. Learn more about Native Land.
Co-Created with: Guild currently being formed!