Our projects model regenerative design and stewardship
for an evolving earth

Place

as

old film photo of the original Unfold01 project being built. People are workin on curved wooden roof.

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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 Projects

UNFOLD01

Currently Unfolding

Rehabilitation of a Kendrick Kellogg engineered house and artist flat

ENCINITAS, CALIFORNIA | Built in 1985

black and white interior of Unfold01 home featuring the curved wooden ceiling and large fireplace with steps on either side

showing the work in process of exterior with scaffolding to work on roof

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 several years 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’s guild as Unfold01’s concept emerged.

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

UNFOLD02

Currently Unfolding

Transforming an Aging Church into a Community Space

Idyllwild, CALIFORNIA | Built in 1956

black and white of old church featuring the original pews, podium and stain glass windows of the interior chapel

Positioned across from Idyllwild’s Town Hall, this 1950s gem has always been a gathering space. Years ago, it hosted the Christian Science church, was once a school, and also housed Idyllwild Arts’ film department accessories for productions and shows.

Original knotty pine shines in its chapel, while vibrant stained glass windows speak memories through the largest viewpoint, telling stories of Idyllwild with each glimmer.

Its large open space paired with smaller rooms was once a beautiful mix for community connection and support. Now UNFOLD02, the space will once again be a place for reflection, learning, and rediscovery.

Explore our first art installment for UNFOLD02 in partnership with Idyllwild Arts.

Land Acknowledgment: This project rests on the traditional village sites of the Pivil uwenetem Meytémak (Cahuilla) tribes. Learn more about Native Land.

UNFOLD03

Currently Unfolding

Restoration of a Creekside Cabin

Idyllwild, CALIFORNIA | BUILT in 1966

black and white of exterior of A-frame cabin in a forested area

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 become an artist residency, returning to the role of host.

Land Acknowledgment: This project rests on the traditional village sites of the Pivil uwenetem Meytémak (Cahuilla) tribes. Learn more about Native Land.