Rachel Shillander, R.A

Rachel Shillander, is an eponymous architecture and studio practice that uses light, water, and the elements to sculpt spaces and objects that explore materiality, perception, and the passage of time, creating environments that engage with their surroundings in dynamic and intentional ways. We view architecture as more than a static entity; it is a living, evolving presence shaped by it's environment and use.

Our work blurs the boundaries between structure and experience, crafting timeless homes that are deeply attuned to the context of where they are built and the individuals who inhabit them, from fire-resistant case study homes designed in response to the recent Los Angeles fires to monolithic furnishings clad in mirror and stone. Each project is a dialogue between material, emotion, and personal narrative, ensuring that every space is not only a reflection of place but also of the people who call it home. We embrace efficiency without sacrificing imagination, employing both vernacular and high-performance materials to craft spaces that are at once grounded and otherworldly.

Our practice is deeply influenced by the context, layered histories, migrations, and cultural landscapes of the places where we design. Whether in Los Angeles, or beyond, we engage with the vernacular traditions, material innovations, and ephemeral qualities unique to each region. Architecture is an ongoing conversation between past and future, shaped by the forces of memory, technology, and cultural evolution. We design with an awareness that spaces are not static—they transform through time and experience, shaped by the lives of the people who inhabit them, both physically and metaphorically. Our approach embraces this fluidity, crafting designs that honor history while remaining adaptable to the ever-changing needs of domestic space.