ABOUT
THE STUDIO
Architecture and Design is our life. Mary Dooley and Chris Lynch, Principals, have dedicated themselves to the art of their own practice since 2003. Along with their talented team, they apply their depth of experience to the design of houses, wineries, work places, hospitality and health care spaces, restoration, and interior design. This intimate design practice has resulted in happy clients and well built, award winning projects primarily in Northern California.
Chris and Mary met at U.C. Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design and graduated with a foundation of ideas such as house as self, ethnography of space, and conceptualization of the design process and the understanding of site and earth-friendly design. Always learning, their designs are guided by a deep responsibility to the earth and all her inhabitants. This mission is simple – to create beautiful spaces for people integrating purpose while discovering the nature of place itself.
Facing world challenges at home we must re-imagine how to work, live and play together (and apart) in communities built on mutual respect and fairness. This vision is integral to our design approach and our relationships.
Chris grew up in San Francisco and was always sketching/ cartooning during parochial school much to the consternation of the nuns. He continued his passion for drawing with a degree from UC Berkeley in architecture and now has 30 years behind him of original design solutions. With over 100 residential projects in Marin and Sonoma, Chris’ recent neighborhood project is attracting attention as a solution to single family homes with community. His approach to design starts with the site where the solution is exposed rather than imposed. Free from any preconceived architectural baggage, and an emphasis on honest materials, the results are authentic, warm and sometimes playful. For fun, (and peace of mind) he’ll be found at the gym, running or mountain biking. At home…reading or sketching.
Chris Heath
Baloo joined the office in summer of 2016 with no skills other than general cuteness. Since his internship with MAD he has learned to gently greet clients and colleagues, quietly stay in his place and provide the studio with an outlet for playfulness. Skills include leaping ball catch, sliding ball catch, goalie, and receiver of attention. Newest tricks: backpacking and bear protection.