We design TIMELESS LIVING SPACES without creative compromise.

  • Led by David Irwin who completed his Bachelors in Architecture at the consistently top-5 ranked global institution for architecture, Pratt Institute.

    From sketches through final built project, we incorporate mythological story into each building project we take on. Our team handles the preparation, management and execution of documents for municipal building permits to bring the project to life.

    Patrons utilize our experience that has put over $5 million worth of construction into the ground.

    Our domains of competence and formal education are:

    • rural planning

    • residential & civic design, vision and planning

    • interior design

    • furniture design

    • art curation services

    • project management

    • interfacing with municipal bodies for building permits

    Our past accomplishments include:

    • 10 perspectival hand drawings were shown at American Institute of Architects’ San Francisco Chapter in 2018 and 2019 (project 0),

    • our prototype for a mobile research lab was shown by invitation at The Explorer’s Club main club house in Manhattan (project 6)

    • North America’s leading platform for contemporary furnishing design, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) featured work made by David in both a group project 2010 (project 5) and a solo piece of furniture in 2011 (project 16)

    • we were invited to develop the concept design for IONS-Earthrise Retreat Center (project 8) located in Petaluma, California. We proposed a new campus masterplan along with a series of buildings for the 194-acre, $20 million dollar campus renovation. The design was based on the archetypical tradition that is the tarot of Marseilles.

  • David Irwin is the founder of Irwin Atelier (formerly Terra Projects).

    The atelier has permitted over $5 million dollars of construction for patrons and has prepared over 100 municipal permits for plan-check. Previously, David worked for Rockwell Group in Manhattan where he offered both technical and design support for luxury hospitality clients MGM Grand and Nobu Hospitality.

    David graduated Magna Cum Laude from Pratt Institute (B.Arch, 2011). His training under the lineage of architect John Hejduk, known for poetic and experimental architecture, and his time as a studio assistant to artist and architect Lebbeus Woods (2011–2012), whose conceptual work explored philosophical and social dimensions, profoundly influence his approach to his work which blurs the boundaries between architecture, art, and cultural narrative.

    David runs the studio as an artist’s atelier, where work is completed for patrons of the arts.

  • Najib Bou Ghanem, Visual Production

    Ghanem, a talented artist from Lebanon, brings a unique perspective to our atelier's visual production. A graduate of FX Barcelona Film School, Ghanem specializes in Architectural Visualization. He blends creativity with technical expertise.

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    Youssef Srour, Technical Production

    Srour, also from Lebanon, combines his architectural education with a passion for poetry, adding a distinct artistic touch to our technical production team. His dual talents enrich our projects with both detailed rigor and lyrical beauty. His education as an architect complements his love for poetry.

  • “We love that our home is modern, yet elegant.

    The home is beautifully sighted, nestled into the boulders with little disturbance to the naturally beautiful landscape.

    The non-traditional shape of the home makes the home appear larger than the true square footage. Although the house is just over 2000 sq. ft., her shape makes the house feel like it is sprawling.

    Both me and my husband have privacy when we are in our personal areas. My sewing studio is a dream space, with high windows bringing in natural sunlight, but not damaging to my fabric collection.

    Every window and door affords amazing views. All of the space inside and outside is well utilized. The cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, cabinets are also under the kitchen island.

    Except for the few months that are very hot or cold, the ventilation in the home is perfect. We open a front and back window and the home stays comfortable.

    In winter, our fireplace keeps the living area comfortable. Our outdoor living spaces are generous and comfortable.

    The home is very well insulated and our utility costs are very minimal. (less than $1,000 per year) We have solar and a backup battery, so we never have to worry about power outages.

    This is our little paradise!”

    —Patron for Project No. 17

    • Construction cost: $1.4M (roughly $700 per foot)

    • Location: Joshua Tree, California

    • Building Type: Residential

    • Construction Completion: 2022

    • Terrain: Mountainous

    • Climate: Desert