Shubin + Donaldson Architects

Shubin + Donaldson Architects was founded in 1990 by principals Russell Shubin and Robin Donaldson as a design-based architectural practice which specializes in developing livable environments with a refined sensitivity toward the land, its users, and context. With offices in both Los Angeles and nearby Santa Barbara, California, the firm jointly strives for distinction through the imaginative design of sophisticated, context-driven buildings and communities standing as expressions of the users, the environment, as well as the architects. A highly rigorous and collaborative design process is employed by the principals and staff in pursuit of a refined balance between the needs for building and housing and a respect for the preservation of natural habitats and watersheds. With extensive experience in residential multi-family master planning, community planning, commercial buildings, educational facilities, custom residential, and commercial interiors, Shubin+Donaldson Architects pride themselves on an explorative approach to design combining function with efficiency, and innovative tactile and material expression with social and environmental conscience.

Shubin + Donaldson Architects are committed to the belief that the environment and human endeavor are not mutually exclusive and through creative and thoughtful planning, can effectively cohabit and perpetually enhance one another sustainably, socially, as well as economically. We believe that the careful stewardship of the built environment can stimulate the regeneration of natural systems and processes which will in turn step towards restoring and strengthening the fabric of social interaction. In light of current trends toward global population growth and densification, Shubin+Donaldson Architects believe that the bold declaration ‘The more we build, the better it is for the planet' is an ambitious yet achievable vision if approached strategically and guided by the tenets of reduction, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources.