Minarc

Minarc is an award-winning Santa Monica-based design studio that specialises in modern, innovative and sustainable architecture and design. Principals Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, Assoc. AIA, and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, Assoc. AIA, hail from Iceland, and take inspiration from the pure, austere beauty of their home country for all of their projects. Founded by the duo in 1999, Minarc (the name is a play on "minimalism in architecture") has grown from a staff of two to over a dozen. Projects range from new construction to renovations; residential as well as commercial. All projects share an emphasis on blurring the line between indoors and out through the use of abundant natuiral light, outdoor living spaces, and framed views of nature. Innovation in use of materials is another hallmark of Minarc's designs. Warm, natural materials such as walnut, birch and ipé are combined with cement panels, pebble stones and recycled tires.