ABOUT ARCHIPELAGO WORKSHOP
Archipelago Workshop is an award-winning, full-service architectural studio founded in 2003. We specialize in residential and landscape architecture and custom architectural details for projects in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, in Montana, and beyond.
Like the island chains for which we are named, our projects are individually distinct but part of a greater whole in which built spaces – and those who live in them – connect organically with the surrounding environment. We draw deep inspiration from the elegance of nature and from the rich diversity of cultures around the world.
Meet the Team
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AIA, NCARB | Founder and PrincipalCJ earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, attended the Czech Institute of Technology (CVUT) Summer Studies program in Prague, and studied at the Virginia Tech Architecture Consortium in Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. In addition to his decades of design experience, he is a maker as well, and his work as a framer and cabinet builder adds substance and practicality to his theoretical training.
Moving to Colorado after school, he gained large firm – and large project – experience with Urban Design Group in Denver, added civic building design work with OZ Architecture, and then turned to custom residential design with Harvey M. Hine Architects in Boulder. He continued his focus on residential design after returning to California, joining Andy Neumann and NMA Architects in Carpinteria.
Now, more than two decades after founding his own studio and garnering multiple AIA design awards, he works to satisfy his passion for creating and enhancing environments that inspire his clients and reflect their own unique lives.
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Project Manager and DesignerMatías earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a focus on computer graphics from the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires. Originally from Argentina, he established his own architecture practice early in his career before moving to Spain to collaborate with leading firms on high-profile projects that included the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid and the Barcelona International Airport.
He relocated to California in 2003 and has since worked independently and collaboratively as a designer and project manager, delivering a range of large-scale custom estate homes and commercial buildings for brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Acura, Land Rover, and Lexus.
Partnering with Archipelago Workshop since 2017, he lends a global design perspective and hands-on leadership to every project. With over 20 years of local experience, Matías integrates creativity and technical expertise across all areas of project management, including California building code compliance, permitting processes, and contractor, structural, civil, and mechanical engineering partnership management.
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Designer and Production
Alex earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design. His design experience began with job-shadowing architect Hubert Kulig in Paderborn, Germany, and in the years following his university education he worked with prestigious architecture firms in the Rocky mountain and Pacific coast regions, including CLB Architects and See Arch.
His early exposure to a diverse range of practices instilled openness and adaptability, enabling him to create varied design solutions for any set of parameters. Primarily focused on residential design, he draws inspiration from vernacular architecture to create timeless structures that reflect their history and culture and that emerge naturally from the surrounding landscape.
awards
Houzz
2026 Best of Houzz - Design
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2022 Best of Houzz - Design
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2021 Best of Houzz - Design
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2020 Best of Houzz - Design
AIA Santa Barbara
2019 Merit Award - Residential
AIA Santa Barbara
2019 Merit Award - Residential
AIA Santa Barbara
2016 Honor Award - Residential
Houzz
2016 Best of Houzz - Design
AIA Santa Barbara
2015 Merit Award - Residential