Alumni Collaborate to Create Rustic Retreat in L.A. Hills

September 6, 2024

By Isabel Berman

Alumni David Thompson (M.Arch '96) and Jamie Bush (M.Arch '94) combined forces to reimagine a 1920s home into a rustic modern wooden house that feels at one with its natural surroundings in the mountains of Santa Monica. Featured in the July/August issue of Architectural Digest, Thompson and Bush created a finely crafted house using natural, sustainable materials that will be a lasting piece of architecture for future generations.

To reconnect the home with its landscape, Thompson and Bush wrapped it in wood, added expansive windows, and relocated the pool to enhance views from the main living areas. Inside, they used organic materials like brick, cork, and oak, balancing California-inspired decor with cozy touches. One unique feature is a Brutalist ceramic mural on the fireplace, giving the space both character and functionality.

Designed for a family with three children, the house includes custom spaces like a screening room and a private suite, fostering both intimacy and connection. Thompson and Bush’s renovation captures the essence of peaceful, canyon living, offering a timeless blend of nature and comfort.