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X:a/A X: architecture/ Art ~ every building tells a story…..

X: architecture/Art

X: architecture/Art

  X:a/A is a San Francisco based architecture practice specializing in an interpretive and inclusive process resulting in one-of-a-kind designs generated from your unique needs.  The “X” of X:a/A represents the synergy that occurs when “a”, architecture is crossed over with “A”, art.   Client collaboration, innovative use of materials, and a refined aesthetic sensibility of [...]

Green Museums: A Review

Green Museums: A Review

As the stock market soared and the price of oil reached new heights, so did the scaffolding for the world’s tallest building, the soaring Burj Khalifa in Dubai. A modern-day pyramid in terms of engineering and heir to the Chrysler Building as a monument to conspicuous consumption, by the time of its completion, our 21st-century [...]

San Francisco Camerawork

San Francisco Camerawork

This suite of Protean galleries for SF Camerawork changes shape with each new exhibition via a system of removable walls and varied height ceilings.  “Every time I walk in, it just feels wonderful,” says R.F. Muna, an accomplished photographer and SF Board President during the time of the remodel.  “The space has a very luxurious [...]

Stearns Consulting Center City

Stearns Consulting Center City

For this poilitical consulting company, X:a/A created an open bullpen design to reflect the spirited dialogue encouraged between workers. When privacy is needed, separate offices are available or translucent partitions can slide into place for a more spontaneous adjustment. A glass coffee table with district map underlay is the focus of the casual meeting area [...]

Re-Tale: stories of retail workers from Union Square

Re-Tale: stories of retail workers from Union Square

“Retale: The Lives and Experiences of Union Square Retail Workers”, was a temporary art installation which attracted the public with its promise of a high backed chair for relaxing.  Fabricated in brushed stainless steel, the piece echoed the type of park benches typical of the square, and yet remained distinctive enough to arouse curiosity.  Once [...]

X: architecture/Art
X: architecture/Art

  X:a/A is a San Francisco based architecture practice specializing in an interpretive and inclusive process resulting in one-of-a-kind designs generated from your unique needs.  The “X” of X:a/A represents the synergy that occurs when “a”, architecture is crossed over with “A”, art.   Client collaboration, innovative use of materials, and a refined aesthetic sensibility of [...]

Green Museums: A Review
Green Museums: A Review

As the stock market soared and the price of oil reached new heights, so did the scaffolding for the world’s tallest building, the soaring Burj Khalifa in Dubai. A modern-day pyramid in terms of engineering and heir to the Chrysler Building as a monument to conspicuous consumption, by the time of its completion, our 21st-century [...]

San Francisco Camerawork
San Francisco Camerawork

This suite of Protean galleries for SF Camerawork changes shape with each new exhibition via a system of removable walls and varied height ceilings.  “Every time I walk in, it just feels wonderful,” says R.F. Muna, an accomplished photographer and SF Board President during the time of the remodel.  “The space has a very luxurious [...]

Stearns Consulting Center City
Stearns Consulting Center City

For this poilitical consulting company, X:a/A created an open bullpen design to reflect the spirited dialogue encouraged between workers. When privacy is needed, separate offices are available or translucent partitions can slide into place for a more spontaneous adjustment. A glass coffee table with district map underlay is the focus of the casual meeting area [...]

Re-Tale: stories of retail workers from Union Square
Re-Tale: stories of retail workers from Union Square

“Retale: The Lives and Experiences of Union Square Retail Workers”, was a temporary art installation which attracted the public with its promise of a high backed chair for relaxing.  Fabricated in brushed stainless steel, the piece echoed the type of park benches typical of the square, and yet remained distinctive enough to arouse curiosity.  Once [...]

San Francisco Victorian Remodel
San Francisco Victorian Remodel

This San Francisco remodel accommodates a modern lifestyle while preserving the comfortable details of a historic Victorian home.  The slanted planes of the attic roof have been exposed to create a dramatic spacious master bedroom suite.  Interior walls are swept away to open the first floor living space to air and light.  The only modification [...]

City Center Flat
City Center Flat

History has been incorporated into the design of this Edwardian flat by materials taken from the home during construction.  Redwood 2×4′s from partition walls become trim for  windows and doors.  The original Douglas Fir sub-floor is re-used as nosing for stair treads.  Original wainscoting follows the entry stair up into the Great Room. Memories are [...]

Garden House in the City
Garden House in the City

Salvaged doors and windows add traditional charm and character to this simple unassuming house.  A triangular shaped music studio is the vestige of a former train track now replaced with a lush garden overflowing with flowers.  The arched windows of the top floor warehouse boldly connect the studio to the outside greenery.  A vintage marble [...]

WORKS/ San Jose
WORKS/ San Jose

The open warehouse of historic Sperry Flour Mill Building is divided into a complex mix of functions for alternative gallery, Works/San Jose.  Assembly spaces for the occasional performance, gallery spaces for exhibition, a series of small separate studios and the support spaces for everyone were all to be housed under the trussed roof of this [...]

About Donna Schumacher
About Donna Schumacher

  Donna Schumacher, AIA, LEED AP, founded X: architecture/ Art in 1992, specializing in an interpretive and inclusive approach to design.  Her projects include San Francisco Camerawork, WORKS/San Jose, San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery in addition to numerous residential and commercial spaces throughout the Bay Area as well as in New York and Boston. Donna [...]