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 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


  • AIA | Founder and Principal

    CJ 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.


  • Associate AIA | Project Manager and Designer

    Matías earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a major in computer graphics from the University of Belgrano, Buenos Aires. Born in Argentina, he ultimately established his own design practice there before moving to Spain to collaborate with renowned architectural firms on projects that included the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid and the Barcelona International Airport. Fluent in English and Spanish, he can also hold his own in dinner conversations in Portuguese, Italian, French and Catalan.

    After moving to California in 2003, he worked both independently and collaboratively as a designer and project manager on residential projects – including custom estate homes from 10,000 – 20,000 square feet – and on commercial projects for Mercedes-Benz, Acura, Land Rover, and Lexus.

    Partnering with Archipelago Workshop since 2017, he lends a global design perspective and invests his deep passion and energy equally to both small and large scale projects, believing that there is true magic in facilitating a home’s design. He provides expertise in all areas of project management, including California and local building code compliance, permitting processes, and contractor, structural, civil, and mechanical engineering partnership management.

awards

Houzz
2022 Best of Houzz - Design

Houzz
2021 Best of Houzz - Design

Houzz
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