Studio of Environmental Architecture, SEA, is a full-service green architecture and design firm. With decades of experience in commercial and residential projects in Southern California and worldwide, SEA is dedicated to designing and constructing sustainable and restorative places. By designing with nature, we create architecture of enduring value for people and the planet. Each project is a unique architectural expression that responds to client needs, site specificities, local climate, and new ideas. The interplay of architecture’s fundamental elements—Light and shadow, form and material, proportion and scale—realize spaces that simultaneously feel timeless and contemporary.

The practice of architecture lies at the intersection of many disciplines, and we view design as an opportunity to harmonize many related crafts and sciences. SEA promotes a systems thinking approach to architecture, synthesizing diverse perspectives and fields into a cohesive, performance-driven whole. In addition to buildings, we produce industrial design, public sculpture, and materials research within a single versatile design culture.

The studio has particular expertise in regenerative design and sustainability in residential and commercial projects. We believe architecture must strive to reverse global climate change and prepare for the environmental volatility of the Anthropocene. To that end, a think-tank within the studio—Resilience Lab—develops green technology and provides communities with planning services. We also help families recover from disasters through fire rebuilds and related projects. Enlightened architecture can heal people and restore ecosystems, ensuring symbiosis between built and natural environments.

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David Hertz, FAIA, LEED AP

David has been working at the edge of sustainability and the forefront of regenerative architecture for 40 years. As a systems thinker, he engages in various fields through design and believes in expanding the conceptual limits of architecture.

Throughout his career, David has connected the art of building with responsible stewardship of the Earth. A LEED-accredited professional, he serves on the board of Heal The Bay. David has taught sustainable design and mentored students at his alma mater, SCI-Arc, Art Center College of Design, and USC. He currently serves on the Academic Advisory Committee for UCLA’s Extension Program.

A lifelong passion for surfing has made David active in water quality and access issues. He and his wife Laura founded Skysource to democratize water, and their efforts culminated in winning the Water Abundance XPRIZE in 2018. In 2022, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum awarded David the National Design Award for Climate Action. David is the co-founder of the Resilience Fund for Advancing Climate Technologies.

After decades in Venice, David recently relocated to Malibu. Years after the Woolsey Fire devastated their community, David is committed to helping friends and neighbors rebuild their homes and lives and is focusing on making communities more resilient through design.

Meet the Team

  • Ed Millán

    RA AIA ncarb

    Project Architect

  • Eric Lindeman

    RA

    Project Architect

  • Laura Occhetti

    AIA LEED Green Associate

    Project Architect

  • Yatto Suzuki

    AIA

    Project Architect