Following our previous visit to Mapos Architects, we are keeping our Meet Your Next Employer series in New York City this week to explore the work of Desai Chia Architecture.

Led by Katherine Chia and Arjun Desai, the firm describes its approach to design as one that “merges technology, material innovation, sustainability, and the craft of building into collaborative and socially dynamic environments.” The firm has applied this approach to a variety of typologies from single-family homes to medium and large-scale commercial and institutional projects.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for an Intermediate Architect to join their New York City team. For candidates interested in applying for a position or anybody interested in learning more about the firm’s output, we have rounded up three inviting living spaces by Desai Chia Architecture that exemplify the firm’s ethos.

LM Guest House, Duchess County, NY

Perched on a rock outcropping overlooking a trout pond and open farmland in Dutchess County, the LM Guest House was designed as a contemplative weekend retreat offering vast landscape views. The scheme also incorporates sustainable design features such geothermal heating and cooling, radiant floors, natural ventilation, motorized solar shades, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting for irrigation.

Structurally, the house relies on four steel columns embedded in the wood core from which the roof cantilevers, while the façade features high-performance, triple-paned glass units ranging from 10 to 20 feet in width. Inside, the main living and sleeping areas provide open views of the landscape. In addition to a main bedroom, the interior includes two couchette nooks with built-in bunk beds which, along with the bathroom and storage rooms, are housed within a slatted wood core at the center of the house. The custom wood wall system allows natural light to enter the interior spaces while the slatted design also facilitates natural ventilation throughout the home.

Watermill House, Watermill, NY

The Watermill House was created by expanding a traditional shingled cottage. Through integrating a new addition and renovation, the home was reorientated toward the garden, pool, and neighboring farm to enhance connections with the outdoors. Inside, living, dining, and kitchen areas were relocated to the new addition, establishing clear links to the garden and pool. The addition also serves as a new main entrance, drawing guests into the home's entertainment area.

The cottage's first floor serves as a family room, home office, and guest suite, while the upper floor now offers larger bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a sitting area overlooking the farm. Throughout the home, an undulating vaulted ceiling accentuates the living areas while the original cottage's architecture was refined with new details and lighting to enhance the flow of light and space.

Photographer’s Loft, New York, NY

To create the Photographer’s Loft, an existing cast-iron industrial space was renovated for a creative seeking a serene live-work environment that could serve as a workspace and gallery, as well as a space for entertaining friends. A library and reception area off the entry vestibule allows the photographer to meet with gallerists and explore new themes. The space serves as a hinge between two zones: the east zone leads to a private photography studio and bedroom, and the south zone leads into the public areas including a kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

Inspired by the art of James Turrell, the design team implemented lighting strategies that enhanced the architecture. By cutting and folding ceiling planes, light is allowed to gently bounce throughout the space, while an open flow was created throughout the home through long axial views to draw light through the space. Wide plank oak wood floors connect the areas, with oak also used in wall paneling and cabinetry to unify the rooms with a warm texture.

Meet Your Next Employer is one of a number of ongoing weekly series showcasing the opportunities available on our industry-leading job board. Our Job Highlights series looks at intriguing and topical employment opportunities currently available on Archinect Jobs, while our weekly roundups curate job opportunities by location, career level, and job description.