the St. John Project

We received a call in 2017, asking if we would consider leading a team through the process of imagining an island getaway for a multi-gen family. The island was raw. It sits in the Caribbean, near St. John. Its ownership had been contested by 4 nations and the family spent over a decade trying to purchase it. There was a lot of history, intrigue and potential in this project. We knew instantly we were on board. We also knew it would be a haul to bring to life the needs, desires and expectations the family had for it. It took us 8 years, but we delivered.

As with many of our projects, respect for the anonymity of our clients is what we lead with. These images are shared with their consent and blessing.

  • This project began with a concept design, focused on the families intended use of the island. After nearly a year of curating that vision, we went to an extensive environmental impact study, which, due to COVID’s impact, took almost 2 years to complete.

    The family wanted a completely off grid home they could live on with little intervention and minimal impact on the environment, and through a series of studies, consultations and revisions, we ultimately created exactly that.

  • The family who purchased the island is large, and multitalented. We needed to ensure that everyone had a place to create and enjoy, relax and grow.

    From yoga platforms to a pottery studio, a recording suite to a full tech bro suite of building, wood working workshop, a 7200 square foot home and 10 guest suites, we accomplished the family compound of their dreams.

  • Function leads and form follows, but the design of this project was so thoughtfully curated that they are truly partners in creating the dream property this family wanted.

    From the hand crafted terracotta tiles to the blown glass art and fixtures, no detail was overlooked. Solar glass, the cast iron throughout each building and the stunning stone countertops used in each space, this is truly a timeless architectural gem that the generations of this family will respect and enjoy.