Pacific Palisades, California (2020)
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
This award‑winning Pacific Palisades residence was designed by ShubinDonaldson (Russell Shubin, AIA; Robin Donaldson, AIA) with lighting by HLB Lighting Design. Terraced into a dramatic coastal hillside, the home integrates architecture, landscape, and light to frame expansive canyon and ocean views while remaining visually connected to its natural surroundings. Carefully layered massing, planted courtyards, and restrained illumination create a refined indoor‑outdoor living experience rooted in the California landscape.
Architecture: ShubinDonaldson
Lighting Design: HLB Lighting Design
Interior Design: Magni Kalman Design
Photography: Fernando Guerra (FG+SG Photography) and Roger Davies
ARCHITECTURE
The Pacific Palisades House is a terraced coastal residence by ShubinDonaldson, led by Russell Shubin, AIA and Robin Donaldson, AIA. Embedded into a steep two‑acre hillside bordering Topanga State Park, the 14,500‑square‑foot home appears both grounded and weightless—anchored to the slope while opening to sweeping canyon and ocean views. Planted roofs, courtyards, and refined massing allow the architecture to recede into the landscape while maximizing light, air, and expansive sightlines.
ShubinDonaldson is an award‑winning Southern California practice recognized with multiple AIA California Council Design Awards, Luxe RED Awards, and the Bronze A’ Design Award for Architecture for this residence.
LIGHTING
Lighting design by HLB Lighting Design subtly reinforces the architecture while preserving the natural darkness of the hillside setting. Integrated luminaires, indirect illumination, and scaled exterior lighting highlight stone, wood, and water features without overpowering the landscape. Operable wood screens, deep overhangs, and layered lighting strategies balance daylight, shade, and nighttime ambiance, allowing the home to glow softly after dusk.
The project received a Commendable Achievement Award for Whole Building Lighting at the Architectural Lighting (AL) Design Awards for its restraint, craftsmanship, and seamless indoor‑outdoor transitions.
INTERIOR
Interior design by Magni Kalman Design brings warmth and tactility through refined materials and custom detailing. Limestone floors, sculpted wood elements, and bespoke millwork transition fluidly to terraces, gardens, and reflecting pools. Landscape and architecture are fully integrated—courtyards, orchards, and terraced gardens reinforce the hillside, encourage natural ventilation, and support an immersive indoor‑outdoor lifestyle.
