Some say the word “timeless” is trite. Rather, we believe that good design has a strong memory and a sharp eye for the future.
Our name is an homage to the Roman text 'De Architectura.' Written by Vitruvius around 20 BC, the text lays out the core tenants of good design. It does so in TenBooks.
Philosophy
TenBooks is an award-winning California based architecture and design studio founded by Matthew Bowles, AIA.
At TenBooks, we are driven by a passion for creating one-of-a-kind designs that transcend the ordinary and create delight. Our firm believes that the artistry of design must be balanced by the hard skills of fabrication - and we strive to curate a firm that deftly balances both. Our expertise is merging theory, practice, and technical ability to deliver well-conceived plans for today that will age well into the future. Our goal is to transform our environment in a beneficial way; by making the physical world more efficient, dynamic, beautiful, and inclusive.
Our team
Matthew David Bowles
AIA /
Leed AP /
Founder /
Principal
Matthew David Bowles
AIA /
Leed AP /
Founder /
Principal
Matthew Bowles, AIA is a founding principal of TenBooks, a graduate of the College of Environmental Design at U.C. Berkeley, and a licensed Architect in California and New York (Pending). Matthew's work has been widely recognized, and published in media outlets such as The Atlantic, Metropolis Magazine, and the New York Post. Matthew's passion for design started at an early age in an industrial design studio where he learned craftsmanship and to grapple with complex problems via sketch and model. This early introduction to design has propelled Matthew into a career spanning over 12 years, including formative work in the cultural, commercial, and residential vanguard. His entrepreneurial personality and inventive mindset drive forward a practice that balances proposals for the future of the built environment with exciting, yet functional built work. He is an avid pianist, guitarist, and surfer.
Joe Schollmeyer
Senior Architect
Joe Schollmeyer
Senior Architect
Anna Gadbois
Interior + Product Designer
Anna Gadbois
Interior + Product Designer
Candelaria Gassiebayle
Junior Designer
Candelaria Gassiebayle
Junior Designer
Services
Architecture
Working with expert designers, architects, and structural engineers, our architectural design process is suited for all design-build projects– from residential to commercial, new build to historic renovation. Our multifaceted expertise allows us to oversee and execute the entire operation, including securing all required building permits.
Interior Design
Our Interiors Studio provides hands-on, high-quality, tailored customer service as an efficient addition to our architectural practice. Our design approach focuses on interior architecture, fixtures, finishes, and furnishings, resulting in a cohesive and stunning final product.
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Product + Furniture Design
Product design is the process of transforming a physical invention idea into a beautiful, well-functioning, and manufacturable consumer product. We specialize in design of custom furniture and objet d'art.
Land Use Planning
We collaborate with clients on site analysis, assist in site selection and overall master planning strategies.
Construction Management
We collaborate with clients to ensure their projects get built smoothly, and on budget. We help clients secure bids, compare costs, value engineer, contractor selection, and oversee the construction process through final completion.
Fabrication
We specialize in art, furniture, architectural , product prototyping and experiential design and installation. Our Southern California partner facility includes the state of the art tools for working in any medium.
Press