Minarc is an award-winning Santa Monica-based
design studio that specializes in modern, innovative,
and sustainable architecture and design. Principals
Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, Assoc. IIDA & AIA, and
Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, Assoc. AIA, hail from
Iceland, and take inspiration from the pure, austere
beauty of their home country for all of their projects.
Founded by the duo in 1999, Minarc (the name is a
play on “minimalism in architecture”) has grown
from a staff of two to over a dozen. Projects range
from new construction to renovations; residential as
well as commercial. All projects share an emphasis
on blurring the line between indoors and out through
the use of abundant natural light, outdoor living
spaces, and framed views of nature. Innovation in
use of materials is another hallmark of Minarc’s
designs. Warm, natural materials such as walnut,
birch, and ipé are combined with cement panels,
pebble stones, and recycled tires.
