“i still draw by hand…

…because that is what our mentors and those that inspire us have taught us. Our drawings reflect our approach to the “hand-made house” that we strive for in each and every project we’re fortunate enough to have in our Studio. Our work is fueled by our passion and enthusiasm for our craft, and by the dreams of our clients that trust us to tailor-make homes for them.”

Founded by Bob White and located in downtown Laguna Beach, California, the firm is a collaborative residential design studio that specializes in private homes, estates, and ranch properties. 

ForestStudio’s past and current work over the last 19+ years covers the United States…

California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Utah, North Carolina, Wyoming, Montana, and Hawaii.

In addition to the US, the firm is now working on projects in Mexico and the Cayman Islands.

Diverse projects, both geographically and stylistically, include a farm in Newport Rhode Island, a ranch in Sun Valley Idaho, a lake house in Austin Texas, a surf shack on the North Shore of Oahu, a ranch in Sonoma, mountain houses in Park City Utah, a family-compound in Lake Tahoe, an o’hana-compound on the Big Island of Hawaii, a family compound on Nantucket, a private resort in the California desert, a cattle and performance horse ranch in Wyoming, and various local projects along the California coast from La Jolla to Pacific Palisades.

In addition to the firms private residential work, ForestStudio has also designed and/or completed residential neighborhoods in Crystal Cove, California and Scottsdale, Arizona with another currently under construction in Napa California in partnership with Auberge Resorts.

The collaborative efforts of Bob White and his team are reflected in ForestStudio’s current work. Their work has been defined as an innovative approach to traditional-based vernaculars that reflect a “sense of place”, while striving for timelessness. Their homes have been described by clients and peers as defining a different kind of “wow”, more of a soft-spoken whisper than a shout, and are defined by unique qualities that strive for intrigue, richness, mystery, un-folding, comfort, layering, detail, craft, and a deeply rooted “soul”.

“Regardless of where we’re working geographically, we strive for a certain set of design Principles and ethos… rooted and respectful of place, appropriate scale, comfortable, humble, and most importantly, that our homes are tailor-made to fulfill our clients own definition of what “Home” means.”

In addition to Bob’s design work, he has worked in an advisory role with Quiksilver Hotels and Resorts, Tejon Ranch, the DuPont Estate in Pennsylvania, and the community of The Pinehills in Plymouth Massachusetts.

Bob is a proud and active member of the “Leaders of Design Council”, the “Design Leadership Network”, and the “Institute of Classical Architecture”.

Bob was honored to be included in the curated exhibition that celebrated the 10-year Anniversary of the “Institute of Classical Architecture”, as well as featured in the accompanying book that featured the honorees.

The residential work of ForestStudio has appeared in various books including: Living Well by Design/Melissa Penfold, Michael S. Smith | Houses, House Beautiful | Kitchens, ElleDecor | Style and Substance, as well as the magazines: Veranda, House Beautiful, Luxe, Riviera, Aspire, and ElleDecor; including two cover stories. 

Some of Bob’s current work and musings can also be found on Instagram: @forest_studio