A Fresh Start

Author:

WA Design Architects helps a family rebuild an astounding estate after losing their home in the Kincaid fire

Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.

“My design philosophy emphasizes a strong connection between architecture and its natural context, creating spaces that are both emotionally resonant and functionally clear,” says David Wilson of WA Design Architects. “I believe that materials, light, and form should generate a sensory and emotional experience, with architecture thoughtfully extending into the landscape. Collaboration with clients is central to my approach—through iterative dialogue and shared vision, spaces evolve that are both innovative and deeply personal.”

Polished concrete floors illuminate a Gogan sofa. The Moon dining table is by Gubi and the side chairs are from DWR.
Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.

Douglas Fir ceilings and California Walnut cabinetry and casework add warmth in the kitchen.
Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.
Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund

After losing their Sonoma home in the 2019 Kincaid fire, Wilson was hired by existing clients to envision a new Wine Country escape on their 280-acre vineyard in Healdsburg’s Anderson Valley. “The vineyard estate provided a dramatic rural context, overlooking rolling wine country and Mount Saint Helena,” he recalls. “That prior relationship had established a long term friendship and allowed for a highly collaborative process in the new project.”

Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.

The new, 8,000-square-foot home was designed as a weekend retreat for extended family and friends where they could enjoy the surrounding vineyards, oak-studded ridges and sweeping views of Mount Saint Helena. “The home needed to provide both private and communal spaces for multiple generations, integrate indoor and outdoor living, and harmonize with the natural landscape,” says Wilson. “The house is organized along a strong axis oriented toward Mount Saint Helena, emphasizing the visual connection to the landscape. Composed of distinct volumes inspired by Sonoma County’s agrarian vernacular, gabled forms are connected by secondary circulation volumes.”

The primary bedroom features a custom blackened cold-rolled steel fireplace. The bed is by Restoration Hardware, the chair is Carl Hansen & Son and the side table is by CB2. Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.
Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.

The clients made the process so unique by allowing each family member to veto two design decisions, which inspired tedious negotiation and consensus-building. The main goals were planning a layout that accommodated multi-generational living, granted access to the views while remaining light on the land. With eight bedrooms, eight and 1/2 baths, a large butlers pantry, a theatre, spacious gym, pool house, sauna, infinity swimming pool, hot tub and garden silo, the home is geared for maximum entertainment. “The family’s requests covered a remarkable range, from a state-of-the-art DJ booth to children’s play zones making the primary challenge—and also the greatest opportunity,” says Shirin Richens of Nomadika Design Studio who served as the interior designer on the project. They partnered with Nordby Signature Homes to bring their vision to life.

A guest suite features the Wyatt bed from Room and Board, a pair of chairs from Four Hands Sora side chair and Room and Board’s Decker Table. Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.
Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.

Interior selections by reflect the need for sophistication, durability and a desired to connect with the idyllic hills and vineyards that surround. “The overall aesthetic is warm and earthy to complement the home’s architectural features—like polished concrete floors and wood ceilings—as well as to echo the expansive vineyard views and gardens beyond,” Richens notes. “The color palette draws from natural tones and textures, creating an inviting, harmonious environment that connects the indoors with the beauty of the surrounding landscape.”

The pool serves as a connecter between two of the structures that are covered in Swiss Pearl cement board siding.
Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.
Photos by Adam Potts, styling by Rachel Forslund.

Rebuilding after a devastating loss from fire can be both overwhelming and painful, however, with the steady guidance of Wilson and his team at WA Design Architects, the family was able to find a fresh start. “The family was thrilled with the results, and with the thriving gardens and generous amount of community spaces for entertaining, it’s a hub for memorable gatherings,” Richens proudly shares.