Christopher Roach

Christopher A. Roach AIA, MAUD, LEED AP is a San Francisco based architect and urbanist with over 25 years of experience in the profession and a deep commitment to both the craft and the intellectual ambition of architecture.  He is co-founder and principal of Studio VARA, a San Francisco-based practice working at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and design, and has engaged with a wide range of projects types, from custom residences and affordable housing to commercial offices and academic institutions.  His professional work and academic design research extend beyond the boundaries of architecture to encompass an expanded field that ranges from exhibition design, graphic design, and art, to civic space, urban agency, and the design of practice. Christopher’s professional work has appeared in “Architecture Magazine,” “Architecture Record,” “Artweek,” “Dwell,” “San Francisco Magazine,” and in several books, including the 2008 Verlagshaus Braun compendium “1000x Architecture of the Americas,” Images Publishing’s 2017 edition “The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes,” and Loft Publication’s “2019 San Francisco Architects: Top Bay Area Studios.”

Maura Fernández Abernethy

Maura Fernández Abernethy has been specializing in residential architecture for over twenty years.  She has worked at a variety of scales but has found that her passion is truly in the fine details. Her approach to architecture is informed by her love of craft and art and by working from the inside out. Maura has extensive experience in designing, fabricating and working directly with artisans. After having lived and practiced in five metropolitan cities during her career: Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Barcelona, and San Francisco, she has amassed experience with a range of scales and typologies. Maura holds a BArch from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Graham Quinn

Graham, Studio VARA’s pioneering team member, has played an instrumental role in propelling the firm’s evolution from a small residential practice to a prominent, multidisciplinary studio. With over a decade of experience in residential architecture, Graham possesses extensive institutional knowledge that has fueled the firm’s growth. From inception to completion, his involvement in Studio VARA’s residential projects showcases a deep understanding of the construction process and the significance of collaborating closely with contractors and craftsmen.

As a project manager for high end residential projects, Graham also leads Studio VARA’s landscape design initiatives. Before joining the firm, he gained valuable experience in the design and construction realm while working for a distinguished landscape and construction company. During this time, Graham realized the similarities between landscape and architecture, both sharing an iterative design process and demanding extensive collaboration with consultant teams. By adopting an in-house approach, Studio VARA prioritizes the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing a fresh perspective to the design studio. Graham’s true passion lies in crafting unique, seasonally changing experiences that inspire and bring joy to clients.

Graham’s collaborative approach and meticulous attention to detail make him a natural fit for leading Studio VARA’s largest residential projects and managing complex teams of contractors and consultants. His commitment to creating harmonious natural environments has fostered the growth of the firm’s cross-disciplinary landscape and architectural projects.

A native of Marin County, California, Graham studied architecture at the University of Southern California. With a passion for travel, he finds inspiration in exploring Latin American cities, cultures, and landscapes. Graham’s dedication to craft and quality extends beyond his professional life, as he has earned the reputation of being Studio VARA’s resident “office mixologist.”

With Graham’s leadership, Studio VARA continues to redefine the boundaries of architecture and landscape design, delivering extraordinary projects that leave a lasting impression on clients and users.