Kathrin & Brian Smirke
Design/Build
Living
in our
element.
A glimpse into our life and creative process — through the spaces we remodel and design, and the thoughts, people, and places that inspire them.
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"We've always shared a deep-seated desire to create — and diverging from our original path led us, in time, into the worlds of design and development."
Kathrin & Brian
N° About the studio
Two creative paths, one practice.
We both found our way to Los Angeles through different creative pursuits. Kathrin came with a background in theatre arts and musical voice before moving into film production, while Brian headed west after college to pursue music and songwriting. Music became part of our story together as well. Over the years, we wrote and made music both together and independently, alongside creative lives that continued to evolve in other directions.
We created this site as a place to bring those different threads together. It's a glimpse into the things we make and the way we see the world: our design projects, photography, spaces, music, works in progress, and the people, places, objects, and ideas that continue to influence us.
Where we are today.
Kathrin's work today centers around design and photography, with a particular interest in interiors, visual storytelling, and creating a strong sense of identity around a place or project. Her background spans theatre and music, motion picture production, social media, and brand development, as well as founding and running the bohemian clothing label Gypsan.
Brian works full-time in real estate development and design, with music and songwriting remaining a longstanding part of his creative life. With a B.S. in Business Administration, a California Real Estate License, and a California General Contractor's License, his work brings together creative design and the practical process of building, developing, and bringing an idea into the physical world.
Our work has taken many forms over the years, and we imagine it always will. This is where we share what we're making, what we're drawn to, and whatever comes next.
The people behind it.
01 — Creative Direction
Kathrin
Designer & Photographer
Kathrin moved to Los Angeles to formally study acting and film production before her path eventually led into design. She founded and operated the bohemian clothing line Gypsan and today carries a filmmaker's eye into photography, interiors, branding, and visual storytelling.
@kathrinsmirke02 — Development & Design
Brian
Developer, Designer & Musician
Brian relocated west after college to pursue songwriting and music before his path evolved into design and development. Today, he works full-time as a real estate developer and designer and is a licensed California General Contractor. Music remains part of his creative life through his solo piano project, Temple Rising.
@briansmirkeReimagined, inside and out.
Renovations, ground-up builds, and full redevelopments across Joshua Tree, California — some kept as vacation rentals, others designed for resale.
Remodeled & renting
Full interior remodels, now running as Airbnb vacation rentals-
0101Dome in the Desert
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0202Cabin Cabin Cabin
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0303The Shack Attack
Ground-up builds
Designed and constructed from bare lots
I believe a home should be built as well as it is designed.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about building is the challenge of turning a bare lot and a set of plans into something solid, lasting and well made. Whether that means getting the structure right, solving a tricky site, or sweating the details that only show up years later, I strive to build homes that are both durable and a pleasure to live in.
I specialize in building from the ground up
Beyond remodels, as a licensed contractor I take projects from an empty lot to a finished home. Easterly Drive and Border Avenue, both in Joshua Tree, were designed and built from the ground up with modern desert living in mind. Building in the high desert asks for a real understanding of sun, heat, wind and terrain, so my focus is on sound construction, materials that hold up, and homes that are easy to maintain. By working on the design and the build together, my approach aims to create homes that feel at home in the landscape and stand the test of time.
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0404Easterly Drive
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0505Border Avenue
Full redevelopment
Gutted and rebuilt from the studs out-
0606Terrace Drive
Interior design
Vacation rental design
I believe that spaces should be both functional and beautiful.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about designing interiors is the creative challenge of mixing different materials and textures to create a cohesive and harmonious environment. Whether that means optimizing a space for maximum productivity or creating a relaxing oasis to unwind in, I strive to create spaces that are both practical and visually appealing.
I specialize in curating unforgettable getaways
Beyond my expertise in interior design, I specialize in crafting distinctive vacation rentals. Unlike conventional interior design, this niche requires a profound comprehension of the dynamic needs of short-term guests. My focus revolves around ensuring durability, facilitating easy maintenance, and incorporating thematic elements that enrich the overall vacation experience. By seamlessly blending design and hospitality, my approach aims to create memorable spaces that capture the essence of a destination and elevate the overall stay for guests.
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0707Mendocino Coast House
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0808Mendocino Coast Townhouse
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0909Little River Apartment
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1010Albion House
N° What else we do
Vacation rental management
We manage vacation rental properties, start to finish.
We run our own vacation rentals, so we know what it takes to make a property perform. Our full-service management takes care of the day-to-day, so you don't have to.
- Guest communication
- Bookings and calendar
- Managing cleaning staff and property upkeep
- Restocking and supplies
We also help with interior design and consulting, from first-time setups to refreshing a property that's already running. For more information, please contact us.
N° As seen in
N° Just to say hi
Feel free to write —
we love a hello.
We design and build our own projects, manage vacation rentals, and take on interior design, consulting and building work for others. Whether you have a property to manage, a space to design or a lot to build on, we'd love to hear about it.
Want updates on our latest happenings? Sign up for our mailing list to hear from us when we finish a build, publish a new piece, or have something worth sharing.