OUR STUDIO
Susan Masterman Architects Interiors and Gardens
We are a full service design firm focusing on residential projects, interiors, gardens, and boutique commercial spaces. We create fine custom homes that are respectful, unique, and inspired by tradition and innovation.
Our team brings exceptional value and detail to every aspect of our work through thoughtful design collaboration and we always have fun in the process.
OUR TEAM
Susan Masterman, AIA | Principal Architect
Susan loves houses. Granddaughter of a furniture designer, Susan grew up in Massachusetts surrounded by stacks of design magazines, sharpie markers, and drafting boards. During studies at Wellesley College, majoring in architecture, she took advantage of the long standing cross registration with MIT as well as the junior year exchange program The Shape of Two Cities: New York/Paris through Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Upon graduation she headed to sunnier skies and landed a job with KFA in Santa Monica before launching her own studio in 1997. Susan and Brian are raising 3 wonderful and crazy children and hope to survive the process with their senses of humor intact.
Terese Atzen | Interior Design Director
Terese, a Southern California native, knows that great style must be matched with ease and comfort. As the former co-principal of Atzen+Watkins design firm she understands that truly listening to her clients’ needs and making the design process an open collaboration ensures that each home represents the unique vision of the owner. Her innate ability to translate all styles of design and construct beautiful interiors with understated sophistication made her a perfect match to join Susan Masterman Architects as the new Design Director. Terese and Susan can’t wait to approach their projects as a team and share their talent for blending time honored architecture while creating effortlessly chic interiors.
Iris Ferraz dos Santos | Senior Project Manager
Inspired by the rich fabric of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Iris earned her master’s in architecture and urbanism in her home town. She completed her studies in Italy and France, specializing in historic preservation. Her passion lead her to extraordinary opportunities to work not only on chapels and churches of the XII-XVIII centuries but on first century sites like the Colosseum. Yes, THAT Colosseum. While in Italy she met and married Virginio, moving to Pasadena for his work in astrophysics at Cal Tech and JPL. Iris has been an important part of our studio for over 10 years guiding projects from the very beginning through construction. She loves to travel- it recharges her soul.
Mirna Boghosian | Design Associate
Mirna is all about the 3D! She loves taking the project drawings to the next level and making sure the designs are clearly understood by our clients. She has an infectious enthusiasm and passion for being an Architect and, thankfully for us, is able to skillfully navigate the world of social media. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Architecture from Woodbury University and speaks 3 languages. We are grateful to have Mirna’s dedication and focus; she is indispensable to our team.
Hilary Telford | Studio Manager
Hilary has a special talent for juggling the many operations needed to keep the business of the studio clipping along smoothly. As our Studio Manager, her indispensable work ethic and ability to improvise are matched only by her infectious good humor and enthusiasm. She claims that she works ‘the business’ side of this creative business, but it takes true creative thinking to clearly translate and communicate the wants and needs of everyone involved, from client to team and within the team itself. No matter the job, the team is lucky to have her.
