August Studio, based in Berkeley, CA, is a full-service hospitality design firm founded by Doug Washington Design. Specializing in creating provocative yet approachable restaurants, hotels, and retail spaces, August Studio boasts a small, passionate core team working collaboratively with a diverse community of talented designers, architects, and builders. With a focus on helping clients tell a compelling story through their spaces, August Studio prioritizes the emotional impact a design has on its users, valuing the satisfaction of clients, guests, and team members equally.
Lead by industry veterans Doug Washington, Daria Nikolaeva, Steven Eckler, and Anne L’Esperance, August Studio brings together a wealth of experience and expertise in hospitality design. Doug Washington, with over 30 years of design and operational experience, emphasizes the intersection of form, function, and finance in creating spaces with spirit and generosity. Daria Nikolaeva, a sustainability advocate and WELL Accredited Professional, infuses projects with a focus on healthy, energy-efficient design. Steven Eckler, with a background in philosophy and art history, brings a unique perspective to design inspired by his extensive hospitality experience. Anne L’Esperance, known for her creative design prowess and meticulous attention to detail, collaborates with August Studio on various projects, showcasing her talent in architecture and interior design.
August Studio’s philosophy revolves around understanding clients’ needs, studying spaces and their surroundings, and collaborating closely with a network of artists, builders, and visionaries to bring clients’ visions to life. With a commitment to creating designs that enrich people’s lives and celebrate the connection between individuals, nature, and the built environment, August Studio sets itself apart as a design firm that values creativity, sustainability, and client satisfaction at the core of its operations.