We collaborate with our clients — we are thought-partners who engage early in the development process to help shape a project’s vision, not just its design. Our strength lies in listening, not leading with a predetermined style, and in working with clients — whether owners or developers — as trusted advisors. We differentiate ourselves by operating upstream, bringing architectural expertise to strategic thinking, and developing design parameters that reflect both vision and practicality. With a foundation in cognitive science and a deep curiosity about how people experience space, our process is rooted in research, observation, and empathy.
Our approach is human-centered, focused on how people perceive and interact with their environment. We design for people, not for ourselves — responding to real needs and behaviors with humility and intention. For us, architecture is about asking the right questions, iterating thoughtfully, and applying the best knowledge and tools available to create spaces that create an experience. We believe the best outcomes come from co-creation, where clients are not just stakeholders but collaborators in shaping meaningful environments.
Our Team
Christian Callaghan, Partner
AIA NCARB LEED-AP
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Johns Hopkins University
Master of Architecture. Syracuse University.
With over 15 years of domestic and international experience, Christian’s ability to move efficiently between the engineering and architectural disciplines has proved invaluable in the design and coordination of complex buildings. Christian was Vice President of Architecture at WeWork and created and co-led the Ground Up Studio with Michel Rojkind. Christian’s prior experience includes being an Associate Director at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill LLP (SOM) in New York City. At SOM, Christian was the Project Manager and point of contact for multiple high-profile projects within New York City, ranging from skyscrapers to the adaptive reuse of landmarked buildings.
Prior to SOM, Christian was a Director at Rafael Vinoly Architects PC (RVA). During his time at RVA, Christian relocated to Abu Dhabi to open and manage its Middle East office. While in Abu Dhabi, Christian led the coordination efforts of a multidisciplinary team of over 100 architects and engineers on the master planning, design, and construction of New York University Abu Dhabi.
Christian is also a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Haruka Horiuchi, Partner
AIA NCARB
Bachelor of Science in Brain and Cognitive Science. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Master of Architecture. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Haruka brings over 10 years of experience in the practice of architecture in New York City and beyond. As Design Director of the Ground Up Studio at WeWork, Haruka worked with a hybrid team of national and local architects and engineers to lead the design, coordination and development of a 200,000 sf fully flexible office building in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Prior to WeWork, Haruka was a Director at Rafael Vinoly Architects, where she oversaw the design, documentation and construction of a diverse set of projects. Projects she worked on ranged from a 10,000 square foot mixed use custom townhouse in midtown Manhattan to a 1.3 million square foot resort development in South America; and from a 500’ tall high-rise luxury residential tower to a 700’ long state-of-the-art research facility built over an active highway. She is an experienced architect with strong design abilities, a wide range of technical knowledge, and practiced project management skills leading teams of architects and consultants on projects with >$100 million construction budgets.