Architecture, for us, is an act of deep listening — to the land, to light, and to the lives that will unfold within it.
Philosophy
Every project is shaped by a pursuit of clarity and beauty through detail: the junction of two materials, the weight of a door, the texture of a wall. Through this careful attention, spaces emerge that feel intuitive, timeless, and deeply personal.
Our Design Process
Each client brings a story, and by listening, we begin to translate vision into form.
Our process is creative and collaborative, shaped through sketches, models, and material studies that reveal how ideas evolve. These working elements stay visible in our studio, inviting clients into the design conversation and offering a clear understanding of how their project takes shape. We lead with attentive listening, balancing concept and detail to create architecture that is expressive, thoughtful, and crafted with intention.
Interiors
Our interior design practice unites form, function, and beauty to create environments that feel timeless, welcoming, and deeply personal. From living areas and kitchens to bedrooms and baths, we bring comfort, elegance, and practicality to every room.
Our approach integrates thoughtful space planning with intelligent layouts that enhance comfort, flow, and efficiency. We guide each step of material and finish selection — from cabinetry and flooring to paint, fixtures, and hardware — ensuring every detail reflects a cohesive vision.
ENVIRONMENT
Sustainability, for us, is integral to the design process, a way of thinking from the very beginning. We believe that responsible architecture starts with understanding the site: its orientation, light, climate, and natural resources.
Every decision, from material selection to energy performance, aims to reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and well-being. We prioritize durable, low-maintenance materials, natural ventilation and lighting, and efficient systems that support long-term resilience.
OUR TEAM
Valeria Mesples
Valeria is a highly creative, California-licensed architect with over 25 years of experience in project management, architecture, and interior design. She grew up in Salta, Argentina, where her mother, María, introduced her to architecture at a young age. As a child, she often accompanied her to the Historic Patrimony offices and restoration sites, where her mother served as principal architect overseeing the renovation of colonial-era buildings. Those early experiences sparked Valeria’s lifelong appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the enduring presence of architecture in daily life. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Urban Design degrees from the Catholic University of Córdoba in 1994, graduating with honors.
In 2001, Valeria moved to California, where she worked extensively in construction management on publicly funded projects. During this time, she developed a deep understanding of construction processes, project administration, and coordination across a wide range of building types. Over the years, her focus evolved toward residential architecture. She collaborated with several well-known Bay Area architects, refining her approach to design and detailing. Drawing on her combined experience in architecture and construction management, she founded Valeria Mesples Architecture in Palo Alto to offer clients a deeply integrated approach — from concept through completion.
Valeria’s work is defined by a commitment to clarity, proportion, and material authenticity, designing homes that are both enduring and warm. Each project begins with a balance of creativity and technical precision, responding to the character of the site and the daily rhythms of those who inhabit it. Through thoughtful detailing and a refined use of materials, she creates spaces that feel natural, cohesive, and connected to their surroundings — architecture as both an art and a responsibility, elevating everyday life while honoring context, environment, and individuality.
Maria Celika Barthaburu
María was born in Tucumán, Argentina, and earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1968. She returned to Salta, Argentina, in 1973, where she served as Principal Architect of the Commission for the Preservation of the Architectonic and Cultural Patrimony of the Historic City of Salta.
María is among the contributing authors of “Salta: IV Centuries of Architecture and Urbanism”, a landmark publication documenting the city’s architectural evolution, preservation, and restoration.
María has also developed an extensive practice in landscape architecture, integrating natural and built environments with sensitivity and craft. Throughout her career, María has worked in residential architecture in Salta, collaborating closely with her daughter, Valeria, until 2001. She rejoined her in California in 2019, continuing to share her insight and experience. María’s deep curiosity and meticulous approach to design allow her to understand projects from multiple perspectives — always seeking balance, beauty, and meaning in every detail.