STUDIO SHIFT is a multidisciplinary architecture and design practice whose ethos derives from a commitment to progressive design and methodology, education and a belief that architecture can enhance individual and collective experience and quality of life. Established in 2004, the Santa Monica based firm evolved from a strong design sensibility with an interest in contemporary culture, architecture, and the urban environment providing a foundation for the work.STUDIO SHIFT has completed a substantial body of residential, commercial, cultural, educational and master planning work throughout the world. The firm brings extensive international experience to every endeavor having completed numerous projects across the United States, Asia and Europe. This substantial experience completing complex projects globally allows the studio to approach any project, regardless of type, scale or program with innovative and pragmatic solutions.STUDIO SHIFT's designs are inventive and expressive, emphasizing evocative spatial qualities and material experimentation. The firm produces architecture that responds effectively to the unique requirements of each client, site and program as well as the relevant social, cultural, and political context of a project.STUDIO SHIFT is committed to contributing to a contemporary social, cultural and political discourse through architecture, research, criticism and education. In addition to architectural practice, firm president Mario Cipresso maintains a teaching position at the University of Southern California and is editor of the popular online architectural resource, Death By Architecture (www.deathbyarchitecture.com), which he founded in 1995.