Our Story

SANDBOX is an award-winning, comprehensive design and engineering firm based in Truckee, California near Lake Tahoe. Originally founded in March of 2001, SANDBOX specializes in residential design, engineering, commercial improvements and interiors, with an affiliate interior design company, MOXIE, and an affiliate graphic design company, SDBX. Founded on the belief that our clients will benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach, our team of highly-talented individuals with diverse backgrounds brings a blend of perspectives and skills that keeps our work original and timeless.

While creating innovative design is a mantra at SANDBOX, serving our clients' needs is paramount. We strive to create spaces that enrich the lives of their owners — spaces that are aesthetically inspiring, highly functional, sensitive to the environment and finish on time and within budget. Together, these goals can only be achieved through thoughtful design, careful attention to detail and effective management of the process.

Designing and building a custom home is an intensely personal and sometimes daunting process — one that requires good working-relationships between all parties involved. At SANDBOX, we are professional, yet down-to-earth people with a sense of humor. We educate our clients on options then take the time to listen to their feedback. We encourage client involvement throughout the design process. Our in-house engineering capabilities provide a distinct advantage when translating the design into cost-effective construction methods. Having completed numerous successful projects, we have developed close relationships with regional planning agencies, community design review committees, as well as many fine contractors and suppliers in the area. All of this combines to make designing and building a home a smooth and fun process.

Our proven ability to provide a high-quality, creative product with superior client service has gained SANDBOX significant recognition in the Lake Tahoe area and beyond.

Awards, Publications and Accolades

TRPA, Best In Basin 2012, Residential Rebuild, Parker Residence

TRPA, Best In Basin 2013, Residential Rebuild, Parker Boat House

Tahoe Quarterly Magazine, Feb. 2014, Home of the Year Award, Parker Compound, Cover and more

Epic Life, Winter 2015-2016, “Seek Shelter,” pp. 102-103

Habitat, Spring 2016, “Elements of Surprise,” Cover & pp. 42-49

Mountain Living Magazine, Nov./Dec. 2017, “Truckee Transformer,” pp. 136-139

Mountain Living Magazine, August 2019, “Lakeside Allure,” pp. 138-143

California Homes, September 2019, “Natural Setting,” pp. 88-95

NAHB “Best In American Living 2017,” Platinum Award for Best Lakefront Retreat, Putnam Project

Tahoe Quarterly Magazine, Feb. 2017, Home of the Year Award, Hyman Family Compound, “Inspiration By Design,” Cover & pp. 107-114

Mountain Living Magazine, Mar./Apr. 2023, “Urban Fusion,” pp. 133-139

Mountain Living Magazine’s Top Architects & Designer’s List, 2018 – 2022

Tahoe Quarterly Magazine: More than 15 additional design awards and homes featured over the past 20 years!

Our Team

Scott Gillespie

Principal

Ryan Rominger

Architect

Jason Atwood

Engineer

Jason Pinard

Associate

Fred Deza

Associate

Luke Sherron

Luke Sherron

Associate

Kayla Giles

Associate

Silkin Corson

Associate