One of an emerging group of important young architects from Southern California, Steven Ehrlich explores the vitality of vernacular forms and spaces, the richness of texture and materials, and the generosity of spatial arrangements. Having studied and worked in Africa and Asia, Ehrlich fuses an anthropologist's understanding of culture with the principles of classical modern architecture. The result is a subtle reinterpretation of classical modernism that is socially responsive. In addition to residential projects, Ehrlich has designed artists' studios, film and animation production studios, libraries, a municipal gymnasium, and a wide variety of civic and commercial structures.