--- title: "SANDBOX — Building Designers and Drafters | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/sandbox-pfvwus-pf~847326690 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~847326690.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: SANDBOX category: ["Building Designers and Drafters"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d8338a9706318666_0604-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Truckee, California 96161, United States" latitude: 39.3385 longitude: -120.1729 phone: "(530) 583-8822" website: http://www.thesandboxstudio.com rating: 5 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 119 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # SANDBOX Original Houzz profile: [SANDBOX](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/sandbox-pfvwus-pf~847326690) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Building Designers and Drafters - **Location:** Truckee, CA - **Serves:** Truckee, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Colorado, Crystal Bay, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Utah - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Industry Research - Barometer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Published nationally SANDBOX is an award-winning, comprehensive design firm based in Truckee, California, near Lake Tahoe, with projects in California, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Montana and Colorado. SANDBOX specializes in residential design, engineering, commercial improvements and interiors, with 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 great 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 areas in which we work. All of this combines to make designing and building a project 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. ### Services Provided - 3D Rendering - Architectural Drawings - Building Design - Custom Homes - Drafting - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Green Building - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Home Remodeling - House Plans - Site Planning - Structural Engineering - Sustainable Design - Universal Design ### Areas Served - Truckee - Kings Beach - Tahoe Vista - Carnelian Bay - Colorado - Crystal Bay - Hawaii - Montana - Nevada - Utah ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | SANDBOX | | Address | Truckee, California 96161, United States | | Phone | (530) 583-8822 | | Website | http://www.thesandboxstudio.com | | Followers on Houzz | 119 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [SANDBOX](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/sandbox-pfvwus-pf~847326690) - **Website:** http://www.thesandboxstudio.com - **Phone:** (530) 583-8822 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Have received numerous design awards for a wide variety of projects over the past 15 years, with projects also featured in various publications. - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 19 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Jeff Brown, June 2019** > Sandbox is a first class operation and a market leader in designing many of the finest properties in Lake Tahoe. Scott and his team are quality people and have always taken greater care of their clients and colleagues. **★★★★★ — Jill Kaufman, June 2019** > Scott is an extremely talented and versatile architect. He listened to us very carefully, and offered brilliant suggestions, which culminated in a vacation home in Lake Tahoe that has incredible warmth and serious "wow factor". We loved his work (and working with him) so much, he is designing our primary residence in Clear Creek Tahoe. **★★★★★ — David Bugliari, Feb. 2019** > My wife and I recently renovated our home and hired Sandbox & Moxie to help us design and execute our dream plan. Our expectations were lofty, yet the friendly people at Sandbox exceeded our hopes at every turn. We have been involved in a few renovations in the past few years, working with Sandbox & Moxie almost made us forget about the pain of some of those past experiences. One of the things we constantly marveled at was the fast response time we received on any of our questions or concerns. We always got full explanations and suggestions that could alleviate extra costs instead of increasing them. On time, on budget and trustworthy. We could not recommend Scott, Debbie and their team at Sandbox & Moxie with any higher marks. **★★★★★ — HU-67596780, Dec. 2018** > Entire architectural design for 4000’ addition to mountain house. The design was impeccably appropriate to the existing structure using the finest materials available. Sand Box saw that the job was completed in a timely fashion and under budget. It was a pleasure working with the ultimate professionals! **★★★★★ — Stephen Blick, Dec. 2018** > We have built many custom homes. Scott Gillespie / Sandbox were the absolute best we've worked with. Initially they requested our input as to preferences and thereafter designed a home that went above and beyond our expectations, all while being sensitive to cost issues. **★★★★★ — Lisa, Oct. 2017** > We had a great experience working with Scott and his team at Sandbox. He designed a beautiful house for us in Martis Camp that met all of our needs. We enjoyed the process so much, we are using him for our primary residence as well! **★★★★★ — Mike Brody, Feb. 2017** > Scott/Sandbox acted as architect for the design of my home at Martis Camp. I couldn't have been more pleased. A number of difficult issues arose along the way, and I always felt that Scott was on my team, and worked hard to find prompt and sensible solutions. I love my house, in great part thanks to Scott. **★★★★★ — Structerra, Inc., Nov. 2015** > I am the Owner of a home building company, providing construction services to custom home clients throughout the Tahoe region. I’ve been fortunate to work with SANDBOX on at least a dozen projects over the past few years, including everything from an elaborate multi-structure lakefront development down to a simple garage addition. I have truly enjoyed the relationship and appreciate the commitment SANDBOX makes to each and every project. > > From the construction perspective, I’ve always found their drawings/designs to be very clear and complete, and whenever a question does arise, the staff is especially accessible and cooperative (and really friendly, too!). In particular, their having an in-house engineer has been an invaluable resource for my field crew, making it very efficient to reconcile all angles of the structural drawings. > > Personally, I see the total commitment Scott makes to his firm and their clients, and it’s no wonder that his projects are such successes and the clientele is so strong. Scott has a great deal of personal charisma and character, and has terrific talent as an architect, skillfully designing a variety of projects from cutting-edge contemporary to mountain classics that truly capture the essence of Tahoe. SANDBOX homes are meticulously well designed and optimized to fit seamlessly into the specific site for which they are intended. > > I would gladly (and strongly!) recommend the talents of Scott and his firm to anyone in need of a highly competent design firm that does a quality job, efficiently well. Working with them is always a pleasure, and I am in no doubt that any project would derive immense benefits from making SANDBOX part of their project team. **★★★★★ — Marty Putnam, Nov. 2015** > Scott and his team at Sandbox exceeded our expectations. They designed a gorgeous lakefront home for us, and provided excellent professional guidance throughout the entire process. > Sandbox was extremely easy to work with, they listened well and responded timely; > which proved to be very valuable in completing our project on time. **★★★★★ — Wyatt Ogilvy, Nov. 2015** > We always enjoy working with Scott Gillespie and the Sandbox team. A collaborative approach and understanding of local code nuances results in well-designed, successful projects. Their professionalism and responsiveness ensures the entire team meets key deadlines to deliver on client expectations. **★★★★★ — User, Nov. 2015** > Sandbox Studios is the greatest. Scott Gillespie has great talent and is excellent with details and a good guy, too. **★★★★★ — Denice Gant, Nov. 2015** > The Sandbox staff and Scott Gillespie are outstanding! Scott spent many hours at our lot to develop a design that would maximize the beauty of our land while delivering the design elements we discussed. He exceeded our expectations in in designing our dream family mountain retreat! > > Scott truly became our trusted advisor and has guided us through this complex process in areas such as: design approval, surveying, engineering plans, interior design, GC selection and financing. He's gone well above and beyond the services we retained his firm to perform. > > The Sandbox team is collaborative, creative, flexible and detail oriented. It seems obvious to us that the various industry trades want to work with the team at Sandbox as they are viewed as the best and most reputable projects in the area. > > We feel fortunate that we have a Sandbox designed home. It's been incredibly fun to work with Scott and team and we believe there is a level of prestige and value to our property that it is a Sandbox designed home. ## Selected projects - [Aspen Family Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aspen-family-retreat-pj-vj~7209570) - Location: Aspen, CO - Photos: 24 - Description: Custom 4,840 SF Mountain Farmhouse located in Aspen, Colorado. Featured on the cover of Mountain Living March/April 2023 issue. - [Clear Creek Tahoe Homesite \#252](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clear-creek-tahoe-homesite-252-pj-vj~7209599) - Location: Carson City, NV - Photos: 25 - [Morningstar at Tuhaye](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/morningstar-at-tuhaye-pj-vj~7209611) - Location: Kamas, UT - Photos: 33 - [The Parker Family Tahoe Lakefront Compound](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-parker-family-tahoe-lakefront-compound-pj-vj~2324759) - Location: Tahoma, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Spectacular award-winning lakefront compound on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in CA with a Main House, Guest House and Boat House, all by SANDBOX. - [The Gillespie-Thaler Lahontan Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-gillespie-thaler-lahontan-residence-pj-vj~2324775) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Custom 3500 square foot Mountain Traditional home on golf course and pond in Lahontan. Clad in native Sierra Granite and Reclaimed wood, with abundant glass and outdoor living for a strong connection to the beautiful setting. - [Mountainside Northstar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountainside-northstar-pj-vj~1733011) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: Named “Monte Stella”, this slope-side sanctuary is a chiseled example of contemporary mountain architecture. Monte Stella is a ski-in beauty built in M25, part of the Mountainside at Northstar development, in Truckee, CA. Refined industrial and rustic touches come together in an elegant presentation of Tahoe style. Steel infrastructure allows for oversized windows and the taking in of panoramic Martis Valley and Pacific Crest views from this mountainside perch. This home is full of exclusive cus… - [Gooseneck Lake Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gooseneck-lake-retreat-pj-vj~2773153) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: A wonderful Lahontan home, by SANDBOX, sits on the water, with spectacular views, open floor plan, and a great connection to the outdoors, with abundant glass and outdoor terrace areas. - [Martis Camp Mountain Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/martis-camp-mountain-contemporary-pj-vj~2773196) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Stunning 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath 'mountain contemporary' home in Martis Camp on a private forest lot, complete with Billiards Room, Workout Room, Office, Theater, Bar, dramatic custom stair, Rec Loft, multiple decks, patios, fireplaces, spa and more! - [Martis Camp Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/martis-camp-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~2773015) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Delightful 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath 'modern farmhouse' in Martis Camp, including Bunk Room, Den and Office. Clad in gray barnwood, with black windows and light, painted finishes inside, the home strikes a harmonious chord. - [Farmhouse Style in the Sierras](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-style-in-the-sierras-pj-vj~2642101) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: This lovely custom home in the Lake Tahoe area was built at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with panoramic valley views. Built for a growing family, rustic design nods at farmhouse spirit and brings coziness + comfort to this spacious home. - [The James Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-james-guest-house-pj-vj~2331231) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Wonderful Mountain Contemporary 2 bedroom/2 bath guest home by SANDBOX in Martis Camp, Truckee, CA - [Martis Camp \#329](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/martis-camp-329-pj-vj~2345988) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Stunning 3,250 square foot mountain contemporary home by SANDBOX in Martis Camp, California. - [The Putnam Lake Tahoe Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-putnam-lake-tahoe-residence-pj-vj~2331260) - Location: Carnelian Bay, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Spectacular rustic lakefront mountain lodge by SANDBOX, overlooking Lake Tahoe. - [Stylish Haven in Truckee](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stylish-haven-in-truckee-pj-vj~2135502) - Location: Truckee, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This lovely home in Lahontan in Truckee is the perfect example or rustic meets contemporary. There are plenty of reclaimed wood details throughout keeping the style fitting to the mountain setting. Yet, simple angles and expansive rooms feel fresh and airy. One of our favorite details is the peek-a-boo wine room. [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/sandbox-pfvwus-pf~847326690) ## Community Q&A **Q: What color are the cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the grey color of the cabinets. Would like to know what the name of the color is and brand it is? A: Thanks for your positive comments. Unfortunately, I no longer have this color info. It was spec-ed by another designer at the time. **Q: What is the stain used on the exterior logs?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the brand and color stain used on the exterior logs? A: Sorry - this was a very long time ago. I no longer have this info. **Q: Are there pictures of the interior?** *(in Photo Questions)* A floor plan would also be helpful. Would like to build something like this for my lake house. A: I am sorry, but I am not sure I understand. We own the copyright to the plans. Email us directly via our website if you want to discuss further. Thanks. **Q: Hi! I love this house so much, I’m using the photos for inspiration!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me where I can find the metal panels used on the front exterior, please? Thank you so much! A: Thanks for your kind words about our work! The panels are custom cut, hot-rolled steel. Any metal fabricator should be able to supply them. **Q: LOVE THE LIGHT WHITE CHANDELIER AND ALSO THE PENDANTS OVER THE KITCHEN** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you share the brand of the white chandelier and also the pendants over the kitchen island ( not in that photo from that site, saw the phot on one kind design ) they are black and they looks like twigs A: I am sorry, but I no longer have this info. **Q: dining room - how can i find these chairs?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I am sorry, but these were owner purchased, so we do not have this info. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*