EJL Atelier

EJL Atelier EJL Atelier is an architecture | design firm located in Daly City, California.

Founded by Edwina Jean-Louis, AIA, LEED AP a Haitian born architect with 15 years of experience who has worked for the most prestigious firms in New York and San Francisco.

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of watching    and   bring our Fog City Kitchen Renovation to life. A foggy day in Daly ...
04/27/2026

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of watching and bring our Fog City Kitchen Renovation to life. A foggy day in Daly City, and two earthquakes mid-shoot, made it unmistakably California.

Where light meets water 💧✨This children’s bathroom concept is inspired by the filtration and refraction of water—how it ...
04/17/2026

Where light meets water 💧✨
This children’s bathroom concept is inspired by the filtration and refraction of water—how it softens, shifts, and transforms as it moves. Layered blues, soft neutrals, and playful textures come together to mimic that gentle movement, creating a space that feels both calming and curious.
A little science, a little magic, designed for everyday wonder.

Charlie, our Chief Security Officer at EJL Atelier.Currently reviewing “Resident Dog — Incredible Dogs and the Internati...
12/26/2025

Charlie, our Chief Security Officer at EJL Atelier.
Currently reviewing “Resident Dog — Incredible Dogs and the International Homes They Live In” a thoughtful holiday gift from one of our clients.

Did I spend way too long staging this shot? Yes.
Did Charlie cooperate? Eventually.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from EJL Atelier. 🎄🐾

UXMAL — Learning from Ancient Master BuildersOn my recent trip to Mérida, I had the chance to visit Uxmal, one of the mo...
11/19/2025

UXMAL — Learning from Ancient Master Builders

On my recent trip to MĂŠrida, I had the chance to visit Uxmal, one of the most well-preserved Maya archaeological sites and an extraordinary example of how architecture reflects culture, climate, and cosmology.

What struck me most was the precision. Every proportion, every shadow line, every carved panel is intentional. Unlike many other Maya sites, Uxmal is built in the Puuc architectural style, known for its refined stone mosaics, smooth lower walls, and richly decorated upper façades. The control of light and ventilation, the understanding of structural rhythm, and the ceremonial urban layout all speak to a deep architectural intelligence.

The Pyramid of the Magician, with its unusual elliptical base, challenges the rigid geometries we often assume about ancient construction. The Nunnery Quadrangle, with its elevated courtyards and intricate iconography, is a masterclass in spatial hierarchy and the power of procession.

Standing there, I felt both humbled and inspired. Uxmal is a reminder that design is not only about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, climate, materials, and community rituals. As architects, we’re always looking forward, but places like Uxmal pull us back to foundational principles of proportion, craft, and meaning.

I left with a renewed appreciation for how architecture can hold culture across centuries.

Setting an Intention ✨In Mérida, at Casa de las Palomas, I was struck by the quiet beauty of history and modernity livin...
11/17/2025

Setting an Intention ✨
In MĂŠrida, at Casa de las Palomas, I was struck by the quiet beauty of history and modernity living side by side.
Even the Mayan numerals on the doors felt like a gentle reminder of culture carried forward.
It made something clear:

I want to design a hotel.

A place rooted in story, shaped with intention, and open to the world.
Here’s to the path unfolding.
— EJL ATELIER

Another community space at TNDC 125 Mason, the community room, designed to bring residents of all ages together. This li...
10/22/2025

Another community space at TNDC 125 Mason, the community room, designed to bring residents of all ages together. This light-filled space overlooks the children’s play area, creating a visual connection between generations. I explored two design directions: Option 1: A bold, full-height graphic wallcovering with abstract scribble lines, playful, creative, and full of energy. Option 2: A more subdued approach with a cityscape wallcovering below the existing chair rail, paired with painted walls above, warm, calm, and easy to maintain. Given that the building, constructed in 2008, has had some flooding issues, both options were developed with durability and longevity in mind. Which direction would you choose for this community space playful and full-height, or subtle and grounded?

This version shows an early idea for the 125 Mason lounge, floor-to-ceiling cranes surrounding the space in a gesture of...
10/20/2025

This version shows an early idea for the 125 Mason lounge, floor-to-ceiling cranes surrounding the space in a gesture of calm and continuity. I loved how it transformed the room into a peaceful retreat, echoing the garden outside. Later, I realized the building has a tendency to flood, so I adjusted the concept. Still, this image reminds me how ideas evolve through the realities of affordable housing design.

How do you give a Victorian a facelift… without erasing its history?Sunny day. Final punch walk in Duboce Park Historic ...
08/06/2025

How do you give a Victorian a facelift… without erasing its history?

Sunny day. Final punch walk in Duboce Park Historic District.

This Victorian beauty is getting a new balustrade, designed to match its original character. The owners used the Mills Act to help preserve their home, and I coordinated with the Planning Department to make sure every detail met both the Duboce Park Historic District Standards and the Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines.

A little history, a little design exercise… and a lot of charm.

Bonus: I stopped by Alamo Square to catch the Painted Ladies showing off in the sunshine.

If you had millions, Which Victorian would you pick?

When the electrician finished installing the light fixtures, he paused and said,“It’s like the sun in one room… and the ...
07/31/2025

When the electrician finished installing the light fixtures, he paused and said,
“It’s like the sun in one room… and the moon in the next.” 🌞🌚

Honestly? Nailed it.

These Arteriors pieces—the Glaze Sculptural Sconce and the Glaze Multipoint Flush Mount—were specified for adjacent spaces to create distinct moods, yet feel connected. One radiates warmth and grounding energy, the other glows softly, evoking calm and reflection.

Always inspired by how tradespeople experience the work we design. ✨
—
Lighting by
Design by

At Manzanilla Commons, the name “Manzanilla”, Spanish for olive, was chosen by the Fresno Housing Authority as a gesture...
07/18/2025

At Manzanilla Commons, the name “Manzanilla”, Spanish for olive, was chosen by the Fresno Housing Authority as a gesture of peace and connection to the community. Inspired by that spirit, I selected a soft floral vinyl wallpaper from to bring warmth and pattern to the kitchenette. While ceramic tile is often considered too costly for affordable housing, this wallpaper offers a layered, textural alternative adding character without compromising budget.

The Community Room. They’re where people gather.They’re where someone sits and feels safe, maybe for the first time in a...
07/17/2025

The Community Room. They’re where people gather.
They’re where someone sits and feels safe, maybe for the first time in a while.
They’re where design serves not ego, but community.

Earlier this year, Fresno Housing transformed a former motel just off Highway 99 into permanent housing for 81 formerly unhoused families and individuals. EJL Atelier had the honor of sourcing furniture for 31 units and, with the help of , outfitting the community room as well.

We also provided the interior finish palette, choosing colors and textures that feel both dignified and welcoming. Since art is often left out or added last, we specified a bold wallpaper that reflects the people who will be living in this community. For the paint colors we chose bright tones of a Fresno sunset, grounding the space in place, memory, and joy.

Design has the power to restore, reflect, and uplift, and we’re proud to play a part in spaces like this.

Twas the night before Christmas... architect edition! I wanted to bring some festive fun to my love for architecture, so...
12/24/2024

Twas the night before Christmas... architect edition!

I wanted to bring some festive fun to my love for architecture, so I worked with a little help to put a creative spin on the classic holiday poem.

To bring the story to life, I also created a series of sketches to go along with the poem. Spending time putting pen to paper reminded me of the joy in the simple act of drawing—one of the purest parts of the creative process. ✏️✨

As a one-person firm, every detail matters, from the poetry to the sketches. Hope you enjoy this festive take on the holiday season!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a “good site”! 🎅🏾

Address

2358 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
94114

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+16282838491

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