ME:LU
AB Design Studio, Inc.
ME:LU stands for Modular Expandable: Living Unit and is based on a concept of providing a housing module that can work for a single person, a family, or even a temporary work force while still exemplifying a lifecycle form of design. We have designed expandability and sustainability/re-use into our modular living unit by using a standard cargo container with identical openings. This allows for the containers to be reconfigured in various ways and added to the initial layout of two containers.
About the Entrants
Clay Aurell, AIA
Principal Architect
clay@aurellblumer.com
805.963.2100 office
Clay obtained a Bachelor of Architecture Degree at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and started his architectural career in Los Angeles. In Santa Barbara, Clay began working with two top award winning architectural design offices in the downtown area. During Clay’s time working with different architectural firms, he gained valuable experience in design, management and project delivery. Clay has a passion for Art, Photography, Graphics, Furniture Design, Technology and the future of Sustainable Design. Clay has traveled the world and he draws inspiration from his experience abroad when creating contexts for the many design projects he encounters.
Josh Blumer
Principal Architect
josh@aurellblumer.com
805.963.2100 office
Josh obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture from the University of Colorado at Boulder. After traveling and living in Europe, Josh gravitated to Santa Barbara and began his architectural career with an award winning Southern California architectural design firm. During this period he gained valuable experience in design, project management and construction. Josh has extensive experience in custom highend residential projects, and award winning commercial Tenant Improvement projects and is currently a board of trustees member in the Contemporary Arts Forum of Santa Barbara. His tenacity for design and imagery coupled with his artistic talent has made him an invaluable force in creating and communicating architecture and design.
Chris Halliday
Designer/Drafter
Christopher@aurellblumer.com
805.963.2100 office
Chris was raised in Ocean City, New Jersey and moved to Santa Barbara after graduating college at Northeastern University. While attending school, Chris participated in a study abroad program in Florence, Italy (SACI) and was able to travel Europe experiencing a variety of cultures and architecture. Prior to joining AB Design Studio, Chris held architectural internships in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston. Adaptive Reuse and Integrated Design are two aspects of architecture that Chris is particularly interested in pursuing throughout his career. Chris also enjoys graphic design, photography, and sustainable practices. When not at work, Chris is constantly looking for opportunities to explore his passion for the outdoors.
Schuyler Bartholomay
Designer/Drafter
schuyler@aurellblumer.com
805.963.2100 office
Schuyler is a Santa Barbara native. While working towards receiving her degree in Architecture from Cal Poly, SLO she was highly involved with the collegiate cycling team as an officer and racer. After graduating college she spent time traveling up the west coast of North America and throughout Europe. She has a strong interest in landscape architecture and urban design. She also enjoys traveling, camping, cycling and baking. She is currently working on balancing a schedule of getting her license and training for her first marathon.
Jason Schmidt
Intern
jdschmid@calpoly.edu
805.674.1133 cell
Jason is currently attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he is majoring in architecture with a minor in Construction Management. Jason is interested in pursing a career in architecture with a focus on adaptive reuse and modular design. Jason also has a strong interest in graphic design, photography, welding, and furniture design. In his free time, Jason enjoys spending time outdoors at the lake or up in the mountains.

