Trailblazer
Robert Thibodeau has been shaping the architectural identity of Venice Beach for nearly three decades. As founder and principal of DU Architects, a firm he established in 1995, Thibodeau brings a thoughtful, context-driven approach to residential and commercial design, blending modernist principles with a deep sensitivity to site and community.
Originally from Berkeley, Thibodeau moved to Venice in 1989 to pursue graduate studies at SCI-Arc. The school, founded by Ray Kappe in 1972, had quickly become known for its experimental curriculum and maverick faculty. At SCI-Arc, Thibodeau studied under architects like Thom Mayne, Craig Hodgetts, and Robert Mangurian—visionaries whose influence would stay with him throughout his career. These mentors instilled a fearless curiosity and a belief that architecture could (and should) challenge convention.
The intellectual energy of SCI-Arc extended beyond the classroom into the streets of Venice, where the cultural milieu was equally stimulating. For Thibodeau, choosing to stay in the neighborhood after graduation was about more than convenience; it was about belonging to a creative community that lived and breathed design. Over the years,
DU Architects has contributed significantly to Venice’s evolving landscape, crafting spaces that reflect both the neighborhood’s past and its future.
Whether designing homes that embrace natural light and ocean breezes or commercial spaces that support local business and culture, Thibodeau remains committed to architecture as a tool for enriching everyday life. His work reflects a passion for California modernism, a belief in architecture’s social role, and a deep respect for the power of place.