July 6,2024:
SKETCHBOOK: WHAT’S NEW
Featured
Watercolor Adventures:
Many of you know I am fascinated with watercolor painting, and in particular the work of Thomas W. Schaller. In many of my zoom meetings here in Santa Ynez, CA his book, Architecture in Watercolor (which I purchased years ago), rests on the bookshelf behind me.
For years I thought this level of work was far out of reach, however my dear friend Art Alvarez, a very talented artist with a new studio in Solvang, CA, recently offered to tutor me and help me develop not only critical skillsets, but hopefully a style of my own. Art recognized that my comfortability with pen-and-ink sketching very naturally leads itself to the addition of watercolor washes and tonality, and is a near perfect balance of precision and detail against fluidity and suggestion.
His first homework assignment was for me to begin studying (vis. following) artists I felt drawn to; and Thomas was my first artist to follow. I’ll share more adventures with you as I delve further into this magical world of visualization.
NEW PAGES ADDED TO RESIDENTIAL
We’ve added a few pages to our Residential page, highlighting the YoungHouse (left), Raven Oaks (center), and Hilary projects (right). Each is stylistically quite different, but the fundamental adherence to our Core Beliefs and Design Tenets is unmistakable.
THE PRACTICE
Our practice was opened in 2004, and have developed a diverse portfolio of projects that explore a core set of beliefs and principles. Key among these is our emphasis on people; the notion that architecture is an art form dependent on human interaction and participation. We are often asked, “What kind of architecture do you do—residential, commercial…?” We are equally comfortable with all types of architecture, as our skills and interests transcend building types. We seek clients who appreciate quality space, value design, and participate in the process that is architecture.
ABOUT THIS WEBSITE…
Our portfolio is broadly divided into Residential, Commercial, KBOL (Kitchens, Baths, and Outdoor Living) and GeorgeStudio. For more about us and how we work, click on the About tab. Our blog page, Sketchbook, is an ever-changing repository of ideas and thoughts.
CORE BELIEFS
BEAUTY
Architecture remains for us the quest for beauty in the built environment.
PASSION
We have a passion for people and design, and delight in creating environments into which our clients can deeply connect.
QUALITY
Regardless of project size, we seek clients who appreciate the notion of quality, and value the efforts necessary to achieve it.
PROCESS
Design is a process, not an end result; it is dynamic and highly participatory. Participation is key to enriched experiences.
PRACTICE
Ours is a profession of perpetual learning and development, and continued exploration and experimentation.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
The notion of craftsmanship and discipline pervades all our principles and techniques.
COMMUNITY
Participation in the larger community is essential; volunteerism is a key tenet of our practice.
“Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.”