Should you ever have the pleasure of visiting the compact but growing portfolio of exquisite residential projects that Greg Faulkner and his small team have realized over the years, the drive would lead into picturesque and seemingly untouched landscapes of Northern California and the Lake Tahoe region of Western Nevada.
Nestled between pine trees, rocks, and steep cliffs, Faulkner Architects' residences and mountain retreats reflect the ruggedness of the embedding terrain with a bold material palette that makes confident use of weathered steel, reclaimed wood, and exposed concrete. Paired with a dedication to craft, regard to the vernacular, and careful site selection, the firm creates elegant, modernist jewels — one project at a time.
For this week's Studio Snapshot, Archinect connected with Greg Faulkner to learn about his design process, what drives material choices, and how he runs a team of seven from two locations.
Can you tell us how Faulkner Architects was founded?
After experience in a dozen or so offices, including Benjamin Thompson, Arrowstreet, and Kyu Sung Woo, it became obvious I should work directly with clients and a more singular voice in perspective.
Can you talk more about seeking out a more "singular voice?" Why is that important to you?
The voice is actually the work. Each project is part of a conversation we have with the world. It is critical the direction be continuous while enabling experimentation which informs the next project.
How many people are currently employed at Faulkner Architects?
Lucky 7!
How is your office of 7 structured?
I typically establish initial direction, and then we all contribute to the work.
Would you like to scale up and grow your team? What do you consider the ideal size for your practice?
Yes, we will need to grow somewhat but staffing at no more than 10.
What have been the biggest challenges starting and running your own practice?
The cyclic nature of the economy.
The site, be it urban or in the natural landscape, will tell us what to do. We listen.
You're based in two Northern California locations, Berkeley and Truckee. What are the biggest benefits and operational challenges in running two offices?
The largest benefit of the two locations is they provide access to an expanded market — the coast, mountains, and city are more readily accessible. The physical logistics of managing two offices can be challenging as it requires frequent travel between the offices, however, the forced change of perspective along with several hours to think is a potent environment for consideration of design.
Describe your work. How do you define your own unique style and approach?
The approach in our office is open and immersed in finding the constraints and potential attributes that inform the planned built place. The site, be it urban or in the natural landscape, will tell us what to do. We listen.
Relationships to the surrounding landscape are carefully considered, and site disturbance is limited through the intimate recognition of natural elements.
Your projects show a strong dedication to craft, materiality, detail, and site selection. Can you describe your process between client, builder, and you as the architect for a typical project?
Emphasis is placed on an interactive process between architect, client, and builder. Material choices and methods of construction are influenced by the existing conditions and resources found in each location. Relationships to the surrounding landscape are carefully considered, and site disturbance is limited through the intimate recognition of natural elements.
What do you want your firm to be known for?
Responsible, appropriate work.
Who have been some of your architectural inspirations throughout your architectural education and practice?
Alvar Aalto, Carlo Scarpa, and Peter Zumthor, who I met in Vals, Switzerland a few years back.
Where do you see your firm in 5 years?
We hope to maintain the small studio atmosphere of our practice while continuing to grow into other places.
Do you have a favorite project? Completed or in progress.
The next one!
What are you currently working on? Describe a design feature or detail that especially excites you.
A little house of 480 square feet, we call it the Mini Camper — it will be 100% prefabricated and delivered/installed to the site ready to live. We are building three so far: one in Sea Ranch, California, one in Healdsburg, California, and potentially one in Montana.
If you could describe your work/practice in three words, what would they be?
Process, connection, experience.
Alexander Walter grew up in East Germany with plenty of Bratwurst. He studied Architecture and Media Design at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Germany, and participated in foreign exchange programs with Washington-Alexandria Architecture Consortium in Alexandria, Virginia and Waseda University in ...
4 Comments
Wow, beautiful and refreshing work.
After seeing so much bad, hack stuff all the time, it's easy to get discouraged. This work is really good, and lifts the morale. Thanks for posting.
Dig this response "Responsible, appropriate work" as a statement of firm's/personal ethics, too.
Greg in one of the most talented and thoughtful Architect that I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with . Outstanding Work ! ! !
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