Archinect - The Architecture Critic

What Makes Residential Architecture Extraordinary in the 21st Century?

2016-10-04T16:20:06-04:00

In 1952 Frank Wynkoop, a renowned school architect, decided to build his own Mid-Century dream out on the rocks on Carmel’s Scenic Drive. Known worldwide as the ‘Butterfly House’, this residence was state of the art in its day. Frank was my grandfather, and today I continue his legacy as a designer here in Carmel-by-the-Sea. If Frank’s home was mid-century perfection in 1952, then what does the perfect home look like for today? Where does one begin? What elements and concepts should be considered? Every designer formulates his or her own design criteria based upon experience, talent, education, vision, inspiration and ability. My top 15 are:

Siting: It all begins with the way you situate the home on the property. Just as the Butterfly House appears to have been born on those rocks, your new home should rise organically from your conditions, with close attention to the forces of nature present.

The Approach: The yard and its first impression should reflect the reality or our ar...

Driving Profits Through Architecture

2016-06-03T13:17:28-04:00

Driving Profits Through Architecture

In the late 20th century corporate leadership elevated the human resource department to a corporate leadership level. Intuitively realizing the vast profit center that exists in human potential. HR was the answer in how to engage employees at a visceral level, and with a two way track of feedback to the corporate office, it seemed like ‘the’ solution. This may still be the internal answer, but in the 21st century the external solution all starts with your structure.

Architects design structure, but more than just buildings it is all inclusive. Architects are thought leaders by training. They study sociology, science, engineering, art, history and are on the leading edge of thought in technologies, or are left behind. Why is this important? Because every business incorporates, at some level, all of these factors. As an example let’s examine an open letter to the McDonald's Corporation:

Dear McDonald's Corporation,

As a frequently busy executive, ...