Hey ~ we’ll get straight to the meat with this one. It’s Thanksgiving weekend and I’m having a wonderful time down in Macon, GA. Enjoying the season with the extended family and soaking in the beautiful weather. As with a lot of family get-togethers though, some of the conversations have settled in around current events. All the basic junk that you hear over and over. Kind of a steady drumbeat of a bleak outlook. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Authentic Design’ Category
Charge On!
Posted in Authentic Design, Thoughts, Well Composed, tagged Atlanta, Design Matters, Front Porch Custom Homes, Well Composed on November 23, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
The Source Of Character
Posted in Authentic Design, Thoughts, Well Composed, tagged Architecture, Design Matters, Ruard Veltman Architecture, Well Composed on November 11, 2012 | 2 Comments »
The other day I wrote a post about an amazing home that we had a chance to explore and about the conversations that subsequently developed surrounding the “Character” of the home. How it primarily goes back to the level of thought that is put forward into the formation of the project. As I think about it a little bit more though, there is another piece of the puzzle that is worthy of consideration. You see, after that evening, a friend of mine sent me a link of a North Carolina Architectural firm, who he has been following, showing off some of their spectacular work.
Highlights From The Home On The Hill
Posted in Authentic Design, Events, Well Composed, tagged Architecture, Atlanta, Howard Design Studio, ICA&A, Laura Dupree on November 9, 2012 | 5 Comments »
Well… all I can say is, I hate it that you missed this one. What an amazing home to run through.
Evening was falling; and yet, the entire crew was converging fast. Filled with anticipation. Darting through Atlanta’s traffic with a single purpose in mind. I knew that we would have a great turn out, but, I was truly impressed when I turned the corner onto Andrews Drive at 5:58 only to find it already throughly lined. The only thing more impressive was the stature of the Home with every window lit as it sat in the backdrop of a heavily wooded lot. Our hosts, the team of Dawn Mullins at Harry Normans, were wonderful. They took care of everything. Even providing chauffeuring services, escorting attendees up the lengthy cobblestone driveway.
Having being dropped at the foot of this masterpiece, we began to soak it all in.
Here’s A Twofer
Posted in Authentic Design, Events, Tributes, Well Composed, tagged Architecture, Atlanta, ICA&A, Well Composed on November 6, 2012 | 2 Comments »
Well ~ It’s that time of year. The holiday season is upon us and a ton of cool events are comin’ down the pipes. Stay plugged in here and I’ll feed you as many as I can.
Let me start out these postings with one of my favorite groups: The Insitute of Classical Architecture and Art.
The other week, we had a guest lecture and book signing from the lendendary Gil Schafer at one of Atlanta’s most prominent architect’s personal home. Instead of going on and on with this one, I think I’ll just shut up and let the photos speak for themselves. (more…)
More Than Words Can Express
Posted in Authentic Design, Interior Views, Thoughts, Tributes, Well Composed, tagged Atlanta Architecture, Castro Design Studio, Design, Design Matters, Well Composed on October 28, 2012 | 9 Comments »
You know I love architecture. I live for it. I suppose that most people get that about me. (Hopefully, not to the point of bordering on excessive / just to be seen as a genuine passion). That’s certainly why I do what I do. Whether restoring an older home back to it’s original beauty or bringing a new one up out of the ground to stand on its own, I love witnessing the nature of the home as it is revealed. To me, exceptional architecture and design transcends the visual. It reaches deep down into one’s soul and attaches to the very essence of our being. It is something that we can connect to and relate to. It calms us and generates a true heartfelt joy. When done well, it is something that you feel at the very core of who you are.
That is why when I saw these photos of a project by Castro Design Studio float across Facebook, I knew that I would have to share them. This Home simply exudes perfection which translates into pure comfort. I hope you enjoy. (more…)
ICAA / Bobby McAlpine / And, an Amazing Evening ~ The Follow Up…
Posted in Authentic Design, Events, General, Thoughts, Well Composed, tagged Design Matters, ICA&A, McAlpine Tankersley, Well Composed on June 10, 2012 | 3 Comments »
First, to the Home.
McAlpine Home
Living Room
Dining Area
The Kitchen ~ part 1
The Kitchen ~ part 2
The Master
Her Bath, and yes, there was a His
Covered Patio ~ part 1
Covered Patio ~ part 2
The Pool!!!
So Cool!!!
Once again, the ICAA knocks it out of the park. This time with a guest lecture (for members only) by McApline Tankersly’s own Bobby McAlpine. The location was in a Home of one of his few Atlanta projects. Even though it’s tucked away in the heart of Buckhead, I’ve driven past it many times and always wanted to check it out first hand. Before actually attending the event though, I had in my mind that this was going to be a piece about architecture and style. However, afterwards, I think I’ll take it in a little bit of a different direction.
You see, this was an experience. Probably because everybody there knew each other and the setting was real comfortable, but, this was no ordinary lecture. Not in the least. Bobby’s approach was very candid and he had everybody absolutely captivated. And that means a lot considering that there were so many talented folks in the room.
He started out by telling of his childhood. Born the son of a mill manager in rural Alabama. Playing in one “dirt lot” after another. Until one day, when he was still quite young, he looked around and recognized that this was “not his world” … and then he sought out to find it.
He then relayed an anecdote about how a turn of the century business tycoon was about to make the speech of his career when he was tapped on the shoulder, only to be notified that his long time office manager had passed away. Afterwards, as the partners tried to come up with a proper eulogy for this lady and everyone was stuck with nothing to say, he announced that “She was born in 1888 in a barn, died in 1932 in a prestigious Manhattan highrise office…She was an astronaut.”
I love that!!!
He then began to take us through a stream of projects. Typical of presentations like this. Yet, his was full of color. Kind of the inside story. But, what caught me was that he was both humble and bold. What an amazing combination. Certainly the traits that I would love to develop more of in my own character.
When he wrapped things up, he hung around to greet everyone individually. Spending a considerable amount of time with anyone and everyone. A line formed to meet with him. This to me was the most valuable point of the evening. I found a few of his past students who were not standing in line like the rest, but, who were recalling stories of spending time in his classroom. You see, Bobby went back to Auburn University after he had established his own firm and taught for 9 years. These guys said that he was like no other. They spoke of the field trips they took to his current projects looking at things from a completely different perspective. (None of the other professors at the time had their own firm or projects). They talked about how he would let them try things their own way and then, after they had taken it so far, step in and show them a completely different way of “seeing” things. They spoke of how he would take to the ones who “truly got it” and commit the time to train them and develop them into a superstar of their own right. Absolutely cool. I am such a fan of the whole principle of mentorship and apprenticeship and it appears that he lived it.
Thanks to all for a wonderful evening,
All my Bests
Kyle
Amazing!
Miraculously Saved
Posted in Authentic Design, Thoughts, What is Composed, tagged Design Matters, Harrison Design Associates, Lake Burton, Lake Living, Trewin Homes, Well Composed on May 20, 2012 | 2 Comments »
The craziest thing happened to me the other day. I was a little early to a committee meeting that was being held in a local architectural firm’s office so I took my seat at the conference room table hoping to catch up on some e-mails when an amazing photograph caught my eye. You see, this Home has been one of my family’s favorites for years. It had stood out as a crowning jewel on the waters. {My wife will tell you that it had been her favorite first and that I just merely stole it ~ but, don’t believe this, it’s completely untrue}.
Lake Burton Masterpiece
Sorry ~ I took these photos back in 2010 (before I started blogging and before I understood the importance of conveying a story through photography) and I totally missed the boat house.
Side View!
Just the other weekend, we were talking about how we wished we knew who had designed such a beautiful Home. And then, there it was. Hanging on the wall of Harrison Design Associates. Turns out, this was a project in which Greg Palmer and Bulent Baydar had worked on together back in the mid ’90s. Bulent happened to be in the office at the time and so he came up to give me the skinny. The home was also one of his favorites, but, he shared with me the challenges they faced especially with restoring the existing boat house to conform with current lake regulations. And, I’m thrilled that they didn’t relinquish the fight one bit. For most us who frequent the lake, we have come to love the way this beauty stands out proud on the point as you turn the corner to get to Anchorage.
After the Storms
Then the storm of 2011 plowed through. A miserable tornado, reaping havoc and crushing everything in sight. Coming up Wildcat and Moccasin Creek jumping over to the open channel, picking up speed, and then pounding the point of these banks head on before tearing all the way down to the marina. You’ll notice that both of the homes to the left are completely gone as well as the one to the right.
There’s the Boat House
In some unbelievable manner, this home was miraculously saved. Incredible! Maybe it was due to superior design. Maybe it was particularly well-built. Maybe she was just lucky ~ lucky beyond belief. Or maybe, just possibly, it was spared on pure beauty alone.
We may never know, I’m just absolutely thrilled she’s still around!
All my Bests,
Kyle
Which one would you pick?
Posted in Authentic Design, Thoughts, Well Composed, What is Composed, tagged Architecture, Atlanta, Design Matters, McAlpine Tankersley, Peter Block Architecture, Trewin Homes, Well Composed on May 14, 2012 | 7 Comments »
I Love to find patterns. Patterns in the marketplace. Patterns in emerging developments. Patterns in people’s behaviors. The crazy thing is though, so often I fail to see any of the patterns in my own life. While driving from one project to another last week, I began to connect a few of the dots. You see, I’ve never considered myself to be defined by one single architectural style. In fact, I can find beauty in a home regardless of being a part of any particular vernacular. I’ve adored some Greek Revivals. Pined over the beach cottage bungalow. Respected true southern estate homes. And, revered the English Country Manor. But lately, I find myself piling up a collection of similarly styled homes while trying to articulate my own future Dream Home.
Some of these you may recognize from previous posts. Check out here, here and here.
McAlpine Tankersley Masterpiece
McAlpine Tankersly Masterpiece
Peter Block Beaut
While these are relatively famous, there are others that consistently distract me as I shoot around town.
Brookhaven Baby!
Hidden on Blackland
Such Subtle Style
Now this one is quickly becoming my favorite.
So Perfectly Situated
A Pure Delight
Everything about this home is just simply comfortable. I love the low roof lines, the beautifully shaped dormers, the offering of the shaded recesses, the strength and refinement of the masonry and the mixture of both colors and textures. And then there’s the magnificent landscape…so well taken care of. For me, the home states to the world that you’ve made it and yet you have the least little desire to flaunt it. The whole ensemble makes me feel at ease.
I think if you wanted to get technical, each of these homes would fall into the category of the French Country genre. labeling them though, is not much of a concern to me. What is of interest is that there is a common thread running through the entire collection. It is the way they make me feel. Perfectly at peace. Now that’s how I want to spend my days.
All my Best,
Kyle
Well Worth the Ticket
Posted in Authentic Design, Events, Well Composed, tagged Architecture, Atlanta, Atlanta Symphony Decorators Showhouse, Phillip Trammell Shutze, Trewin Homes, Well Composed on May 4, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Hey All ~ Quick post here about an outstanding event that I went to last Thursday evening. It was the Atlanta Symphony Associations Decorators Showhouse. These are always incredible tours, not only because of the unsurpassed talents of the participants involved, but also, because of the spectacular venues which they are able to showcase. And this one was nothing less than amazing. We were lucky enough to actually have a private guided tour put on by the ICA&A and led by none other than Jonathan Lacrosse. If you want to get the skinny on anything pertaining to Atlanta Homes, History and Heritage, go to Jonathan. It’s incredible how much he knows about the Icons, the family’s, the stories and the legends that went into the formation of this fine city.
This Home, originally designed in 1929 by none other than Phillip Trammell Shutze, is affectionately known as Knollwood. In reality, it would be better to refer to her as Knollwood II. James L. Dickey Sr., an early Atlanta business giant, bought approximately 400 acres here and had several buildings constructed on the property. Could you imagine, 400 acres right off of West Paces Ferry Road, a stones throw from the downtown. Crazy. Over the years though, pieces of the land were broken off and subsequently changed hands. Mostly from friend to friend (I love that…shame that it somehow seems to have faded away with the years). In 1911, William Kiser took ownership of about 18 acres of the land and the former version of Knollwood. He elected to have the original “summer house” demolished and began establishing the plans for his families dream Home.
Now, on with the tour.
Approach from Woodhaven Road
An aspect common to signature Shutze site planning, is to have the driveway sweep through the landscape, often approaching from the rear of the Home, winding around the side to a comfortable drop zone in the front, allowing every side there a share of character and dignity. Often making it difficult to distinguish the true front from the rear.
First Stop…Headed to the Garden
Thought the kids would love this shot
Gotta Love a Great Gate
Ahhh, the gardens. That’s good stuff.
Cabana
View back toward the Home
And the Pool.
If you zoom in, you will notice the molded brick surround on this side facade. No lack of detail here.
Venturing into the side yard
I love to explore…
Gazebo
Cool
Limestone Chairs
Very Cool
Not bad.
Wow!
And then; there’s the limestone porte cochere…Incredible!!!
Yep, evey piece of the ensemble is limestone. Really, really, really Cool.
I would love to share with you some photos from the interior, but, out of respect for the ASA Show House team and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle Magazine, who will be running a future piece on the designer spaces, I’ll refrain. It is something else though. As you could imagine, a tremendous effort was made through the design process for transforming each of these interior rooms without compromising the integrity of the original design intent.
The tour will be open up until May 13th, so if your looking for a great Mother’s Day idea, don’t say I never gave you anything. Or, if you just want a chance to take in the sites of a true Atlanta landmark, check it out before the opportunity is gone forever. Certainly well worth it.
All my Best,
Kyle
Spring, Spitzmiller, APC and The Grant Mansion
Posted in Authentic Design, Events, Well Composed, tagged Architecture, Design Matters, Historic Restorations, Spitzmiller and Norris, Trewin Homes, Well Composed on March 24, 2012 | 2 Comments »
What a magnificent day this Saturday turned out to be. It started with some good times, hanging out with the tennis crowd and capturing a swift victory. It wasn’t me though. I think I need to give almost all of the credit here to Ted. {Who, by the way, runs an exceptional company called North Georgia Windows. If you ever need to get some windows replaced, give Ted a call. His standard for business is above the mark; something that we should all try to apply to our lives…focus on the good, leave all of the bad junk behind, treat people well and always do what you say you’re going to do. This is a solid operation through and through}. After that though, I shot home, got changed and headed downtown for (more…)
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