Think smaller. Space costs money to build and maintain, and most people live in a fraction of what they build. If you think you need 5,000 square feet, cut your wish list in half. Toss out the space you won’t use, and you might find that 2,500 is perfect.
We came across the above quote by Russell Versaci in the March/April 2009 edition of Southern Accents and were intrigued by the possibilities. Reducing the size of houses that we design is something we are interested in, especially as many of our clients begin to come to us with reduced budgets. Continue reading ‘Living Smaller’
Architectural Digest’s April 2009 edition has an article we think shows some truly generous architecture. Bernard Wharton exhibits a humility rarely found in our profession as he funds a community center in one of Nairobi’s many slums. He didn’t design it; he wouldn’t even let them name it after him…
“They wanted to name it the Bernard Wharton and Jennifer Walsh Building,” Wharton notes, “but we said absolutely not. That was never what it was about: It was about the Kenyan people, their traditions and future. We were there to assist and advise, not to put our stamp on anything—and, frankly, part of the problem with Africa is the people who’ve gone in and had to have their way.”
Props to Bernard Wharton and his wife. You can check it out online here.
Candoro Entrance
Garage
This little gem can be found in the small community of Vestal just across the river from downtown Knoxville. It was designed in 1923 by Charles Barber.
We are inspired by its simplistic beauty. The building has total command of its site. Look at the view down the entrance road through the alley of cedar trees, what an amazing, formal entry! The garage to the side is more of a Mediterranean style, while the front facade is Classical, yet they blend well. The intricate details in the stonework show that this came from the shop of some very skilled craftsmen.
Continue reading ‘Candoro Marble Works’
In their March/April 2009 issue, Southern Accents Magazine has a great article on how to work with an Architect. At the end of the article there is also a nice little section on Building character on a budget…a topic we hope to begin discussing here on A:T. You’ll have to pick up a copy on your next trip to the bookstore because, unfortunately, Southern Accents doesn’t have this article on the web.