I guess you could say my career as an architect began with the building of tree forts and shelters out of scrounged boards and nails taken from abandoned broken lemon boxes during my childhood. Six years of classical piano lessons during this same period did not immediately translate to pleasing rhythm and design in my childhood construction projects. But I do believe my passion for music comes from the same inner source and as my love for architectural design.

Perhaps nature is the mysterious source of this love I have for music and design, "nature" being the beauty of the natural world as well as the inner nature of my Being. Cypress trees shaped by the ocean wind, a grove of redwoods that reach for the heavens, and valley oaks that sprawl out for the sun in golden fields are all inherently beautiful. Each tree has evolved over time to take a form that is best suited for its particular environment. We sense the rightness of this in the core of our being and it moves us emotionally, aesthetically.

As in nature, the house design must, above all, function well. I believe there is inherent beauty in a form shaped by its function. Living areas should open up to outdoor living areas on the sunny side, yet be protected from the wind. Circulation patterns among living spaces should be efficient, well thought out. Bringing in ample natural light, particularly during the winter months, is very important. Automobile circulation and parking areas should be out of sight as much as possible yet be convenient. What is interesting is that as I attempt to put this puzzle together tempered by structural constraints of gravity and earthquake forces an attractive form often evolves on it's own. When I see this I can play with window sizes and patterns and other design elements to refine the design. Symbolic shapes that affect us emotionally such as gables and arches can also be important design elements.

To summarize I would say that my architectural designs tend to be organic in nature, yet be strongly influenced by the aesthetic tastes of my clients as can be seen from the diversity of designs in my portfolio.