a r c h i t e c t u r e California s Unique Masterpieces The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Northern and Southern California Chapters Unite The State s Cultural Heritage By Kendra Boutell 72 CALIFORNIA HOMES
OPPOSITE The exterior of Chateau Carolands provides a stately presence in the suburban landscape of Hillsborough. Its Beaux Arts design reminds us of the past luxuries of a gilded age. ABOVE Filoli estate in Woodside was rendered in a fluid Georgian style by architect Willis Polk. The use of tiled roofs incorporated an element of California materials into the early 20th century country home. Photograph provided by Barbara Braun. From Hillsborough s masterpiece of Beaux-Arts classicism Carolands Chateau, to Santa Monica s Georgian Revival mansion Ocean House, the state of California has a unique architectural vocabulary. The Northern and Southern California Chapters of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) celebrates this great architecture through events, tours, education and lectures at various historic locations throughout the state. Recently, classically trained architect Allan Greenberg addressed the question Can Modern Architecture be Classical? to a large audience at the Carolands estate in San Mateo County. The South African born, Yale educated Greenberg has offices in New York, Greenwich and Washington, D.C. In his lecture he explored how the classical structure informed the work of modernists such as Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier. The attendees also enjoyed touring the interiors of the privately owned mansion, newly restored to their early twentieth century elegance. Not all architectural gems have fared so well over time. Sam Watters, author of Houses of Los Angeles is an expert on the transient nature of homes from LA s first Golden Age, 1885-1935. Last summer ICCA sponsored Watters illustrated talk on William Randolph Hearst s Ocean House which was held in its surviving guest house. DECEMBER 73
a r c h i t e c t u r e Built in 1929 in Santa Monica as a beach front Georgian mansion for his mistress Marion Davies, it was designed by architects Julia Morgan (the architect of Hearst Castle) and William E. Flannery. Complete with three guest houses for visiting Hollywood elite, most of it was demolished in 1956 to make way for a hotel. It is the loss of historical buildings like Ocean House that makes the ICAA so essential. The national non-profit organization has the mission of advancing the appreciation of the classical tradition of architecture and its allied arts. Drawing upon industry leaders, both Northern and Southern California chapters have a rich tradition. In San Francisco, the chapter was founded in 2004 by classical architects Morgan Conolly, Aaron Cook and Andrew Skurman along with designer Suzanne Tucker. Tucker a long time president, also serves on the national board. The current executive board is comprised of Sotheby s residential broker, Joseph Lucier as President, textile antiquarian Kathleen Taylor as Vice-President, showroom owner Greg McIntyre as Secretary and Treasurer Timothy Marks, partner of Tucker at Tucker & Marks. The Southern California counterpart was founded in 2003 by architect Marc Appleton, designer Suzanne Rheinstein and builder David Cohen of the I. Grace Company. It is now headed by architect Tim Barber as the president. Andrew Tullis of Richard Manion Architecture acts as Vice-President and Treasurer, while Erik Evens, architect and partner at KAA Design Group is Secretary. Barber views his involvement with fellow ICAA members as an unexpected benefit, What a surprise to find so many closet classicists in California. They really appreciate the design of classic and vernacular structures. And they love the builders, artisans and craftsmen that created them. The ICAA is uniquely positioned to offer a wonderful window of opportunity to the next generation. ABOVE Coldwater Canyon, Los Angeles. Gerard Colcord, Architect; Tom Boland, interior design. An example of what is called Colcord Country Colonial. Photograph by Peter Vitale LEFT Before the lecture at the Carolands the attendees gathered for a reception. From left: Suzanne Tucker, Allan Greenberg, Paul Gunther and Joseph Lucier. OPPOSITE Hillgrove in Los Angeles. Tim Barber, Tim Barber Ltd, Architect. Photograph by Karyn Millet. 74 CALIFORNIA HOMES
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a r c h i t e c t u r e These classicists have started a major force in the building industry. By opening the very best architectural heritage to tours, by teaching the design, and rendering the history that created these buildings, the chapters are reversing the recent starchitecture trend. Marc Appleton, a three term national board member and founding member of the Southern California Chapter, says, When I thought about the Southern California architecture I most admired, much of it had been created by classically trained architects. Through the efforts of ICAA young architects, designers and builders are carefully taught to create buildings that last, that complement their surroundings and that use local materials and labor. Tim Barber adds, How very green. For designer Suzanne Tucker adds, I see the Institute s greatest potential as serving an increasing number of students in today s world. They don t know what they aren t learning, what they aren t being taught, what the possibilities are until they ve had such exposure. The ICAA is uniquely positioned to offer a window of opportunity to the next generation the young architects, artists, artisans, and designers of the future. A beautifully proportioned, classical window, of course!, she concludes. C H 76 CALIFORNIA HOMES
ABOVE Mi Sueno, KAA Design Group Inc, Los Angeles. Photograph: Philip Clayton Thompson. OPPOSITE Southern California classical architecture enthusiasts outside of Ocean House s surviving guest house. Formerly a retreat for visiting Hollywood celebrities in is now the Annenberg Community Beach House and can be viewed by the public. DECEMBER 77