I received something in the mail recently that brought a huge smile to my face, and I think it will do the same for you.
You might have surmised that this means another BOOKLOOK and you would be correct. There are very few things that I enjoy more than receiving a surprise package. It’s the simple things in life, am I right? I received a parcel that contained the latest monograph from KAA Architecture, of whom, I am an enormous fan. I love their work, yes but I also consider Grant Kirkpatrick and Duan Tran likeminded, ideological compatriots. Both Grant and Duan have been on the show. I have spent a great deal of time with both and I will share something with you about talent, creativity and the willingness to extend ones comfort zone. KAA Design Group is a firm based on creative adventure. Based on solid fundamental principles of design and a joyful willingness to express new ideas. And you can hear their joy when they speak about what they do.
You now understand why I was giddy with excitement to flip through this weighty tome. Weighty it is and also jammed with both creative expression and fundamental expertise in the field of architectural design.
The book is entitled Residing with Nature. It contains an interview with Grant and Duan that is insightful and telling what is to come in the following pages.
They open with one of my absolute favorite KAA Design projects. TREE HOUSE based in La Jolla, CA. This home is an extraordinary example of masterful site planning. Dimension and topography are exquisite. The vegetation surrounds and infrastructure compliments the entire footprint of the site. The structure itself, concrete, wood and glass with a stunning Oak planted at the rear of the home also welcomes you upon arrival due to the size, scope and scale of the 300 year old specimen. Side note. As a woodworker, I love turning oak. I love working with oak because it’s grain is spectacular, with distinct rings and you can see the uniqueness from the inside, but also from the exterior as each oak tree is distinctly different in the growth pattern, gnarly bark and leaf clusters. This tree obscures some parts of the structure yet opens willingly to others for a high level of interest. this is what exceptional architects see and understand before a single form is built. This residence is exceptional in every way. This book gives the reader a look inside the thought process that led to its creation in image and carefully selected text. I imagine the same care went into every line drawn.
Another exceptional example of the true essence of the work lies in the Tower Grove residence. An exceptional example of site management combined with extreme engineering that makes this an absolute masterpiece in architectural design.
Both examples noted and throughout this entire book, you will find example after example of the symbiotic relationship explored, detailed and executed in the work of KAA Design. The book is available now, published by Rizzoli. Check the show notes for links to KAA, Rizzoli and to buy this book. I think if you are a fan of architecture, extraordinary design vision and sustainable building, you will love this as much as I do. Grant, Duan, well done. Congratulations.
Next up, some house cleaning and scatter shooting. Starting with updates, listen to the podcast for everything you need to know.
SOURCE: Internet week of April23
https://www.retaildive.com/news/high-end-appliance-retailer-pirch-chapter-7-liquidation-lawsuits/713981/
https://www.dwell.com/article/chris-pratt-katherine-schwarzenegger-demolished-craig-ellwood-zimmerman-house-and-the-internet-is-furious-176c7c46-093eaa4e
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/westedge-design-fair-brought-la-design-world-santa-monica
Under Construction; Building Communities with Purpose | 469 | WestEdge Wednesday No. Two
Drinking About Design No. One | 467 | A Journalist, Designer and Architect Walk into a Bar feat John McClain and Erik Peterson
UpCycled, Repurposed, Local and Fabulous Specifying and Sourcing Local | 466 | WestEdge Wednesday No. One
A Family Owned Company Putting Designers First for Over 65 Years | 465 | Mitch & Murray Altman + the 2023 Steam Shower Contest Winners
The Gratitude You Deserve | 463 | Putting A Bow on 2023
Change is Constant. Adapting to Your Creative Vision | 462 | Elisa Baran + A New BOOKLOOK feat. Homes By Byrd
Fearless and Faithful. Leaning In on Heritage and Trusting Her Talent | 461 | Rachel Moriarty
An Oasis of Design Love When it’s Needed Most | 460 | The Oasis Alliance
Sensational Tactile Creations that Loom Large in a Time of Renewed Artistic Appreciation | 459 | William Storms
Luxury Design for the Home Away From Home | 458 | Vacation Home Design from Alder & Tweed
Jewelry for the Home. The Beauty of Functional Art | 457 | Heath Wagoner of HW Studio
Reflecting on Summer Vibes and 4 Incredible Designers | 456 | Design Leadership LIVE from Design Hardware featuring; Lorena Pulichino, Jeanne Chung, Stephanie Hatten and Kim Colwell
Design Justice: How this Amazing Creative Traded A Law Career for Design, And Has Not Looked Back | 455 | Kevin Murphy
Design is to Be Enjoyed, Savored and Celebrated. It’s A Family Affair and They Do it Right | 454 | Nicole Forina
Following A Clear Path to Design Mastery | 453 | Helen Bergin
The Showroom featuring Pride of the ATL, A Masterful Design Team Crafting Incredible Hospitality Work| 452 | C+TC Design Studio
Kitchen and Bath Evolution | 451 | Tiffany Cassidy of Lagnappe Interiors on the Modern Kitchen and Bath Design
Architecture, Design and Exquisite Work Deep in the Heart of Texas and Beyond | 450 | Eddie Maestri
What is Design and Why Does it Matter | 449 | A Psychological Approach to Understanding the Design Industry
Superior Design is Like Your Favorite Playlist. Supreme Designers like | 448 | Jenn Feldman Capture that Same Energy
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