In discussion with James DeKoven in August 2003:

WHY DID YOU BECOME AN ARCHITECT?
When I was a child I found myself drawing nothing but buildings. I don't know why really, but buildings, especially houses and how people lived, were very interesting to me. I used to wait after school for my father in his medical office by sitting at his big desk and drawing a building for him. Once, when I was eight years old, I held up the "drawing du jour" to him and his patient asked, "Are you going to be an architect?" It was the first time I heard the word! From that point on, I would tell people very matter of factly that I was going to be an architect.

I am an architect simply because I have great passion for Architecture and could not be happy doing anything else.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE?
It pulls upon so many different and varied skill sets: design, psychology, science, music, mathematics, art, sculpture and the environment.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WEREN'T AN ARCHITECT?
I have often thought that in my next life I would dedicate myself to being a sculptor or musician.

DO YOU HAVE AN ARCHITECTURAL STYLE YOU FOLLOW?
No. A style is a set of repeated historical elements. I see no benefits to my clients to copying the past and importing a false style for them. Clients often ask if they have to choose a style. I tell them that there are as many types and styles of Architecture as there are Individuals. Each client makes their own style based on their needs and personalities. It is a journey we take and both client and architect end up somewhere unexpected.

IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW A STYLE, DO YOU HAVE AN ARCHITECTURAL PHILOSOPHY?
I firmly believe that a building should follow three simple principles: that it be INDIVIDUAL so that a unique design is created for each unique client; that it be ECOLOGICAL so that we take responsibility for the materials and systems we place into the building to protect our natural resources; and finally, that it be ORGANIC such that the design grows based on the needs and functions of the site and program.

I am continuing the tradition of "Organic Architecture" founded by Frank Lloyd Wright. Each project is a new set of issues and problems to solve. Each project has its special challenges.

WHY DO YOU FOCUS ON HOUSES?
I have designed stores, restaurants, schools, furniture and offices. While all are exciting and challenging, I find houses to be the most intimate and personal. What I really do is listen to the desires and dreams of my clients and translate them into something that can be built. What I am designing, really, is experience. A house holds more potential experiences than any other building type.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN DESIGNING A HOUSE?
There are so many people involved in the process of designing a house, the hardest part is getting agreement among the people that will be living there. My process causes people to question how they live and how they wish to live. It is a process of enlightenment and can be difficult at times. It is also always very rewarding.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
I was always interested in the environment in some level. As a child, I think I spent more time in the air climbing trees than I was on the ground! Nature was always an inspiration. My commitment to environmental design is a natural extension of this love. About three years ago, I just got to the point where I could no longer build and not take responsibility for what I was helping to create.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNATURE FEATURES OF YOUR PROJECTS?
In each project I look for the problems that may not be so obvious. At the beginning, it is easy to see the main problems: the client needs a house with x-number of bedrooms, x-number of bathrooms, et cetera. But I like to dig deeper and find problems the client was not aware of. Very often it is our creative solution to these special problems that make the design special. The search for problems is as important as the solution itself.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I am firmly committed to education. I meet with students and interns and inspire them about design. I read constantly and stay aware of the latest advancements in materials, ecology and forms. This is a great time to be alive. So many wonderful things are occurring and we have only just begun to explore the possibilities.

I love music and it is always around me. I tend to sing (to myself) and disturb those around me. The people in my office are always commenting about it! I love sculpting and drawing. I do not sit still very well!

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT?
In each project I strive to achieve those three ideas I mentioned: Individual - Ecological - Organic. A dream project for me would be one in which all three were pushed beyond the limits of what I thought we could do. It does not have to do with money or the budget, but instead the ideas that go into the design.

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