Old mission statement

Not too long ago I found this on one of my hard disks—a mission statement written when Maria and I were interviewing architects five years ago.

What people might say about this house when it's done

In this airy, breezy house all eyes are directed toward the backyard which serves as a visual backdrop and outdoor "room" for informal living. With subtle touches of tropical, modernist, asian and primitive influences, this home values proportion over size and usability over ideology. The ideals of ranch house living are still retained in the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces and flowing design. The cook does not work behind the scenes but is an essential part of everyday life. Rooms are mostly sleeping areas and provide for privacy when needed. But most of the living, studying and working takes place in community areas, an Asian take on life reinterpreted for California living. Suprisingly, the attention to detail in this house doesn't come from expensive features or interior design. Most of the walls are simple plaster or dry wall. Fixtures are mass-produced stock. There's nothing tricky or expensive about the construction: standardized sizes are used throughout to trim costs. Exposed woods aren't exotic, but readily available selections. Instead, detail comes from an attention to proportion and fit. You won't find doorways crammed under low ceilings and unthoughtful, space-eating nooks and crannies. You won't find moldings used as a seam-fixing panacea or trendy adornments. What you will find is an integrated, thoughtful space that feels custom-tailored for its owners yet is flexible enough to adopt to a number of living styles.