Only two more days left until the San Diego Modern Home Tour. With all the great homes and the beautiful weather we’re supposed to have, looks like it’s going to be a great tour to come check out. Our last sneak peek of this weekend’s tour comes from architect Lloyd Russell, AIA. Even after the economy went through its rough spot, the desire to live in modern design was still high. Purchasing an entire home was far too expensive, though. That’s when Russell came up with the idea to build unique contemporary living units available for rent. We were lucky enough to get to speak to Russell about this property and his inspiration behind it.
1. What inspired you to build this contemporary rental community?
It’s a great neighborhood and I saw an opportunity to do a cool building that would appeal to urban dwellers.
2. How did you manage to make each unit its own?
I believe each person is unique and that each unit should be also. In projects I build myself, I oversee the construction and I don’t buy into the fallacy that repetitive units are cheaper and better. I like to take advantage of each unique orientation and turn it into an opportunity.
3. What’s one of the main features of these properties that you think people should pay attention to the most?
The spaces all have a strong connection to the outdoors and beyond functioning well, they all have an individual sense of drama to them.
4. Do you think there’s a signature trademark style, unique to you, that you to include in each of your designs? If so, what would that be?
Handmade modernism. Low tech, high design. Simple but sophisticated.
5. What place do you think contemporary architecture has in a city like San Diego?
I think it is well received. San Diego isn’t burdened like other cities by a false sense of historicism. Modernism matches the climate and the forward-thinking attitudes of the citizens it represents.
To see more projects by Russell, just head over to his website here.
