ARCHITECT SPEAK
Architect Paul McClean strongly advocates simplicity and openness that is associated with surrounding landscapes, and places an emphasis on texture and natural materials
Paul McClean and his world of design
How did you get into architecture?
As a young boy, I enjoyed drawing houses all day long. I was fascinated from an early age with the work of Frank Lloyd Wright through books at our local library, and later discovered the case study houses here in Los Angeles. The works of Schindler and Neutra also influenced me.
What kind of projects are your forte?
I was always attracted to modernism as it developed in southern California. The uniquely benign climate allows you to live in a way that is difficult to achieve in other places, and the year round mild climate is ideal for blending indoor and outdoor living. This has helped us in developing structures that are light and transparent in the hope of blurring the boundary between indoors and the landscape beyond. We have worked on large and complicated projects. But, we still strive to hold on to those original concepts and continue to develop them in new ways.
Your favourite project?
The one I am currently working on is my favourite. The house on Blue Jay Way, which was recently renovated for the Swedish DJ Avicci has received so much exposure, that we were able to expand significantly into the LA market and beyond, leading to many design opportunities. The first house we did in Canyon Acres will always be special,
I don’t expect architecture to solve daily problems for users; but by creating a beautiful and peaceful place, I hope to instill a sense of calmness and well-being.”
because of the passionate client and also because that’s from where our dreams took flight. My house, which was completed recently was an intense experience and the joys of living there every day are incredibly satisfying.
Where do you derive your inspiration from?
My biggest inspiration is the city of Los Angeles. The relationship between residential design and the city is well known. It has been the driving force for innovation since the 1930s. The carpet of lights every night from the sky is always a source of wonder.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Our biggest achievement is the compliments that we get from clients. Each project has something unique about it that sets it apart from the rest. I hope to be able to continue doing a satisfying job for a very long time.
What do you view as your lasting responsibility as an architect?
As architects we have tremendous responsibility, because we create a direct impact on the built environment. I don’t expect architecture to solve daily problems for users; but, by creating a beautiful and peaceful place, I hope to instill a sense of calmness and well-being. We also have a responsibility as architects to look for ways to make our buildings as sustainable as possible, no matter what size they are, since our built environment is responsible for the majority of energy consumption on this planet.