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\u201cThe sun never knew how great it was until it hit the side of a building.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
When you’re standing in front of a structure designed by LA-based architects Russell Shubin and Robin Donaldson, it\u2019s hard to imagine the great Luis Kahn\u2019s famous quote referring to anyone else\u2019s work. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>(It is Sunny California, after all.) <\/span><\/p>\nYet, good contemporary architecture isn\u2019t just about being ready for your close-up. It takes much more than flattering light to create a standout structure. <\/span>As Mr. F.L.W. <\/span>is known for stating<\/span><\/a>, the world\u2019s best homes take their cues from their surroundings, blending in seamlessly with their natural environments.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][image_with_animation image_url=”3522″ animation=”Fade In From Left” img_link_target=”_self”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Russell Shubin (left) and Robin Donaldson (right).<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Shubin and Donaldson\u2019s<\/a> creations embody this philosophy, from the unobtrusively framed views of Catalina at Bentley<\/a>, to grass-carpeted borders peeking through the walkway at Toro Canyon<\/a>. We love this design-devoted duo’s awe-inspiring work and couldn\u2019t wait to hear more about the contemporary ethos that drives them.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][image_with_animation image_url=”3523″ animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][vc_column_text]Toro Canyon Residence<\/span><\/i><\/a>, Montecito<\/span><\/i>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
What brought you and Robin together as partners?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
This year is our 25th year of practicing together. Robin and I met at a conference exploring emerging possibilities in architecture, and I would say that our shared passion for exploring \u201cwhat is possible\u201d brought us together. [That thought] keeps us pulling in the same direction in co-leading a practice that is relevant and impactful.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
How do you complement one another?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
Robin and I are very \u2026 yin and yang. Our expertise is different and so are our temperaments. Robin is very good at envisioning the big picture \u2014 he\u2019s a multidimensional designer. He communicates compelling visions and crafts breakthrough strategies. I focus on moving the needle and getting results that I execute by focusing on tactics, details and follow-through.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
Who is your ideal client? <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
A great client is engaged and desires a relevant and timeless work of architecture. The ideal client is also interested in exploring what can be done given the constraints of the project. What makes the process\u00a0special is the collaboration: the architect, the landscape architect, the interior designer and the client all collaborating from day one.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
Do you have any exciting work coming out this year?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
Yes! \u00a0We have several homes nearing completion this year: <\/i>Tramanto<\/i><\/span><\/a> in Pacific Palisades and <\/i>Hillcrest<\/i><\/span><\/a> in Trousdale are two standouts.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
What are the most important elements of contemporary design?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
To us, how a building sits on the land is very important \u2014<\/span> how it optimizes every element of the site. Leveraging the relationship between indoor and outdoor space is also important. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][image_with_animation image_url=”3524″ animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][vc_column_text]Toro Canyon Residence<\/span><\/i><\/a>, Montecito<\/span><\/i>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Who inspires you?<\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n
Peter Zumthor exemplifies what we aspire to. His book \u201c<\/i>Atmospheres<\/i><\/span><\/a>\u201d discusses how spaces are shaped through our senses and bodily interaction with architecture. It’s about the interaction of materials, craft and light. When architecture is created with the intention of nurturing the senses, it is anything but cold.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
What trend in contemporary architecture today do you love? What do you hate?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
We love a well-proportioned, beautifully detailed building with evidence of high craft. A space that is soulful. Conversely, I personally hate generic over-scale neutral boxes that, in my opinion, are soulless<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n
If you could describe the most defining moment\/work of your career, what would it be? <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
Not only surviving the great recession, but being stable throughout a historic reversal which transformed the profession. It isn\u2019t the \u201cstrongest\u201d that survive but rather the most adaptive, which is what I believe defines us.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
What do you think are the most important elements to include in a home, from an architecture standpoint? Is it about maximizing living space, creating cozy nooks, maximizing light, etc.? <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
In warm contemporary\u00a0architecture, craftsmanship and how materials come together are essential. We also think that a sense of scale and proportion are extremely important in the type of design that we do. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][image_with_animation image_url=”3525″ animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][vc_column_text]Bentley Residence<\/span><\/i><\/a>, Bel Air<\/span><\/i>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Are you finding yourself increasingly drawn to particular materials<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n