Description

A dense concentration of design talent, uniquely varied topography, and one of the world’s most pleasant climates have made Southern California a crucible of architectural innovation. There, forward-looking clients respond to dramatic modern interpretations of form and site that capitalize on natural light and magnificent ocean views, perch delicately on steeply graded land, or maximize privacy on a sliver of a city lot.

Thirty of the best designs by the most creative firms portray the diversity of Southern California’s architecture. Author Sam Lubell draws examples from Montecito to San Diego and the arid conditions of Joshua Tree to illustrate the wide range of responses to geography, budget, and space. Featured architects include Barbara Bestor, Belzberg, Griffin Enright, Lorcan O’Herlihy, Michele Saee, the Office of Mobile Design, and Predock Frane, among others.

About the Author

Sam Lubell is the editor of the California edition of the Architect’s Newspaper and has written for Architectural Record, the New York Times, New York magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and elsewhere.

Praise for Living West: New Residential Architecture in Southern California…

"Cantilevered over Los Angeles, tucked into a San Diego cliff, or sprawled across the Joshua Tree desert, the houses of Southern California are some of the most exciting on the planet." —Fast Company