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A COLLECTION OF FINE DESIGNJolie Carpenter
SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR LIVING
is an exquisite coffee-table book featuring stunning
outdoor living spaces captured in bold photography. This collection of fine design will
showcase the most talented design professionals and their most unique creations—from gorgeous
pool houses and outdoor kitchens to lush gardens appointed with beautiful furniture.
has quietly created
projects that exemplify design excellence. As industry leaders and organizations
began recognizing the talent of this relatively young firm, Miró Rivera Architects
simultaneously received national and international acclaim. With more than 30
design awards including upward of 20 AIA design awards, firm principals Juan
Miró, AIA, and Miguel Rivera, AIA, continue to pursue architecture with the
same passion and dedication. Born in Barcelona and educated at the School of
Architecture of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Juan earned a Fulbright
scholarship in 1989 to complete a post-professional master’s degree at Yale
University in 1989. As a licensed architect in Spain, he worked on a wide range
of projects with his father, architect Antonio Miró, as well as Fernando Higueras,
Felix Candela and Santiago Calatrava. This valuable experience helped launch
his career, and its influence is evident in his work today. Further bolstering
his knowledge in the architectural industry, Juan has lectured and published
extensively on the work of Miró Rivera Architects, the role of architects in civic
life and issues within Mexican architecture and architectural history. Together,
Juan and Miguel approach architecture as an endeavor where the realms of
ideas, aesthetics and technology harmoniously intersect. They see their roles as
multifaceted: citizen, thinker, artist and builder.
ABOVE: The pool house takes advantage of the commanding canyon views while providing a destination for entertaining within the residents’ own backyard. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy
FACING PAGE: Large sliding doors provide a generous indoor-outdoor connection. The barbecue area is elegantly incorporated into the design.Photograph by Paul Finkel
Juan Miró & Miguel Rivera
ABOVE LEFT: Floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular Hill Country views.Photograph by Paul Finkel
ABOVE RIGHT: The custom copper pivot door allows for grand entrances.Photograph by Paul Finkel
FACING PAGE: The negative-edge pool doubles as a relaxing waterfall, while deep overhangs provide shade from the harsh Texas sun.Photograph © Paul Bardagjy
created 150 homes in 1972 following the benefit concert
held by The Rolling Stones following the devastating Nicaragua earthquake. Only
using $300,000 to work with he built each house at a mere $2,000 Though
basic in form and function, the homes provided protection from the sun and
invited breezes to keep the temperature as cool as possible. Designing with
utmost regard for a site’s natural topography, the region’s climate and the local
culture—these were the most important lessons that Dick wanted to impart
to students in the exchange program he was running in Central America for
The University of Tennessee. Whether designing in Texas or a foreign land, Dick
believes in creating site-specific architecture that feels right on its site and in the
greater locale. Residential architecture is definitely the firm’s heart and soul, but
resort, restaurant, civic, boutique hotel, entertainment and condominium work
adds to its breadth of knowledge. Because of its stature and leadership in myriad
commercial and private projects, the firm continues to expand its geographic
boundaries, which reach from New Mexico and Colorado, throughout Texas and
east to Louisiana. From revitalizing the warehouse district of Austin, to proving a
dedication to renewable resources in earning Austin’s first Green Building Design
Award, to creating thoughtful, site-specific residential projects, Dick Clark
Architecture clearly embraces a forward-thinking, holistic design philosophy.
ABOVE: The pool house takes advantage of the commanding canyon views while providing a destination for entertaining within the residents’ own backyard. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy
FACING PAGE: Large sliding doors provide a generous indoor-outdoor connection. The barbecue area is elegantly incorporated into the design.Photograph by Paul Finkel
Dick Clark
aBoVe: clad in leuders limestone, the town lake estate includes a number of buildings visually linked by a series of waterfalls.Photograph © Paul Bardagjy
facing Page: the town lake residence enjoys Hill country views and glimpses of the austin skyline.Photograph © Paul Bardagjy
left: clad in leuders limestone, the town lake estate includes a number of buildings visually linked by a series of waterfalls.Photograph © Paul Bardagjy
facing Page: the master shower space leads to a private second-floor terrace.Photographs by Paul Bardagjy
was sneaking through houses as they were
being built, and it came as no surprise when he chose to attend texas a&M to
earn a Bachelor of environmental design. His first job led him to gain experience
with an architectural firm that focused mainly on non-residential projects.
However, sensing that he wanted to apply his talents in a more personal,
client-driven design tactic, Jim then worked for a builder/architect and learned
the design-build processes for the next five years. from there, he established
James d. laRue, architecture design and 20 years later, Jim has an established
architectural reputation across the state. through the years, the firm has seen
its fair share of high school and college students soak in the world of residential
architecture. While their technical and drawing knowledge might not be at the
level of an experienced architect, Jim says the depth of their technological
savvy keeps him and the others on their toes, pressing them to learn the latest
tools. Years of in-the-field experience have given Jim a unique appreciation for
what it takes to not only design a house but also see it built successfully. this
sensitivity and mutual respect for their fellow craftsmen, paired with an innate
ability to envision the uncreated, is just one of the many attributes that sets
James d. laRue, architecture design apart.
aBoVe: this l-shaped home wraps a tennis court on the uphill side and overlooks a beautiful, heavily treed lot on the downhill side.Photograph by Coles Hairston
facing Page: a tennis court overlook at the right connects to the upper balcony and game room. the lower-floor terrace connects to the multilevel swimming pool.Photograph by Tre Dunham
James d. laRue
aBoVe left: a large timber beam cantilevers to protect the entry door that opens to the glassed living and dining spaces, which feature views of downtown austin.Photograph by Coles Hairston
aBoVe RigHt: the cozy outdoor rotunda overlooks the texas state capitol building in the distance.Photograph by Coles Hairston
facing Page: a 65-foot lap pool wraps the outdoor living and starlight terrace of this hillside home.Photograph by Coles Hairston
Dallas
is known for his hands-on modernist approach to
design, but time and experience have taught him that trends come and go while
the basics of good house design always remain. When a living space has well-
proportioned rooms that facilitate a variety of furniture placements, when
fenestration patterns allow natural light to enter spaces from a multitude of
directions and especially when operable windows provide natural ventilation, a
home is truly successful. all the inner workings of a house should provide its
symbolic meaning—and ultimately define and translate exterior forms. skilled at
working with a wide range of materials and budgets, dan sees each project as a
new opportunity to create architecture that is both logical and unpredictable—
preferring that his projects be thought of as places rather than buildings. By
walking alongside his clients, guiding them toward their specific aesthetic
leanings and obtaining a complete understanding of the site and the program,
dan creates special places with each new home he designs. for more than a
decade dan has enthusiastically produced homes that are a unique translation
of the interaction between client, architect and site.
aBoVe left: large sliding glass doors and transoms give the master wing the quality of an outdoor camp.Photograph by Charles Davis Smith
aBoVe RigHt: the interior fixtures are minimal and appropriate for the surrounding hardscrabble landscape.Photograph by Charles Davis Smith
facing Page: the metal-clad master wing is connected to the original house by an enclosed ramped bridge.Photograph by Charles Davis Smith
dan shipley
louisiana lays claim to some of the country’s most appealing
gardens—lush, intricate, and enchanting. so it only makes sense that the founders of
one of the country’s top residential landscape architecture firms hail from shreveport.
in 1934, brothers Joe and Henry lambert arrived in dallas to plant the city’s first
azaleas for a local oilman, but the emerging town made a mark on the pair and they
remained to expand their established practice to the area. today, 90 years after the
company’s inception, lambert’s is still composed of the most dedicated and well-trained
landscape architects, horticulturalists, and production staff. led by landscape architect
Paul fields, the firm creates respites reflecting the owners’ desires, the site’s needs, and
the aesthetics of the home while demonstrating sensitivity to the environment through
organic procedures. Whether it’s classic french, english country, or new orleans-
style, each garden is thoughtfully designed and deliberate in its purpose. Well-ordered
and undoubtedly elegant, a lambert’s garden reveals the intricate art form of garden
design. lambert’s remains committed to the single objective of improving the relationship
between its clients and their natural environment. in keeping with our commitment to
the environment, lambert’s has practiced organic gardening principles in all its services
since the late 1980s. With a staff of over 150 talented and experienced individuals, the
firm has been and continues to be recognized nationally as leaders in the renaissance of
great garden building.
aBoVe: large, well-placed doors and windows forge a strong relationship between interior spaces and the landscaped courtyard.Photograph by Casey Dunn
facing Page: the sculptural fireplace enhances the trellised seating area’s intimate ambience.Photograph by Casey Dunn
lambert’s
is a family owned and operated custom gunite pool
and spa company. Pool Quest was founded by Walter Meek. Walter Meek is
a native texan and a Professional engineer who is a graduate of texas a & M
University. Walter’s expansive knowledge and engineering expertise has been
sought after by various large corporations, and his past projects include work on
the Boeing 777, the lockheed Yf-22, and the Joint strike fighter. Just as times
have changed, so has swimming pool technology and construction techniques.
at Pool Quest, we have a full time, state registered professional engineer on
staff as well as a pool construction consultant. the net result is over 45 years
of combined engineering and pool construction experience. it is resources like
these that make it possible for Pool Quest to design and build virtually any pool
that you, our customer, may imagine. We do not build pools by trial and error,
the cheapest way possible or the way our ancestors did 75 years ago, as may be
the case with other companies. instead, we first determine your needs and then
design and engineer a product to meet your requirements. finally, we use only
the finest materials and craftsmen available. the result is a pool constructed
without compromise to quality, utility or safety.
aBoVe left: today’s pool experience should offer a fantasy element such as a lagoon-style design or a mountain lake paradise. Water walls offer the ultimate in swimming privacy. Photograph by Walter Meek, Pool-Quest
aBoVe RigHt: We designed the pool to appear like a realistic body of water, a tropical paradise with visual and auditory impact. Hand-laid stonework, trickling waterfalls, tropical landscaping and a shallow beach combine to create an oasis in the city.Photograph by Steve Edmonds, Star-Telegram
facing Page: above: a backyard pool is more than a place to swim. it is an invitation to escape. our luxury pool designs consider many factors. How will the pool be used? Photograph courtesy of Fort Worth Magazine
Pool Quest
creates breathtaking
outdoor spaces is the specialty of designer a.J. Benys, award-winning horticulturist-
artist. the hybrid designer studied horticulture at sam Houston state University
and went on to earn his second degree in landscape architecture from texas
a&M; this cross-pollination has proven to be an amazing formula for success.
even as a young boy a.J. displayed an artistic gift and love of nature. He created
drawings, watercolors and oil paintings of trees and plants, an early indicator
of his future passion and profession. after one college semester abroad, a.J.’s
life was forever changed. the european experience with rich cultural roots and
centuries-old history was fascinating. the high aesthetic of italian and french
art and architecture, the countryside and formal gardens captured him in a way
that would later influence his own designs. in 1982 a.J. founded his namesake
residential landscaping and design-build studio, beginning his journey to creating
some of Houston’s most beautiful private gardens with stunning hardscapes
including garden rooms, courtyards and fountains, natural stone patios and
swimming pools. today, a.J.’s consulting team is comprised of credentialed
landscape architects and designers, a seasoned installation crew and dedicated
staff who consistently demonstrate passion and creativity.
aBoVe: large, well-placed doors and windows forge a strong relationship between interior spaces and the landscaped courtyard.Photograph by Casey Dunn
facing Page: the sculptural fireplace enhances the trellised seating area’s intimate ambience.Photograph by Casey Dunn
aJ’s landscape & design
aBoVe & facing Page: Mature oaks shade the winding pathway that leads to an outdoor kitchen set further into the yard. We flanked the flagstone walk with kettle-style fire bowls on hand-laid stone pedestals for a dramatic nighttime atmosphere. our team is ultra sensitive to existing plant life when adding to an established landscape, and we work to preserve nature’s beauty wherever possible. We built a cabana house and cocktail pool situated just steps from the back door of the home for convenient access. natural stone areas and the walkway are edged with dwarf mondo grass to mesh with existing trees. Hardscape elements are important to the overall design of the courtyard space, but we softened the effect with western white clematis vines to create a lush urban retreat.Photographs by Blair Michener
is designing a custom residence, exploring the
possibilities of design through a speculative home or undertaking an avant-garde
commercial project, he is mindful to distill ideas, details and plans to their very
essence. allen believes that the best designs are born of a cohesive approach,
so he much prefers to guide a project from site planning all the way through
design and construction. His creative process begins quietly as he considers the
site’s offerings and the occupants’ needs and then coalesces them into sketch
upon sketch of a project’s broad strokes. these sketches are collectively used
as a springboard for discussion—people’s reactions fuel each stage of designing
and planning. He has a bent for spaces that are separated yet feel open and
achieves the effect by offsetting rooms and changing levels, thereby creating
an arrival experience with elements of surprise around every corner. finishes
and fixtures are also selected with room-to-room continuity in mind. ities from
Houston to los angeles have benefited from allen’s sense of style and ability to
transform mere concepts into built structures. though the architectural scene is
strikingly different across the country, allen always knows right where to start:
an exploration of the regional vernacular. He never intends to reproduce it, only
to glean a touch of inspiration from it. allen prides himself on the uniqueness
of each design, yet all of them have a universally appealing sculptural quality,
contemporary style and serene ambience.
aBoVe: the minimal outdoor living room of sunset House contrasts with its lush surroundings. essex House integrates a horizontal gas fireplace with a low window. the clerestory floods the interior with light.
facing Page: the industrial materials of stratford House reflect the sky at dusk. a roof terrace connects the house and detached studio.Photographs by Bianchi
allen Bianchi
has set out to unite these fundamental
notions in each of his residential undertakings, ensuring that plans are well-
designed and then crafted, not merely constructed or installed. Most design
professionals like to be involved in the full creative process. craig likes to be
instrumentally involved. He has been known to trek out to prospective build sites
and clear them with his own two hands—and a chainsaw—for the opportunity
to get to know the land more intimately. He has likewise designed furniture
and fixtures and had them custom fabricated simply because the perfect pieces
were nowhere to be found. With bachelor’s degrees in architecture and interior
design; more than a two decades of experience doing high-profile commercial
projects for prominent firms in los angeles, chicago and san antonio; and too
much entrepreneurial creativity to be pent up in a large organization, craig
simply had to launch his own firm. He vowed to keep it small and accept only
the most special of commissions, and he has stayed true to those principles.
though working with residential clients is a privilege, he also enjoys occasional
speculative projects for the carte blanche creativity they afford. He and his
team agree that getting a project almost perfect is easy, but those last few
percentage points that separate great from absolutely perfect are attained only
through a cohesive approach, and it’s worth all the effort in the world.
aBoVe: the ranch guesthouse allows visitors to take in the beauty of texas Hill country. oriented to the meadow and the prevailing breeze, the guesthouse is integrally connected to the site.
facing Page: designed to nestle around the magnificent oak trees, the ranch compound is comprised of a variety of living zones. all of the common areas engage the outdoors, allowing exterior and interior to blend together.Photographs by Chris Cooper
craig McMahon
left: located at the true front door of the ranch, the custom outdoor entertaining area connects to the guesthouse and features a majestic view of the main courtyard. a naturally rusting cor-ten arbor leads visitors up to the main lodge.Photograph by Chris Cooper
facing Page: the master suite engages the surroundings by becoming part of nature. open in all directions, the bedroom affords residents the opportunity to wake up to deer and cattle grazing in the meadow beyond. the gentle southeastern breeze moves through the room via lower clerestory windows while motorized upper windows expel the heat.Photograph by Chris Cooper
left: in the master bedroom, texas limestone walls enter gracefully from the exterior, creating an instant connection to nature. the room is nestled into the landscape and affords privacy while engaging the wildlife.Photograph by Chris Cooper
facing Page: centrally located on the site, the main lodge offers a one-room-wide experience. the prevailing southeastern breeze cools the interior during the warmer summer months. the texas Rumford fireplace is the central feature of the main living room, providing a place to relax after a big day on the ranch.Photograph by Chris Cooper
the four essentials of life—water, fire, shelter, and
land—are basic foundations that award-winning designer Michael logsdon of land
design transforms to create living art. as an associate of the american society of
landscape architects, one of the 32 leading pool designers worldwide to hold society
of Watershape designers status from genesis 3 design group, and a certified Building
Professional as designated by the association of Pool and spa Professionals, Michael was
also recognized as Master of design in 2007 for his creative vision by Pool & spa news.
Michael’s philosophy on creating outdoor living spaces transforms the basic backyard
into the favorite “room” of the home. Whether designing a traditional swimming vessel,
european-influenced biologically filtered pool, outdoor structures, kitchens, water and fire
features, or xeric landscapes, he designs with one approach in mind: water recreated…
green reconsidered. influenced by california landscape architect thomas church, Michael
embraces simple beauty and back-to-basics pools and landscapes that once dotted
the american backyard. He recognizes the importance of bringing back the timeless,
straightforward classics to promote a van der Rohe minimalist, “less is more” philosophy,
which is the inspiration for his vision today. Michael enjoys collaboration and encourages
homeowners, designers, and architects to visit his studio and gallery.
aBoVe: large, well-placed doors and windows forge a strong relationship between interior spaces and the landscaped courtyard.Photograph by Casey Dunn
facing Page: the sculptural fireplace enhances the trellised seating area’s intimate ambience.Photograph by Casey Dunn
land design
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