Ray Kappe: Architect, Urban Planner and Educator, California

Photo - Ray KA TRIBUTE + RESOURCE

An internationally recognized architect, urban planner, and educator since 1953, Ray Kappe‘s much awarded and published work is considered to be an extension of the early Southern California master architects: Wright, Schindler, Neutra, and Harwell Hamilton Harris.

Some good advice In the words of Ray Kappe:
“I’ve always sought out the edges, the views, and a feeling
of expansiveness.”

“I was once asked what I think are the ten most important principles that helped make me a successful architect, planner, and educator…

(1)  Think positively, not negatively.
(2)  Accept structure but know that it is to be questioned and broken when necessary.
(3)  Always be willing to explore, experiment and invent.  Do not accept the status quo.
(4)  Know yourself and keep your work consistent with who you are and how you think.
(5)  Maintain good moral and social values.
(6)  Be humble, honest, compassionate, and egalitarian.
(7)  Have conviction about your work.
(8)  Be open and say yes to most ideas and requests. The good ones will be valuable, the bad ones will cease to exist.
(9)  Allow employees and fellow workers freedom and the ability to work to their strengths. Avoid hierarchy.
(10) Money should be the residual of work, not the goal.  But do not compromise your worth.”

rayk1_1

Home Tours: Oak View Drive, Encino California

A serendipitous trip to LA allowed us to take part in the Dwell Magazine home tours of the LA Canyons and Valley. This Valley house was built and designed by Ray Kappe in 1964. Mr. Kappe is one of Los Angeles most celebrated Architects, and was the founder the highly regarded architecture school, SCI-ARC, in Los Angeles. Designer Sarah Rosenhaus’ recent restoration of this LA modernist classic shows a refined sensitivity to the spirit of Kappe’s original design. The house is now furnished with a mix of custom and vintage mid-century furnishings.  Here it is……..   IMG_7916IMG_7921IMG_7925IMG_7932IMG_7934IMG_7965

 

Encino house detailsIMG_8013IMG_8028IMG_8018IMG_8019Encino housedetails 2IMG_7967