Architectural Excellence
At some point, everyone has stopped to appreciate the design of a building or details of a room. People often think they have to know a lot about architecture in order to appreciate it. However, it isn’t much different from any other art form. The average person may not recognize what it is that makes a particular structure stand out to him or her, but the beauty of architecture is universal. David M. Parker has made it his life’s passion to create homes and buildings that evoke positive experiences. “I’ve come to realize that architecture and a lot of things like music and art, I think you take it at face value,” Parker said. “It’s about the experience you have when you see a building, when you spend time in a building. And that’s really the most important thing. If I can create a very positive, joyful experience for people with my architecture, that’s really my goal.”
Originally interested in art, in college, Parker shifted his major to architecture after discovering how it marries art, science and math. While he liked the starkness of modern architecture, he was really drawn to how organic architecture uses color and light, giving the design a warm, detailed feel. Attracted to those aspects, Parker developed organic as his personal style. Potential clients can view Parker’s portfolio at dmparchitect.org.
“I am committed to doing something special and unique every project,” he said. “Many architects develop a brand, where homes look a lot like the others. Whenever I start a project, I look at it like it’s my only project, the first project I’ve ever done. I want it to be unique and special. When someone hires me, they’re going to get special attention to their particular desires and their particular needs and their particular personality. I’m more about designing the house for the person than designing for me.”
Parker’s first job in Laguna Beach was in 1987, while working for another architect. After beginning his own practice in 1991, Parker gained more and more work in Laguna Beach throughout the ’90s, learning the ins and outs of how to get projects approved and completed in the city.
“[Laguna Beach has] a reputation of being very challenging to get projects approved,” he said. “It’s really critical for anyone who’s doing a project in Laguna Beach that they hire a Laguna Beach architect, an architect with experience here. I know what you have to go through. I know how to put a team together. I know what to do to get a project approved. And, I know the city. I know the players. That’s critical for anyone who wants to do any work in Laguna Beach, even a small project.”
For those who are thinking about starting a new project, whether it’s a custom home build or renovation, Parker emphasizes the amount of trust homeowners need to have in their architect’s vision. It is often difficult to convey an architect’s overall plan, but having trust and sticking through the process yields worthy results.
“Hang in there throughout the process, because it’s difficult,” Parker said. “A lot of things come up. A lot of challenges come up, but you need to hang in there and stay it through. Put your trust in the people that you’ve hired, who are experts, to get it done. Roll with the punches, and don’t give up.”
Every project is different, and Parker gives his full attention to each client he works with. After almost 40 years in the industry, he remains passionate about his work and anticipates what the future holds.
“I’m very excited about the next new project that comes my way that I don’t even know about yet,” he said.
What is something every Laguna resident should experience?
The Hortense Miller Home and Garden. It’s a little, tiny midcentury modern home up in the Allview Terrace area of Laguna Beach. Also, Sonatasia. Come to a Sonatasia concert when we start doing them again. We don’t really advertise much. It’s by invitation only, but everyone should come and experience what Sonatasia is like. In 2009, Parker launched his brainchild, Sonatasia – a unique musical dance theatrical group that performs in private homes. Sonatasia is hosted in a beautiful residence, where guests are invited to enjoy a night of dancing, music, singing and theatrical performances. It’s a way of incorporating architecture into a performance. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, performances were delayed last year, but Parker is hoping to continue the group once people are able to gather again. For more information about Sonatasia, visit www.sonatasia.com.
What do you love about Laguna Beach?
There are so many things that I love about this place. It attracts creativity. It attracts creative people. It attracts individuals. And, it’s just a beautiful place to be and spend time in.
What is your favorite Laguna local spot?
I’ve been enjoying hanging out at the Promenade on Forest Avenue. I like going there with my laptop and sitting down and getting a cup of coffee or lunch, and sitting there, working away from my office with my laptop at a table at a restaurant there.
by: Lauren Salinero
