DIGS is the premiere luxury real estate lifestyle magazine serving the most affluent neighborhoods in the South Bay and Westside of Los Angeles, California.
Issue link: https://www.southbaydiggs.com/i/98349
LAZAR ARCHITECT | DESIGN | BUILD 2012 Steve Lazar's design+build projects stand out in the way they blend in with the earth. Lazar says he "takes an atypical approach that comprehends design and build into the same structure." The method is apparent in projects such as Hermosa Beach's Lifeguard Tower, which is refreshingly unusual in appearance but seamless in design and build. Lazar approaches each project with a philosophy: "Function and form have to be perfectly intertwined, like a braid. If form overdoes function then you end up with just a monument that is not useful. If it's the other way around, you end up with something that is mundane with no spirit." Lazar uses materials that can withstand time in their environment. "The closer you get to the ocean, materials are absolutely critical to the longevity of the house." Though a practical craftsman to ensure durability, Lazar's portfolio is full of distinguished designs. He believes "there is no limit to creativity," which is reflected via imaginative elements found in his works. When discussing his project titled the O'Grady Residence, Doug Leach thinks about the clients her built it for. "They are familyoriented, down to earth, and wanted a fun, family house with space for living," Leach explains. Located on The Hill in Manhattan Beach, the residence is a wide, deep lot with downhill proportions and an ocean view at the rear. Leach had 7,500 square feet to work with, and was meticulous. "We spent a lot of time deciding how to level the top floor for the wide angle view. It came down to a matter of 12 inches," he says. The house has a tropical Hawaiian feel, with a large pool, pool cabana and fireplace. Perhaps the most fun feature is the spiral staircase turned into a slide that leads to the children's recreation room. Leach designed the living and kitchen area as one big space. He explains that more people are asking for these designs, and that the plan fit into the O'Grady's family-oriented lifestyle. There is also a covered living deck, covered exterior decks, and a sun deck that wraps around the house. A built in breakfast nook with a wooden table is the ideal weekend dining area. What is your favorite architectural icon in the world? Steve Lazar: Frank Lloyd Wright's homes. They look as if they've come from the earth instead of being been put upon the earth. What architectural figure, living or historical, has made the biggest impact on your career? Steve Lazar: Frank Lloyd Wright for his use of materials and how he integrates indoor and outdoor spaces to create a home. If you could design your dream home, what style would it be and where would you build it? Steve Lazar: It would be nestled into the side of a mountain or hillside incorporating the earth right into the house. Hopefully it would also have some sort of a natural water feature that I could incorporate into it; really organic. STEVE LAZAR 64 SOUTHBAYDIGS.COM | 12.14.2012 DOUG LEACH LEACH