Today we’d like to introduce you to Marc Whitman.
Hi Marc, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my business in 1986; I was moonlighting while working for another Architect when I started my own office. I rented a bungalow in downtown Santa Barbara. I slept in the back bedroom and had an office in the front. I was designing custom homes in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties; I was focused on creating the highest level of design I was capable of. That has always been the top propriety of my architecture carrier. I wasn’t so interested in making a profit as was in creating high-quality designs and making reputation based on that.
That philosophy has paid off and now we are now as one of the best design firms in the area.
We are also focused on sustainable designs. focusing on the passive solar qualities of a project. such as bringing in natural light to all the spaces. Low carbon construction has been a focus as of lately.
But the way a space looks and feels, the way the spaces flows and fits into the environment. . The sculptural and artistic qualities of the home is my passion.
I love to create spaces that will enhance the inhabitant’s health and wellbeing. That will change an individual for the better.
I have been conduction my architectural practice in Ojai for the last 40 years and have help shape Ojai into what it is now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Architecture is a very complex profession. Besides being an Artist capable of creating beautiful spaces. a architect must also be a engineer understanding the structure and the energy efficiency of the building. He must understand the ecomics in regards to construction costs and affordability. as well as being a sociologist understanding the social impacts and how a project will affect the environment and society. He must be a phycologist and marriage consular at times, understand individual feelings and emotions .
And he needs to be a leader driving an office . construction team or a community .
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my architecture career I have dabble in many styles of architecture, Mostly I ve worked in our regional styles of Mission , Craftsman and Midcentury Modern. This is driven by the clients wishes and desire and how a project will fit into its environment. But I have always been drawn to a organic style of architect inspired by Antonio Guadi of Spain and some local architect such as Paolo Solari, Richard Neutra, and James Hubble I have crafted a handful of project completely organic , but I use the organic shapes in ,most of my work .
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am inspired and refer to historic Architecture during the design process.
Contact Info:
- Website: Whitman=architect.com
- Instagram: whitman architectural design
