Pursley Architecture

Last week I went to hear Architect Ken Pursley speak at Stark Carpet.  I have long admired the thoughtful, classically-inspired, yet modern aesthetic in his residential work and it was a treat to be able to see what and who has inspired his designs.

He recalled an esoteric assignment from one of his studio courses at Auburn:  In an effort to better understand the world around him (and presumably interpret that 'world' in his work) he and his classmates were asked to go outside, close thier eyes, and observe what they heard.  He remembered that the first sound he noticed was the drone of cars, which rose from silence into a distant hum, gradually increased in intensity, peaked, then faded away again into silence.  As he continued to listen, he also realized there was a perpetual, ever-present, and soothing sound which was underlying all other sounds around him: the sound of crickets.

He pointed out that that in his work, there is both the traffic and the crickets.....the 'traffic' being the influence of those movements or historical styles that in their time emerged, grew, and gave way to new ideas and movements, thus shaping our history and the landscape:  Renaissance, Neoclassical, Arts & Crafts, Modernism.....each period unique and significant in what it has to offer.

But as important to his work are those 'crickets', the ever-present, timeless elements that are remain relevant, and meaningful, no matter the period.  Designs that represent both today, tomorrow, and yesterday.  

I wondered whether the work he chose to share during this talk were his favorites, since while I found them beautiful, I felt that there is so much work in his portfolio that is remarkable.

I am lucky enough to have had the opportunity to see in person some of his recently completed projects and in-process work, which continues to awe and impress in their simplicity and beauty.   I have also had the privilege to work with Ken and his team.  It is not surprising that his office is filled with a group of individuals who are as warm and friendly as they are innovative and talented.  Perhaps that is part of what makes their work so memorable.

Photo by Bronwyn Ford

We all succumb to the latest styles and trends, and this is not a bad thing.  However rooting ourselves - our personal style and our beliefs - in very basic, real, fundamental ideas and thoughts is what gives our lives and work stability and permanence.

I look forward to seeing more work by Pursley Architecture, as they continue to re-invent the old and push the boundaries of the new.  And I will always try to pay special attention to the soothing sound of the crickets.

Check out their website at www.pursleyarchitecture.com.

All photos by Pursley Architecture, unless otherwise noted.