5 Questions with Trevor Abramson
With over two decades of commitment to his craft, Trevor Abramson strives to promote the art of architecture by evoking a deeply felt emotional and spiritual response from clients, critics and the public. His creative architecture stands proudly across North America, promoting soulful complexity in the communities they inhabit by striking a balance between known and new.
His multi-faceted practice, initially focusing on single-family residences, now encompasses ecclesiastical commissions, educational facilities and varied commercial buildings. Abramson’s body of work certainly transcends the ordinary, carefully juxtaposing material and light to modulate surface and form.
Pragmatic and purposeful in his design decisions, Abramson employs subtle and stripped down shapes to allow simplicity of mass and material to govern. His over 300 projects have gained significant acclaim from the international architectural community and have undoubtedly advanced the profession.
What was interesting about this project as a possible design opportunity for Abramson Architects (three houses side by side, the Walk Street community, etc.)?
We were originally drawn to the opportunity to design homes for three contiguous lots in Venice near Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Silicon Beach. The residential neighborhoods in the area blend 1920’s bungalows and California modern homes with lush gardens and publicly accessible “walk streets”. However, since the Venice Specific Plan focuses on restoring and enlarging the existing bungalows rather than demolishing them outright, we needed to remain respectful of those factors.
After initial designs were deemed too modern, we challenged ourselves to design three distinct designs that would fuse the "old and new". It was an exciting challenge to create three architecturally distinct homes that would fit into the greater community in a truly organic way.
How would you describe your approach? What makes a signature Abramson Architects design?
We like to say that our residential design themes reflect our Southern California roots. But the real significance of an Abramson Architects' home starts with the flow and organization. We make sure the house works for the client by paying attention to the everyday details. We start with a furniture plan in mind while laying out spaces.
We also carefully consider indoor/outdoor connections and the interplay of space and light. A signature Abramson Architect design typically features rooms that blur the edges between inside and outside through physical and visual connections. We also weave in dynamic lighting that adjusts throughout the day.
What are some of the most notable architectural considerations in each home?
Where we put doors and windows in each of the three homes was an important decision. Each of the Venice Modern Homes features abundant windows on the sides facing the adjacent properties. To provide ample daylighting while maintaining privacy for the residents, the designs carefully considered the sightlines from/into each of the three homes before finalizing the floorplans.
What is your favorite architectural element from each home?
For Lot 22, the most notable feature is the exposed rafter tails and how they work with the roofline. The middle home on Lot 23 is unique because of its massing and materiality. The design plays with different volumes and surfaces including framed "pop-out" windows which had to be built out onsite. The design for Lot 24 features a true mix of old and new. We worked with M.E Development and local agencies to relocate the front portion of the one-story craftsman bungalow from between Lots 22 and 23 onto its own permanent home on Lot 24.
Who do you envision living in these Modern Venice Homes?
The short answer is probably the "creative class". The area is a desirable address for young creatives and discerning homebuyers due to the neighborhood’s emphasis on restoration and its proximity to both Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Silicon Beach.