HEART OF THE HOME

The G&C Questionnaire — Anthony P. Spann, AIA

 

Having collaborated on no fewer than half a dozen extensive remodels, Anthony P. Spann — we call him Tony — has a long and eye-catching history with Giffin & Crane. As you’ll read in the Q&A below, he’s an admitted perfectionist — exactly what we need when it comes to high-end homebuilding.

It’s in his blood. Spann’s father was a draftsman, and made a point of taking young Tony to study and critique buildings in his native Chicago. That’s where he gets his knack for renovation and historic preservation, and he uses it to balance his clients’ needs with the unique challenges of strict residential and commercial building guidelines, especially in Santa Barbara.

In 2006, Spann merged his private practice with internationally regarded Harrison Design, where he’s now the managing principal of the firm’s California offices. Since then, one of his most memorable jobs was the comprehensive restoration of Crocker Row #5, which earned him the City of Santa Barbara’s Edwards/Plunkett Award for Historic Preservation and the Architectural Heritage award by the city’s chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

We caught up with Tony for more about his work, and about his life outside the blueprints.

 

G&C: What drew you to architecture and design early on?

Spann: My father was instrumental in guiding me to this profession.

 

What has been your favorite architectural field trip or vacation?

As a grammar school student, my father would take me downtown, Chicago, to see the skyscrapers — the old and the new — and explain how they were built, connecting the dots through history and how the aesthetics changed over time due to trial and error, engineering breakthroughs, and new technologies.

 

What is your favorite public building in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

 

Where do you find design inspiration outside of architecture?

In nature, art and my children’s crazy ideas.

 

What do you most like about your job?

The joy it gives me, each and every day. I am one lucky guy.

 

What do you most dislike about your job?

There aren’t enough hours in the day; perfection can be time-consuming.

 

Go back and pick another profession. What would it be?

A history professor. Lessons learned are an incredible source of knowledge.

 

What is your current state of mind?

Life is good.

 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sunset on Butterfly Beach with my family beside me, soaking up the rays and enjoying the colorful display in the sky.

 

What is your greatest fear?

That the Computer Age will negate the need for true architects who have a great deal of education, and our built environment will then suffer immensely.

 

What is your greatest extravagance?

Front row seats to a Chicago Bears football game.

 

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Being published.

 

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be a musician.

 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Not be a loyal Chicago Bears fan.

 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My children.

 

What is your most treasured possession?

Drafting tools handed down to me by my father.

 

Which living person do you most admire?

My wife, Linda.

 

Which living person do you most despise?

I don’t despise anyone.

 

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty.

 

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Sherlock Holmes.

 

Who are your heroes in real life?

My family.

 

On what occasion do you lie?

To prevent hurting the feelings of others.

 

What is your most marked characteristic?

I’m a good listener.

 

What word or phase do you most overuse?

Draw faster!

 

What is your motto?

No matter what it is you are doing, you gotta have fun!

 

 

 

(By Keith Hamm, with photograph by Jim Bartsch.)

The G&C Questionnaire — Dennis Thompson, AIA

Inspired by his grandmother at a young age, Dennis Thompson took his love of design through UC Berkeley and Princeton University before landing in Santa Barbara. In 1985, he founded Thompson Naylor Architects with Susette Naylor. The firm’s mission is to create beautiful places while strengthening community and protecting nature. Thompson, a LEED Accredited Professional, has served on the board of directors of the Community Environmental Council, the Sustainability Project, and was the founding president of the Green Building Alliance.

Click here for a look at the firm’s portfolio. And for more on Thompson’s take on work, play, and other pursuits of the human endeavor, keep reading.

 

G&C: What drew you to architecture and design early on? 

Thompson: My grandmother! She was a frustrated interior designer, and she got me interested in design when I was seven.

 

What has been your favorite architectural field trip or vacation?

I love Barcelona for its architecture and art.

 

What is your favorite public building in Santa Barbara?

The courthouse, of course.

 

Where do you often find design inspiration outside of architecture?

From nature and from artists.

 

What do you most like about your job?

Helping people create something useful and beautiful.

 

What do you most dislike about your job?

Having to find work.

 

Go back in time and pick another profession. 

Graphic design.

 

What is your current state of mind?

Stimulated by new design challenges.

 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A perfect day is reading the Times, going for a bike ride with friends, and having an early alfresco dinner with my wife.

 

What is your greatest fear?

Losing my loved ones.

 

What is your greatest extravagance?

I once had a 15-year old car repainted.

 

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Piety.

 

Which talent would you most like to have?

Playing a musical instrument.

 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

A certain amount of obsessiveness.

 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Creating a business that supports several talented people.

 

What is your most marked characteristic?

Integrity.

What is your most treasured possession?

My road bike.

 

Which living person do you most admire?

Barack Obama

 

Which living person do you most despise?

DJT in his current role.

 

What do you most value in your friends?

Initiative.

 

Who are your heroes?

People who persevere in spite of obstacles.

 

 

(By Keith Hamm. Photograph by Jim Bartsch.)

 
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