how whipple russell works with their clients

It all starts with careful listening to learn, answer questions, and determine how these specific clients will live in their space. Before defining a building’s aesthetic, we work with clients to glean how they want the building to perform. That is, how the plan will be organized to support the feeling and function they want. For instance, whether they would like a nest-like space or open expanses. In creating the floor plan that supports the clients’ desired function, we trigger the evolution of an aesthetic.

In our 37 years, we’ve worked in all sorts of contemporary styles, from Mediterranean and Prairie Style, to Provence and Bauhaus. Now, we are almost exclusively called on to design distinctly modern houses. But even within this specific style, each plan has uniquely defined aspects addressing our clients’ preferences. And in each plan, we apply time-honored concepts to our modernist approach.

We enjoy a flexible and evolving relationship with our clients, ensuring that the communication and flow of ideas is clear and productive. What we design is what is built, so a full understanding of the plan is key. We create comprehensive 3D videos and virtual reality (VR) experiences that allow our clients to really see and experience the design as it evolves, each sequential version, before construction begins.

how whipple russell designs 

Our modern design for a west coast lifestyle has grown a roster of properties with exceptional attributes and enhanced property values; hillside homes with city, ocean, and canyon views, indoor/outdoor live and work spaces, pools and hardscapes. Clients have remarked happily that living in one of our homes is like “living in a resort hotel.” Our modern, yet also warm and romantic interiors offer both a peaceful retreat and an exciting place to entertain. All of our projects feature to some degree, five essential components:

drama

Though each project is necessarily unique, all are infused with drama provided by certain elements designed to evoke emotions in owners and their guests. Achieved in various ways, the addition of drama creates a place where people long to be.

Both drama and simplicity are reflected across our projects. The power of strongly aligned planes, horizon lines, floating walls, and double-height glass combines with compelling central volumes, skylights, and glass walkways, that allow light and people to flow easily through the house.

We like to use “floating” stairs, which allow light to encompass the whole area. “Zero edge” and “floating” themes are also echoed in the smallest details; kitchen cook top venting is flush to ceiling. With no use of molding, all lines are visible; every element must be perfectly square and aligned. The dramatic contrast of textures side-by-side; rough stone, stacked slate, smooth tile, are found in all our designs.

light

Light is one of our essential design assets and with it comes a living tranquility. Allowing light to play through the space from various angles and through different types of windows provides constant variation throughout the day. We also use expansive sliding glass walls that allow for rooms and views to be completely open to the outdoors. Dramatic volumes, sometimes three stories tall, are illuminated by large skylights.

elements

Air, water, fire, and earth - all modern manifestations of these primal elements are used in our residential designs; infinity pools and spas, sunken fire pits and deck fire features; warm wood, marble, and stonework. Elemental drama is organically and simply achieved, such as when water reflects a flickering flame, or captures and doubles a specific view. Water is brought into unique custom details such as acrylic pool walls with views into a bowling ally or home theater.

connection

With every new project, Marc expands on his signature “living small” design, especially for the larger homes. “The use of a central volume is the magic that allows a visual connection along different axes within the house, reminders of where you are going and where you have been. You can be downstairs next to the theater and see someone near the front door, or in the library, and in a few steps see who is up in the kitchen. This strategy guides a lot of decisions at our end.”

breadth of experience

Marc’s early work on over 30 designs for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and Los Angeles County Museum of Art called on him to respond to the needs of the many administrators, restoration experts, and museum curators. From exhibition halls to the storage of ancient artifacts, meeting the museum’s multi-faceted requirements forged his ability for organizing and then translating their complex needs into finished satisfying designs.

Spanning 37 years in practice, Whipple Russell has enthusiastically embraced new technology, whether digital design or new products and materials, while still applying solid institutional oversight. Understanding building codes and permits, navigating the politics and processes of planning departments and communities, all require specialized knowledge, patience, and a love of problem solving.

marc whipple aia

Every day, Marc enjoys the privilege of doing the very thing he has been passionate about since early childhood. Born the son of an American Diplomat, Marc grew up overseas where he was exposed to a multitude of cultures throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. His introduction to classical architecture in a variety of indigenous styles has had a significant impact on the firm’s classic influences underpinning his Modern architectural principles.

Following his education at Eton College and London’s prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture, Marc was hired and mentored by the uniquely diverse Los Angeles architect, George Vernon Russell, one of the original California modernists, well known for designing the Café Trocadero on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. George made Marc a project manager at a very young age on complex projects. 37 years ago, when Marc opened his own firm, he honored his late mentor by including his name in that of the practice.

Today, Marc Whipple’s signature work is most certainly his residential designs exemplifying the modern west coast lifestyle. And though he enjoys a reputation for being one of the top modern residential architects in Southern California, his project roster has expanded to clients from all points on the compass, eager to import the Whipple Russell vision.