I recently attended the McClean Design book launch party on Blue Jay Way… wow. I don’t know how I got on this mailing list, but I sure hope they invite me back for more events!!
To be honest, I didn’t know who Paul McClean was, or anything about his design firm started in 2000. That’s all changed. Now I’m a huge fan, and I’m convinced I’ve seen his stellar work, even though I may not have known it was his.
I happily purchased his book at the event, and stood in line for an autograph with other supporters of Contemporary Architecture. He was super sweet and very kind. I also met so many other wonderful people at this party, including other architects, interior designers, landscape designers and P.R. people. It’s safe to say that I’ve found my peeps.
To prepare for this blog post I spent the better part of this evening reading through the book and looking at his work. What I love about the book is that he explains his process, including working with clients, city building regulations and restrictions, the evolution of the project, and what the ultimate focal point is. I didn’t realize how restrictive certain areas are in the Hollywood Hills when it comes to building guidelines, but it makes sense because no one wants to lose their multimillion dollar view. Water is used brilliantly through out his projects to reflect the sky, and often block out the home beyond the property. Frequently those bodies of water may fall into lower level water features at basement level, to reflect light into the home. In many areas you’re only allowed to build one level, or 16 feet, and everything else has to be below that, translates to a basement that doesn’t feel like a basement. Lush materials are used through out the projects, with lots of thought given to the warmth or coolness of the materials and how they’ll also reflect the light.
The home featured above is currently listed with Hilton & Hyland for about $24 million: 1536 Blue Jay Lane . It features 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and over 10,00 square feet of living space. If you decide to purchase it, feel free to invite me back over for cocktails…
And of course I took a silly bathroom selfie, cause those marble bathroom walls are crazy amazing!
Book available on Amazon