ARCHITECTURE

LEFT The residentially-tailored headquarters of Wade Weissmann Architecture, with spaces such as this library clad in high-end finishes, offers clients an opportunity to visualize their own luxury home projects. ABOVE A traditional country bridge approaches the residentially-inspired Milwaukee headquarters of WWA. The 21,000-square-foot facility also includes event spaces for exhibiting art or hosting charity events.

Wynn reports that the classical language he learned from Thomas Beeby re-emerged when the value of architectural detail was discovered by contemporary designers following the postmodern movement of the 1980s. “Traditional architecture became more academic and less a caricature of classical styles,” he explains. Reflecting an-always delicate balance between aesthetics and practicality, Wynn maintains, “If you’re just building a beautiful structure that’s not functional, then you’ve failed your client.”

He welcomed the exposure to California commissions offered through WWA’s Santa Barbara office, noting that West Coast clients are more willing to invest qualitatively in their projects. “I also find Santa Barbara’s Spanish Mission architecture, with its fluid, sculptural and colorful qualities, very inspiring,” says the architect. Wynn is fluent in a diversity of architectural genres, and points to current projects in which he and his teams are incorporating Art Deco and Hollywood Regency styles to achieve compelling residential environments.

As one who has benefitted from influential mentors early in his own career, Wynn encourages young designers at WWA to discover whatever passions empower them as professionals. “Architects are drawn to the field because they have a creative instinct, which needs to be nurtured and guided by people with experience,” explains Wynn, who cites listening skills and empathy as critical to effective mentoring. He suggests, “With direction, those architects can apply their instincts to create beautiful works of art that people inhabit.”

“In architecture, you need to be artistic, technical and client-focused,” explains Wynn, but pointedly adds, “You also need to be able to dream.”CH

RIGHT WWA applied classic French Norman architecture to this elegant residence, creating approachable, meticulouslydetailed spaces for modern living while accommodating an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. wadeweissmannarchitecture.com