Sense of Calm

A Montecito Residence by NMA Architects

by leslIe a. westbrook

Coelho

Dave Mendro and Mary Andrulaitis, principle partners of NMA Architects, have a trademarked motto: “Creating Your Sense of Place” — something they’ve been doing for clients for almost 30 years.

From day one, lead architect Dave Mendro, AIA, started with the notion of “quintessential California indoor-outdoor living” to create a unique sense of place for this Montecito abode.

“What I found to be most rewarding about our design for this home is the way people respond. Everyone who sees this house loves it. That’s not the case with all our designs,” admits Mendro. “Over the years many clients have preferred designs that have tended to be larger, more detailed, and more elaborate. This house strikes a chord with people.”

Simplicity rules and a sense of calm prevail at the hedgerow home of Tom Thayer.

“We went with what is just essential. The resulting size, scale, and the understated feel of the home has everything for modern living, but it also has a Zen- like simplicity and elegance,” Mendro said. “There is definitely something to be said for going back to the basics and focusing on the essentials.”

Thayer wanted an open floor plan for the single story, H-shaped modern house, “without feeling cold.” He also requested a nod to Cape Cod architecture (hence the shingles) for the three-bedroom, 3.5-baths, 2,800-square-foot living and entertaining space. Perhaps most importantly, the award-winning television and film producer wanted a retreat where, after hectic workdays, he could, “Come home and stop, turn off, and forget.”