Design for Living

THIS ISSUE — OUR ANNUAL “Design and Domain” issue — is always so much fun to put together. And this one was particularly exciting because I recently discovered a rarely talked about local architect whose structures are dotted all over Marin and Wine Country (more on that in a moment). I was also fascinated to learn that, unsurprisingly, technology is playing a huge part in design these days. And I am not talking about AI (though I have nibbled the cake and I am floating around in that rabbit hole right now, too), but thanks to companies like LiquidView our homes and offices are about to get a serious aesthetic upgrade; read more about it in our Game Changers column (page 38). And Sausalito’s beloved Clipper Yacht Harbor finds itself on the forefront of modernization with the installation of an electricboat charging station. We speak to the owners about what this means for the future of boating in the Bay Area, and how water travel is about to get a lot greener.

Now about that architect. A few months back I was in Rutherford researching one of my local travel features when Joshua Lowell, the general manager at Sullivan Rutherford Estate, pulled out a newly released coffee-table book about John Marsh Davis. The architect was a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright and an unknowing mentor to another incredibly talented architect, also the book’s author, Hans Baldauf of BCV Architecture + Interiors. To make a long story short — some of Marin’s most exciting residences and Wine Country’s most breathtaking wineries were created by Davis. His signature style is dubbed Organic Architecture and his interpretation of American Craftsman style is visually exhilarating.

It takes the concept of indoor-outdoor living to a whole new level. I dare you to not be in awe of the John Phelps Winery or one of the many single-family residences we get a peek at in the book. “The Mirror Has Two Faces” feature (page 50) delves into Davis’ life and work properly and has lots of photos — if you love design as much as I do, prepare to be awed.

As we head into summer, this year feels a little different than past years. Come June our hills are usually the signature California gold, but as I look out my window everything is as green as it was back in March. While I am a little hesitant to pack all my layers away for summer just yet, I am reveling in the gloriously warmer days, trying to absorb the riot of color from all the wildflowers and making extra trips to the farmers markets to take full advantage of the local bounty. I hope you are enjoying every minute of it, too.

Casey Gillespie Creative Director and Co-Founder