In the 2nd edition of fresh, let me introduce Dan Stark. Thanks goes out to architect James Tomlin for making the introduction over lunch. We shared stories about traveling in Nicaragua and a shared passion for sustainability. Below are Dan’s words regarding, growing up, education, notable experiences, travel, architectural interests, and finally the Fresno move.

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Growing Up
I’m originally from Rhode Island just outside of Providence. Growing up in New England I did plenty of camping and many of my childhood memories involve being outside – from fishing on the beach near my house to a 30 day back country canoe trip in Northern Quebec. I did lots of biking, hiking, skiing etc. with my family and friends and I still love bike touring. I think that my early years in the outdoors has informed my life in a lot of ways including my interest in environmentalism. One of my earlier interests in architecture was based on its potential as a positive environmental force.
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Education
I attended the University of Oregon, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2002. I was brought to Oregon by my desire to see more of the country and by the school’s reputation as a hotbed for environmental design. There was much I loved about Oregon but the Willamette Valley was too rainy for me so after graduation I moved back to Rhode Island.
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Notable Experiences
I lived and worked in Providence for 5 years at a firm called Brewster Thornton Rapp Architects. Providence is one of my favorite cities. It is as close to a European city as I’ve seen on this side of the Atlantic with a lot of historical buildings and it is mostly lacking the Jeffersonian grid that seems to be so prevalent in Fresno and California. BTRA was a great place for me to learn my profession, a small firm specializing in mostly high end New England residential architecture, kind of the heir to shingle style design ala McKim, Mead & White. I appreciate the focus on craft and the close work I was able to do with some talented builders while there.
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Travel
I’ve been lucky enough to do some traveling in my life and I hope to do much more in the future. While in school I spent 6 months in Denmark studying the architecture of some of my favorites including Aalto and the great Danish modernists Arne Jacobsen (1, 2) and Henning Larsen (1, 2) . I really like the clean Danish/Scandinavian modernism, in that it retains a lot of regional character that I feel is lost in much of modernism and of course internationalism.
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Architectural Interest
My main architectural interests are passive solar design, tectonics and craft. A great example of someone who is able to incorporate all three of these interests into the built environment, and my favorite architect, is Peter Zumthor (1, 2, 3, 4), check him out if you haven’t already. I did get to visit some of his buildings while in Switzerland and they are so sensual, they actually smell different than architecture and I’m sure that this is something that he actually thinks about.
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The Fresno Move
After living in Providence I spent 3 months traveling in Central America with my girlfriend, Natalie after which we moved here to Fresno to be close to her family and re-establish ourselves. I’ve been working here and there, mostly for Charestcorp which has been a great experience for me, they’ve treated me well. While I am currently looking for work in architecture, and I know that it’s not a good time to be doing that in Fresno, I am excited about our future here. I am finding a lot about Fresno to like.
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Dan Stark

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Please join me in welcoming Dan to Fresno

If you are or know someone in the architecture field new to the area contact us.

In a new series we are calling fresh archop will feature an individual in architecture or allied industry who has just relocated to the San Joaquin Valley, or returned after an extended absence. For the first edition we introduce a fascinating individual named Enoch Sears.

I first met Enoch via email. He’d responded to a blog post on Fresno Famous. At the time, he was living in Panama designing a Caribbean resort. An evening this August I discovered his return when we encountered each other the Fulton Mall. Below are his words regarding: growing up, education, travel, returning to the San Joaquin Valley, architecture, influences, design process, notable experiences, and what he is currently working on.
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Growing Up
I grew up right here in the Central Valley in Lemoore, forty minutes south of Fresno. My parents are originally from the Bay Area and moved to the Valley when my dad got a teaching job in Kettleman City around 1980. Some of my childhood memories include riding my bike around town and the surrounding farmland during the hot, dusty summers, exploring the canals and eucalyptus groves; and driving up the old two-lane Highway 41 with my parents to visit Fresno.
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Education
I studied architecture at Cornell University from 1998-2002. While at Cornell I participated in a unique design studio: Imagining Cuba in 2004. Interestingly enough, the studio was led by professor Milton Curry, a Fresno native who graduated from Bullard High School. For the studio, I designed a hotel/condo tower situated over a retail space that also housed an embassy for American Democracy. I have been captivated by the story of Cuba- especially how it relates to the concept of trying to choose an alternate form of lifestyle amidst our modern society. One of the most interesting classes I took at school was a class on Cuba (different from the design studio) that examined Cuba’s history and present situation from a sociological, architectural and historical perspective.
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Travel
I have traveled throughout the US, Central and South America (throw in a cruise to Nassau in the Bahamas – great salad bar!)- quite limited really. I spent last year (2008) in the Caribbean on an island of Panamabworking on pie-in-the-sky designs for a resort developer. As for architecture one of the buildings I’ve been most impressed with is the Kimbell Art museum in Dallas, TX. I have yet to delve into the architecture of Fresno. I’m awed each time I drive past those huge silos just north of Hwy 180 by the Tower District.
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Return to San Joaquin Valley
I moved away from the Valley for school and work, and then came back briefly around 2002. I then moved to Houston, Texas. I lived and worked there for five years primarily with Hawthorne Architects until I couldn’t stand the humidity any more. After a year abroad in the Caribbean my wife and I decided to come back to Fresno because of family ties and the fresh grapes. I love the arid air here! 100 degrees without humidity feels like 80 in Houston.
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Admired Architects
I admire the idea of “the architect”, the master builder, the creator. Most architects fall into this category more or less. Specifically, Sam Mockbee (1, 2, 3)and Glen Murcutt (1, 2, 3)for their explorations into the “local” and the vernacular, Frank Lloyd Wright (1, 2, 3) for his sheer power of creation, and I can’t leave out Le Corbusier (1, 2), the giant of modern architecture, + many more.
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Design Process
I design primarily in plan. Sketch, modify, sketch, modify, sketch. I admire boats and cars in that every piece has a function and this function is emphasized by design. I try to bring the same logic and beauty found on a boat to design. Beauty is a charged word. Sometimes a design is beautiful because of its sheer creativity or how it stimulates ones mind. The client is key to finding a proper design solution.
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Notable Experiences
Every meeting with a client is a notable experience. I love the human aspect of the business.
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Working on Now
I’m currently working on an apartment complex for Hanford, CA with architect Chas Rhoads as well as a residential remodel. I just received my architectural registration in Texas. Next step is to apply for reciprocity in CA and take the California Supplemental Examination (CSE). It is amazing the amount of paperwork and steps involved.
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Enoch Sears
Architect
LEED AP, AC

Construction.Consultation.Design
www.enochsears.com

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Please join me in welcoming back Enoch

If you are or know someone in the architecture field new to the area contact us.