LANDSCAPE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The Monterey County coastline, valleys and mountains provide awe-inspiring settings, backdrops and view sheds for North Star’s three decade portfolio. One of George Brook-Kothlow’s early clients once mentioned that the late architect would spend long hours at a potential site, mapping out exactly how each window would frame the view. If you visit San Francisco’s De Young Museum, you can find a massive wall mural of a Carmel Valley hillside landscape. 

On the Big Sur coast, the disappearing pool edge at the Ubben vacation home, designed by Robert Poeschl, empties into the Pacific, several miles away and 1800 feet below (pictured in Homestyle by the Sea, Fall 2008). Above Wildcat Canyon in the Carmel Highlands, Point Lobos can be seen from the house entryway, thanks to Dan Curran’s remarkable design of the Lehberg Residence (pictured in Homestyle by the Sea, Spring 2007). Dan’s home design for the Magruder’s Residence in Yankee Point hovers above the pounding surf. The Pacific’s Edge Outdoor Dining at the Highlands Inn, designed by Paul Byrne, takes full advantage of the best views in the hotel with its all-glass railing. These are all great examples of architecture drawing nature into its visual frame.