Interview with Award-Winning Architect Ray Kappe

We are absolutely honored to host an interview with Ray Kappe – award-winning architect, founder of SCI-ARC, the Southern California School of Architecture, and pioneer of architectural exploration.

Born on August 4th, 1927, Ray Kappe is an American architect best known for his expansive residences in southern California. From Britannica: “In his early homes, Kappe employed post-and-beam construction, whereas in his later structures he often utilized sweeping epanses of metal, wood, and glass.” Kappe was one of the first to expand on modular and prefabricated construction, as well as solar energy systems.

Kappe founded the Department of Architecture of California Polytechnic State University of Pomona. However, after disagreements with the school, he left with a team of his own (including his wife) and established the Southern California Institute of Architecture in 1972. His designs have won awards such as the the California Council/AIA Bernard Maybeck Award for Design, the LA/AIA Gold Medal, the Topaz Medal for Education and many others. He is best known for the iconic structure that is his own home in the Pacific Palisades, a residence considered to be one of the most excellent examples of late Modern regional architecture.

Take a look below and see what he had to say to our Editor in Chief, Tyler Tsay:

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Tell us about your childhood, and whether it influenced your ideas on architecture.

I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the state of 10,000 lakes with a Scandinavian sensibility. My grandfather homesteaded in Dickinson, North Dakota in 1908. He was a cabinet-maker in Romania and became a builder in the United States. The homes he built were similar to the California bungalow and craftsman style and his cabinets also had these characteristics. He built many barns throughout North Dakota and a large wooden structure for a dance hall in Dickinson. Romania had a tradition of wood construction that he adopted, and although he passed away when I was only four, somehow this tradition of building with wood was incorporated by me.

The Kappe family lived on a typical midwestern block made up of mostly homes with front porches, but at one corner there were a few apartments with a corner or basement grocery store or soda fountain. My family lived in one of these apartments because my father never wanted a house. He preferred the lack of chores and the freedom an apartment provided. As a result of living in a more closed apartment space, as a small boy I was always at the window looking out except when I was drawing.

As a young boy, I often went to the parks and lakes with my mother and father where I enjoyed playing and at an early age swimming. This early involvement with the natural environment of trees and lakes had a strong influence upon me in later life. I took art lessons at the Walker Art Institute and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. When I was 10, the family decided to move to Los Angeles. My father chose to take a northern route through North Dakota, Montana, Washington and down the Oregon and California coasts. The night the family stayed in Glacier National Park was memorable. I remember being impressed by the grandeur of the lodge, the roaring fire in the huge fireplace, the grand dining room and the wonderful cold night

Did your parents inspire your decision in any way to go into architecture and design? If not, what originally appealed to you about architecture and design?

I wouldn't say that they inspired or directed my decision to go into architecture. When I was a junior in high school, I read an article about architecture. My strengths were art, math and the sciences. It seemed to be a profession that I could enjoy and do well.

After graduating Berkeley in 1951, where did you go from there?

I had worked in San Francisco my senior year for a firm called Anshen and Allen. They were doing Eichler Homes. This was a good introduction to small modern houses. I also worked for a firm in Berkeley that primarily did schools. But, 3 months after graduation, Shelly, my wife, and I with our two-month old son decided to return to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles I worked two years with Carl Maston, became licensed, and started my own practice. That was in 1953.

What is it about prefabrication that most appeals to you?

I was always interested in construction systems and particularly ways of mass producing housing other than the typical system. So in the early sixties I devised a modular system.

What are the key physical elements to your designs?

I am primarily a problem solver, so all of the elements of design from the client's program to site, view, structure, mechanical systems, environmental response, progression through space, and the development of varied space are treated as equally as possible. Material choice is left up to the client but limited by me.

Do you prefer working on apartment projects or house projects?

I like both equally, but I have designed many more houses than multiple dwelling projects.

It states on your website that a key to success in design is, "Accept structure but know that it is to be questioned and broken when necessary." Could you elaborate?

It applies to my entire philosophy about life and the way I live mine. I accept the fact that we need structure (and limits) in society as well as in architecture, but I believe it is necessary to oppose such structure when one feels it is not rational or could be treated in a better manner.

Do you disagree with the label of "Modernist?"

Yes. It was a word that was not used until the aberration of a style called Post Modernism was introduced in the late 70's. Some like to start PM in the mid-sixties. I prefer the term Modern architecture which is not a period in time but an attitude about the architecture of our time using modern technology, materials and life-style.

Tell us about your idea of "space."

I do not start with a preconception about space, but the spaces in my work evolve through the process of solving the problem and the constraints imposed upon the design. It primarily is developed in section relative to plan.

What is it about openness and freedom that draws you so much?

I think people are of two basic types. Those who prefer openness and freedom and those who are more comfortable with closed spaces. As I explained in your first question, I was naturally inclined towards looking out, and of course I think we all like freedom.

How does the element of nature play into your designs?

As a primary element. I respect and love nature and try to save any existing tree on sites that I work on.

Of course, your home is an iconic structure, fashioned in the Pacific Palisades in 1967. What were the greatest challenges you faced when building this home?

It was located on a site with existing springs. My solution was to touch down as little as possible and bridge and cantilever the structure. I attempted to disturb the existing site as little as possible. It evolved in a very natural way.

What is the SCI-ARC program? What were your motivations in starting it?

See attached: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1raGYG5Khy-loQRuCzd-3yRcBf7ehuL5f7sQOwHVR89o/edit?usp=sharing

What do you have planned for the future?

I have always been a person who has thought about the future and put forward quite a few ideas about planning, housing and transportation in Los Angeles. The discouraging part has always been how long it takes for some of these ideas to evolve--30 years minimum. It is probably more satisfying to stay in the present, but future thinking is fun. I am now 87, and I don't think I have 30 more years to wait. My immediate plan is to retire, stay healthy and enjoy my remaining years. I have had a very satisfying and enjoyable life. I have been in practice for over 60 years. I have had a wonderful wife and partner, Shelly, for 64 years, two sons who became architects, a daughter who is a psychologist and four grandchildren who are starting their careers. I am very content.

Is there anyone in particular that has greatly influenced or inspired you over the course of your career?

All of the master architects prior and during my becoming an architect, but it is best to be one with yourself, understand your strengths and limitations, and not try to be someone else.

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As always, keep following our blog for similar exclusive interviews, guest posts, and others!

--Tyler

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