Remembering Mark Singer

Recently, the architectural community suffered the loss of Laguna Beach architect, Mark Singer, in a year that already witnessed the passing of nationally known architect, Michael Graves.  Singer’s yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer came to an end in September capping a prolific career highlighted by a series of dramatic coastal homes in south Orange County.

Singer’s passion for modernity was occasionally at odds with traditional residential design expectations, but he emerged as one of the most influential, and honored, contemporary designers in the county, earning several awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Laguna Beach Architectural Guild.

In the late 90s, I was fortunate enough to meet Mark and walk through one of his projects in Laguna Beach while it was still under construction.  Not too far removed from college, at the time, I remember thinking, “this guy is designing the way we were taught in architecture school.” It was an uplifting experience for me.  For most wide-eyed graduates, theoretical and concept-driven design instruction eventually collides, full-force, with the realities of architectural practice.  That day, Mark Singer proved that balance is possible.

What I find most interesting about his work is his artful juxtaposition of light and heavy. Most of his homes enjoy ocean views, which demand glass; so he provided it, in abundance. That delicacy is enabled by the solidity of heavy walls and columns the way Rogers was enabled by Astaire. There is an honesty in his buildings; structural elements are not covered up but rather… celebrated. This open dialog with the user enables dramatic views and elegant spaces in and around his buildings.