Second Studio Podcast Interview with Steven Ehrlich
The second studio (formerly Midnight Chart) is about design, architecture, and daily open podcasts. Hosted by architects David Lee and Marina Bordernet, the presenter presents a variety of unwritten lectures and personal conversations.
Topics are covered with honesty and humor. Some sections are interviews, while others are tips for partner designers, reviews of buildings and other projects, or daily life and design searches. The second studio is available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube.
This week, David and Marina work with Steven Erlich, FIA, RIBA and Ehrlich Janay Ray Cheni Architects as a Peacebuilder architect at the Moroccan Peace Corps, the Los Angeles Architectural Office, Julius Schulman, his work, current challenges and more.
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Top Stories and Timeline
Steven’s early interests in architecture and working as a peace engineer in Morocco. (00:00)
As a kid, I had a passion for building. At the age of 12, I worked on my science project, Sun House Design. And by the way, at that time in 1958, no one was talking about solar panels. I did a lot of research in the famous magazine Mechanic, nothing in architecture books or magazines! (01:23)
Working as an architect in Morocco
Architecture is there. Only there. Not about style. ‘Look at this or am I different?’ It does not matter. It is a very good and easy response to the weather, the environment and the materials at hand. So everything is very basic. You get the best out of a little bit and that leaves a lasting impression on me.. (08:53)
Steven traveled to Los Angeles to begin his own practice, and Julius Schulman photographed one of Steven’s first projects. (12:55)
[At the beginning,] I was an expert in closet remodeling and bathroom remodeling. It was boring, but I overcame it. Then I had the ultimate success of building a photo and photo studio near the Richard Nutra House, which my clients hold on Hollywood Hill. I designed a very clean, simple, cubic composition of stucco, steel and glass… to explore how light really comes into play. When it was over, I contacted Julius Schulman to see if he would like to take a photo. He was overjoyed and opposed to the post-modern movement, so I was delighted to see him. […] He took these beautiful photos and said, “I’m going to help you get started.” And what do you know? He did. It was on the cover for six months Home of the New York Times. (21:05)
Challenges of branch offices to implement various projects and office developments. (25:25)
For a beginner architect public project it is very difficult to get it if you have not worked before. I have to say that today is even more difficult than it was 40 years ago because in today’s article it says, “Show us the last three libraries of the last five years.” It is a container 22. It is true.(26:00)
EYRC Office in Culver City, California (38:08)
When refreshing or reading [the Schindler home]We answered every question in a way we never thought we would be able to do. “What will Schindler do today?” We have. And don’t get married to what he did in 1940. So we opened the kitchen for living. And by the way, it is a 1,000 sf house. He is very modest. It is now a competent new home ሺ Shindeler’s view, but renovated. (39:55)
Describe the work of the EYRC and design. (46:05)
I do not use the word to describe any of our works. No, no. That is not allowed! We cannot use that word. […] We do not have a single way of working. We are not creating a brand. Whether it is a house, an office complex or an academic building, we would like to present each project objectively. We want to solve it from a practical perspective and understand the state of the city, the limits of the environment… We want to be environmentally and culturally conservative. […] So, we have no style! Ha! (46:12)
Project Type Steven Ehrlich wants to design. Steven’s own home, 700 palms. Design process. (59:00)
EYRC office structure. Architecture challenges today. (01:12:56)
Steven Ehrlich’s Favorite Buildings. (01:20:42)
See previous editions of Second Studio Podcast.
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