Innovative Architecture Solutions

This magnificent home is a  specifically inspired by the opulence found in regions like the French Riviera. I designed and built this for a client in the ultra-luxury market who desired a home that felt like a permanent resort.

My services on this project were extensive: from the initial architectural conception, where I focused on dramatic entries and flowing indoor-outdoor spaces, through to the complete construction management. Notice the intricate wrought iron, custom-fabricated turquoise awnings, and the varied rooflines – all part of the unique 'Form' that gives this home its distinct character, meticulously brought to life under my direct supervision.

This is a substantial property, spanning 13,000 square feet, which I completed in 1998. It’s a testament to how I deliver both a grand, palatial vision and the functional, precise details in every custom build."

Sustainable practice was at the core of my 'Function' philosophy. For a 13,000-square-foot home, energy management is crucial. The sustainability here is based on passive design and durability.

 The thick stucco walls provide significant thermal mass, which slows heat transfer and naturally keeps the interior cooler during the hot California days. You'll notice the deep roof overhangs, inset balconies, and custom awnings; these are not just aesthetic choices. 

They are all intentional design elements that provide passive solar shading, blocking the high summer sun from hitting the glass and dramatically reducing the cooling load. Paired with the highly durable, heat-reflective terracotta tile roof, this home was built to be efficient and comfortable for decades, long before 'green building' became a common term." 

My first role was to translate the client's vision into a concrete, multi-stage construction schedule. For a home of this size, you're not just scheduling a few crews; you're coordinating dozens of specialized teams—masons, framers, custom ironworkers, roofers, and finishers—sometimes months or even a year in advance. I was responsible for the critical path, ensuring the foundation was cured before the framers arrived, and the roof was on before the custom millwork was delivered.

This home's 'Form' is defined by its custom details. That meant I couldn't just hire standard subcontractors. I had to source and manage true artisans:

• Wrought Iron: The intricate ironwork on the balconies and entry wasn't from a catalog. I managed a specialty fabricator, personally reviewing and approving the shop drawings to ensure they matched my design's exact curves and scale.
• Roofing: You can't have just anyone install a 13,000-square-foot terracotta roof. It required a highly specialized team trained to handle the material's weight, layout, and complex flashing on the varied rooflines.
• Awnings: The custom turquoise awnings were a key part of the 'Mediterranean Grande' identity. I managed the sourcing of the high-end, weather-resistant fabric and the fabrication of the custom frames.

I was on that job site constantly. In a design-build, the architect's job is to protect the design's integrity. I was there to answer the framer’s question about a complex archway, to quality-check the stonemason's work on the fly, and to solve problems before they became expensive. This hands-on management ensures that the 'Function' is executed flawlessly and the 'Form' is never compromised.

My job was also to protect the client and the budget. Every custom request, every material change, every unforeseen issue (and in a 13,000-square-foot build, there are always surprises) was processed through me. I handled all the change orders, managed the budget, and presented clear options to the client, so they always knew where we stood.

Ultimately, this level of comprehensive project management is the entire point of Form and Function by Roland. The client has one person—me—who is 100% accountable for every single detail, from the grand vision to the hinges on the doors."

A 13,000-square-foot home is a canvas for 'Form' on a grand scale. For this Mediterranean estate, the interior design was about managing that scale to be both impressive and intimate. This started with a two-story foyer featuring a custom-fabricated wrought-iron staircase and a hand-troweled plaster finish on the walls to create a soft, authentic texture. We carried that 'Old World' feeling throughout, using materials like reclaimed timber beams for the great room ceiling, arched doorways, and large-format travertine flooring. As the design-build manager,

 I was able to ensure continuity, so the same stone used on the exterior was brought inside to frame the fireplaces, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces.

But for me, all the 'Form' in the world means nothing if the 'Function' fails the client. This is the most important part of my entire process. A house, no matter its size, must feel like a home. Client satisfaction is my ultimate benchmark.

My process is built on deep collaboration. I don't just ask 'How many bedrooms?' I ask, 'How do you live?' 'Where will you drink your morning coffee?' 'Where will the kids do homework?' For this home, that meant creating intimate spaces within the grand ones: a cozy breakfast nook with a view in the gourmet kitchen, a dedicated library with built-in millwork, and a master suite designed as a true sanctuary. A project is only a success if, one year after moving in, the client tells me the house functions perfectly for their lifestyle. My 35-year reputation was built not just on creating beautiful structures, but on creating happy homes, and that is the only metric that truly matters to me."