Author to discuss styles of local architects

June 21, 2006

By DAN JOHNSON
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF

The more David Weinstein learned about the accomplishments and eccentricities of Bay Area architects, the more he realized how little most people knew about them.

So, he began writing profiles about them for the San Francisco Chronicle, with the intention of eventually publishing a book. His goal was realized this spring with the publication of "Signature Architects of the San Francisco Bay Area," a study of 15 local architects.

Weinstein will be at one of Petaluma architect Brainerd Jones' creations, the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, 20 Fourth St., at 7 p.m. Thursday for a book signing and slide presentation.

"I'll attempt to give my presentation a local flavor, while telling stories and showing buildings created by area architects," he said.

Weinstein won't focus exclusively on the book.

"My book is the slice of a larger project," Weinstein said. "I've written over 33 profiles of Bay Area architects, and included 11 of them in the book, along with four new profiles."

Some of the architects aren't among the best the region has produced, but together their in-depth stories provide insights into the overall history of Bay Area residential architecture.

"Together, the architects I wrote about have taken on every style of Bay Area architecture, and I've tried to represent many different geographic areas," Weinstein said.

The book contains chapters on Samuel and Joseph C. Newsom, Leola Hall, Ernest Coxhead, Luther Turton, Albert Farr, John Hudson Thomas, Frank Wolfe, Birge Clark, Carr Jones, Gardner Dailey, Roger Lee, Jack Hillmer, Warren Callister, Donald Olsen and the Ace Architects firm.

Some of the architects, such as the Newsom brothers, have designed structures in Petaluma and other parts of Sonoma County.

Weinstein writes about everything from Wolfe's idiosyncratic mix of details and foolhardy arrangement of windows, chimneys, roof lines and gables to Hillmer's expressive use of natural woodwork and rigorous geometric design to Ace Architects' playful style, allied with post-modernism that deliberately recalls previous Bay Tradition architects.

Some critics feel that a distinct Bay Area architectural style and tradition cannot be identified, but Weinstein says others disagree, sometimes defining it as "'woodsier,' warmer and more human," than that of the Los Angeles area.

Weinstein hopes that by understanding the personalities and styles of local architects, people will better understand and appreciate their work.

"I hope people will look more closely at their creations, and appreciate them as works of art," he said. "And I hope people will realize the importance of preserving them."

A native of Long Island, Weinstein studied art history at Columbia University and journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. He writes about historic preservation, the environment, history, and many other issues for local and national publications. He conentrates on modern architects for California Modern -- the Eichler Network magazine and Web site.

Weinstein is an avid hiker and dog walker, and a dedicated preservationist who initiated the successful effort to preserve the Cerrito Theater, an Art Deco theater in El Cerrito, his hometown.

(Contact Dan Johnson at djohnson@arguscourier.com)