BUILD Q4 issue

Build Q4 2018 6 stablished in 1998, Dean Larkin Design specialises in high-end luxury lifestyle project focusing mainly on estates; but also, multi-family, restaurants and hospitality. The firm’s full-service design celebrates the nexus between the client’s dreams, desires and reality. An LA native, Dean grew up appreciating Southern California’s unique climate and natural beauty; and their pro- jects constantly blur the image between indoor and outdoor living. Dean Larkin Design focuses on maximising the intrinsic potential of the setting while meeting the client’s lifestyle, business or institutional needs. Dean begins the interview by explaining the firm’s approach when under- taking a new client, highlighting how Dean Larkin Design stands out as the best option for clients amongst their competitors. “Here at Dean Larkin Design, we extensively interview the client, examin- ing their needs and carefully reviewing any images which they may have. In addition to this, we also document the site, including any views (which are mapped with a compass), and the surrounding neighbourhood is taken into careful consideration to maximise the design potential. “Our unique approach is not designed for everybody, but for those who desire to set themselves apart from the crowd for a project as unique and one-of-a-kind as they are.” Currently, the real estate market in California is experiencing unprece- dented growth and straining supporting industries as a result. As such, one of Dean Larkin Design’s largest challenge is setting the clients expec- tations for the ever-rising construction budgets, as well as the timelines for permitting and construction. Now, the firm spends more time walking their clients through the process and tie in their billing to a schedule that is part of the contract to maintain those expectations. When discussing the techniques the team at Dean Larkin Design employ to create innovative solutions to maintain success, Dean points to three core areas that helps him to stay ahead of the game. Dean Larkin Design: Quintessential LA Architect Dean Larkin Design specialises in high-end luxury lifestyle project focusing mainly on estates; but also, multi-family, restaurants and hospitality. Following their success in BUILD Magazine’s Innovators in Design where they were righteously awarded the accolade Most Outstanding for High-End Residential Architecture in Los Angeles, we profiled the firm and spoke to Owner, Dean Larkin who provided us with an insight into the innovative design firm. E “One of the ways I am able to maintain success is by staying involved in my profession. For example, I serve as a board member for both the AIA/LA and CALA (Center for Architecture Los Angeles). In addition, speaking and/or attending various conferences exposes me to the ‘what’s now’; and then of course by balancing that with doing what is right for the project and the client despite what is trendy or not. “Finally, being part of design committees for products, such as the new Perlick refrigerators, and interacting with my other peers to see what they see as important trends.” Speaking of success, Dean reflects on some of the firm’s most successful projects to date, touching on what the team learnt from the experience. “Our last three projects that have been put up for sale have all set records in their selling price, including one that was a reimagining of home with 270-degree views by renowned architect Harry Gesner; which was fea- tured in an AIA tour. For us, this validates the value of design to us, our clients and our community.” Looking ahead to what the future holds for the firm, Dean believes there will be change within the wider industry, noting on how both individuals and the market are gaining more knowledge on the sector. Also, he is keen to highlight the future aspirations he has for the award-winning design firm. “With regards to the industry, we see both our market and our clients’ growing evermore knowledgeable, savvy to put it another way, making it more of challenge to bring something new, exciting and unexpected to the design and the process. In addition to this, moving modern past ‘mid-cen- tury’ and into the 21st century as movement which is more relevant to our time. “Moving forward, we will continue to develop our unique voice with our amazing clients. Our projects growing in diversity from a new 30,000 SF (2,780 Square Meters) three level home, our first sub-division and several luxury multi-family projects.”