Meet Jeff Shelton | ARCHITECT

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Shelton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There are endless important factors that have to work out to have a project be successful. The first is to define what successful is. In my case, a project needs to be a joy to design and build, for both the client and contractor, no matter the struggles and setbacks, because the attitudes and relationships during the whole design process are ultimately reflected in the walls of the building, and in the end, the building needs to sit comfortably on its site as if this building was the only building that could have occupied the space, and the new structure enhances the rhythm of the street while the pedestrian’s experience is fortified and confirmed and the fabric of the city and the future is at least slightly more hopeful, while at the same time, the client’s technical and of course emotional needs are addressed and enhanced and he great people that worked on the project have all been fairly paid and added their lives to the building and along with the workers and their families we are all sitting at the building drinking wine, looking around as if the entire ordeal was simple and with every sip of wine, we begin to forget about the complications and headaches we all endured together, then, the client announces that they are sorry that the building process is complete, and that she would like to start another project.

With this being my definition of success, I found that it is my job to keep my eye on the prize, and surround myself with a great band of people, be it contractors, craftspeople, engineers, artists, plumbers, sculptors, stone masons, electricians, woodworkers, glassblowers, welders and most importantly, find clients that believe in the same definition of ‘success’, because without the client buying into this world, none of this would work, and my pencil drawings would stay on the paper.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have never completely understood what the term ‘art’ means, that is, i was taught to try and look at things from different angles, or entertain different points of view, to not be satisfied with ideas that are off the shelf and that the general ideas in front of us are at least suspect and should be reconsidered. I don’t think what i do sets me apart from others, i think what others don’t do sets me apart. I am doing what i was trained to do, try and understand the situation, be as honest with the information as i can possibly be, don’t be afraid of anything or what anyone will say or think, then attack with joy. None of this has been easy, most told me to find another profession, i couldn’t get into Architecture school, i had to sign up as an English Major and crash courses, then my ideas were certainly foreign and obtuse compared to others, but the professors ended up embracing my direction. Nothing was easy, except for the idea that i wouldn’t waver. Back to my shoutout to Jack Triguero, you got to fight for your space, and if you get beat, work harder, try it again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Are we talking about in Santa Barbara of Dublin? In Santa Barbra, drive up to Camino Cielo on the top ridge of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this way you can get a perspective of where you are in the world, the Pacific Ocean 4000 feet below and the Channel Islands in the distance, and behind you, mountains for as far as you can see. Then go back down to the breakwater, and look back, with this perspective, life is in front of you. I don’t think that i have ever taken a week off in Santa Barbara, I go somewhere else for that. I guess my favorite places in Santa Barbara are the Mountains and Butterfly Beach. I keep it simple, head to the James Joyce every Tuesday for drinks with friends, we go to Joe’s Cafe for drinks and dinner since the 60’s

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jack Triguero, a basketball coach and mentor. Hard work pays off. The combination of art and the competition and hard work in athletics is a great petrie dish for understanding how to use determination to accomplish goals.

Website: jeffsheltonarchitect.com

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Image Credits
Ablitt Tower, The Oak Tree House: Jim Bartsch El Jardin, Vera Cruz: Jason Rick El Zapato: Alex Nye