Meet Kristopher Conner | Architect

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

Hi Kristopher, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I often hear the advice that in order to survive, let alone succeed you must specialize. Find a niche and own it in order to differentiate yourself from the masses. And in a sense that rings true, but I think that it is often misinterpreted. I think that part of what initially drew me to architecture is that it is one of the last remaining great generalist pursuits. A design education is about developing a way of thinking, of questioning the world, of seeing through what has always been to new possibilities. And while there are certain bodies of knowledge and skills that must be mastered specific to the practice of architecture, what makes it interesting to me, and what I believe most often results in the design of successful environments that are elevated to art, is an openness to the breadth of human knowledge and experience. I find inspiration everywhere: sciences, politics, history, literature, natural forms and systems, the exotic and the banal. Most recently I am inspired by the ways in which my children see the world and their ability to express complex emotions is simple terms. No human endeavor has complete autonomy. Our ideas, our language, our culture is a product of interconnectivity and I revel is exploring as much of it as I can.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Conner & Perry Architects is a firm that specializes in modern, organic architecture. Modern, in the sense that we avoid styles or trends and use all of the contemporary means at our disposal to create an architecture that is timeless and unique. Organic, in that we strive to synthesize a holistic spatial and structural concept that resolves the complex calculus of the client’s desires, the building’s program, and opportunities provided by the site. Ultimately architecture will elevate human experience if it contains an element of individuality, unexpected creativity, and derives inspiration from natural systems. We’ve had the opportunity now not only to explore this process with some truly amazing clientele, but also to learn directly from a master of organic architecture like John Lautner by working to restore and renovate a few of his masterpieces here in Southern California.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week in LA . . . for me so much of the cultural capital of this place is tied to food, the coast, and of course architecture/art. – One day would probably involve a quick drive up the PCH early morning to Point Dume (where I got married), surf session if the conditions are good, grab a six pack and then lunch at Malibu Seafood, stop at the Getty Villa and the Eames House on the way back down to Santa Monica. Grab a light picnic and a bottle of wine from Bay Cities Deli and head over to the Sheats-Goldstein Residence for a private tour and wrap the evening with a sunset showing of the Turrell Skyspace on the property. – Day two I’d head east: hit the Kings Road Schindler House, the Hollyhock House/Barnsdal Art Park (the evening wine tasting/movie events there in the summer are outstanding), and then the Griffith Observatory. Dinner and a martini at Musso and Frank then head up to the Greek for a concert, followed up by some dessert at House of Pies. – Day three might include a hike up Mandeville or Sullivan Ridge to one of the Nike Missile sites in the morning and then a trip to Downtown: lunch at Grand Central Market and a walking architecture tour (Bradbury Building, Disney Concert Hall, Broad, Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, etc.), run down to SciARC to see the latest gallery installation and student work and grab a quick pint at Wustkuche before heading over to Bestia for dinner. – Day four: three words – driving taco tour. – Day 5 . . . honestly . . . I could write a small book and I barely feel like I know this city and I’ve been here for fifteen years now.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to recognize my former boss, mentor, and friend Duncan Nicholson, who introduced me to the philosophy of Organic Architecture. Duncan was an apprentice to the famous mid-century Los Angeles architect, John Lautner, who in turn apprenticed under Frank Lloyd Wright, who began his career working for Louis Sullivan. Organic Architecture was coined by Wright and describes a holistic approach to design that integrates the function and program of a building with its environment into a cohesive system that strives to connect us to Nature through a cohesive structural and formal concept. It is a beautiful way to think about the process of design, and I feel fortunate to have been indoctrinated into such a prestigious architectural lineage. Duncan was a forthright human being with a sincere affinity for beauty and a unique search for perfection. He is dearly missed.

Website: http://www.conner-perry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connerperryarchitects/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connerperryarchitects
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connerperryarchitects
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW4Yl7irRK8GzSd761mmulg
Other: https://architizer.com/firms/conner-and-perry-architects/

Image Credits
Josh Rubin, Taiyo Watanabe, ASK Media, Conner & Perry Architects