Global Appeal

US-based architect Steven Ehrlich never ceases to amaze with his architectural flair and his passion for sustainability. He has consistently tested his ideas and absorbed new ones by travelling, teaching and working all over the world to bring us the best of Eastern and Western cultures. "We strive for an architectural expression that fulfils the needs of users and the community, responds to local climate and culture, and encourages spontaneous social gatherings," says Ehrlich, design principal of Los Angeles-based Ehrlich Architects.

In 1969 Ehrlich joined the Peace Corps after receiving his architecture degree from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute. He served for two years in Morocco's department of urban planning and housing, and that is where he developed his architectural path.

"The roots of Multicultural Modernism can be traced to my first experiences as a working architect in Africa, where I was exposed to "architecture without architects" - vernacular buildings and city layouts that were functional, sustainable and sensitive to their environments. I later travelled in the Sahara and West Africa, and taught architecture at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria.

Although Ehrlich's reputation for designing award-winning architecture has helped him gain recognition, it's the team of 35 that make him proud. He comments, "One of my greatest rewards has been assembling a talented and dedicated team of people at the firm."

However, the architect says nothing beats working with different cultures on his overseas projects. Ehrlich's portfolio is a testament to the fact that he continues to raise the bar with influential design concepts.

Ehrlich Architects are best-known for their civic, residential and commercial projects, all of which are simplistic in design and are built with the best of modern-day technology. From stylish City Place Loft apartments to the 7,500-square-foot Canyon residence - designed amid native California sycamore trees, the firm's designs adhere to an ideal of simplicity and clarity.

One of the most exciting and challenging designs, has been the creation of an additional contemporary space to a master work of architecture - the addition to the Neutra home.

"I am particularly pleased that the addition respects the original house by Richard Neutra," he says of the Santa Monica home which was designed by the great modernist architect in 1938.

"Our aim is to create architecture that is global and local at the same time; contemporary and sustainable, making full use of the latest technologies, while also responsive to specificities of place, climate and culture," explains Ehrlich.

DESIGNER PROFILE

Name: Steven Ehrlich
Nationality: American
Age: 64
My best architectural achievement: Building a great practice of talented people
My favourite world construct: The Kimbell Art Museum
My favourite contemporary architect: Frank Gehry to Renzo Piano
My motto: Architecture is one of the performing arts
Something not a lot of people know about me: I like to helicopter ski
If my house was burning down the one thing I would save is: Personal photos