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002houston February 09:002houston
1/21/09
1:44 PM
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ISSAC PREMINGER AIA | INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY COMPANY ISSAC PREMINGER ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
Therefore, if people become more selective as I think they should, there’s a lot of opportunity for me. WHICH PARTS OF HOUSTON DO YOU THINK HAVE THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH? Houston has a herd mentality. We have seen that with Downtown, Washington Ave., etc. I have always believed that these dining/entertainment venues should be a destination. It adds to the elements of discovery and mystery that I talked about in my design philosophy. Therefore, I encourage new venues to open anywhere but where the herd is going, and when the herd gets there, move on. WHAT HOTEL DO YOU WISH YOU HAD DESIGNED, WHY? I think this question begets envy, and I have none. YOUR HOME IF ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITES EVER. ITS CHARM AND CHARACTER FLOW FROM EVERY PARTICLE. Cynthia and our 3 French Briards live in Southampton in a Spanish stucco that was built in the early ‘20s. It is wonderfully old and full of character. We have “remodeled” several portions of it. Although I am probably known for a more cutting-edge modern design, I was very careful not to do that in this case. We strived to respect its architecture and feel, and maintain its original design intent and the wonderful effects the passing of time have created. I believe that one should be humble enough to respect and maintain the character and design that others before us created. Unfortunately, Houston’s neighborhoods are being destroyed and defaced by monuments that certain self-centered, arrogant “modernist” architects are erecting in their honor. I pity the owners for not understanding the difference between a house and a home. WHAT STAMP OR IDEA DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE ON THE WORLD? That I left this world a better place than I found, and that I brought joy to others as others brought joy to me. Itching to work on...my next project Recent splurge.....my wife’s Christmas present Just discovered.....sadness Can’t quit listening to.....my dogs’ barking Next stamp on passport....Bahamas Every day I have to have.....the best day I ever had Fantasy dinner guests.....Adam Tihany, Renzo Piano, Jaques Garcia, Philippe Stark, Alberto Pinto, Eileen Gray. (COUNT ME IN. SG)
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