Building Tradition Episode 8: History Meets Architecture, Insights from Architect Authors Gil Schafer & Peter Pennoyer on Classical Design

Listen on Apple Podcasts / Amazon Music / Google Podcasts / Spotify

On this Episode of Building Tradition, host Peter H Miller, Hon AIA interviews architect authors Gil Schafer and Peter Pennoyer. Listen in as they share notes on their new books and offer insight on their respective approaches to classical design.

Interviews with:

Building Tradition Episode 8, Part I: History Meets Architecture, Interview with Gil Schafer
Gil Schafer III completes his trilogy with a new book titled HOME at LAST: ENDURING DESIGN for the NEW AMERICAN HOUSE. Since his last two books, Gil Schafer has become a husband and stepfather which gives him new insight into the "messiness of life" with kids, pets and the pandemic. Mr. Schafer reflects on how his new life influences his work.

He also talks about how his whole life, growing up around traditional architecture, has shaped his design philosophy. And, coincidental with his new book HOME at LAST, Mr. Schafer reunites with two old friends, Aimee and Kevin Buccellato, to form a new partnership, Schafer Buccellato Architects.

Listen as our leading expert on contemporary traditional architecture, Gil Schafer talks about his life, his work and his books.

Building Tradition Episode 8, Part II: History Meets Architecture, Interview with Peter Pennoyer
"We immerse ourselves in the beauty of those great architects who precede us. Our curiosity leads to humility and informs our understanding of classicism, an ever-evolving design language." Peter Pennoyer Architects begin every project by researching the history of place and architectural precedent. This is evident in their work which Pennoyer calls "modern classicism."

Pennoyer's first of seven books, authored by his firm's architectural historian Anne Walker, was about Delano and Aldrich. "We were working on the restoration/renovation of the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York city when the building's superintendent gave us the original plans drawn by Delano and Aldrich. These and Robert Stern's urging, inspired us to write the book."

Now, Peter Pennoyer and Anne Walker have written a book about their own work: CITY COUNTRY, a 304 visual feast featuring 19 of Pennoyer's projects, including 304 photos, drawings and plans. The " City" work includes an Italianate town house in Greenwich Village. "Country" projects include an Arts and Crafts house in Ohio.

Listen as Peter Pennoyer discusses his approach to design, from apartment interiors to country estates, and talks about his newest book, CITY COUNTRY published by Vendom Press.