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The Rolling Stones held a benefit concert following the devastating Nicaragua earthquake of 1972, and with the $300,000 he had
to work with, architect Dick Clark created 150 homes—yes, a mere $2,000 each. Though basic in form and function, the homes
provided protection from the sun and invited breezes to keep the temperature as cool as possible. Designing with utmost regard for
a site's natural topography, the region's climate and the local culture—these were the most important lessons that Dick wanted to
impart to students in the exchange program he was running in Central America for The University of Tennessee. Whether designing
in Texas or a foreign land, Dick believes in creating site-specific architecture that feels right on its site and in the greater locale. A
Tudor mansion in Central Texas, for example, is not a project Dick is likely to undertake.
RIGHT: Clerestory windows, careful scaling, natural materials and a
thoughtful lighting plan combine for an appealing aesthetic.
BELOW: Located within a midrise residential building, the remodeled space
features rich and luxurious finishes like dark veneers, mahogany floors and
granite countertops.
FACING PAGE: Clad in Leuders limestone, the Town Lake estate includes a
number of buildings visually linked by a series of waterfalls.
Photographs © Paul Bardagjy
ARCHITECT
