Discover Tehuamixtle Mexico

Less than a two hour drive south of Puerto Vallarta, lies another world of endless beaches and coastline that is unique in flora, fauna, and terrain. The fishing village of "Tehua" as it is known by locals, is by many definitions paradise. A small condominium project of only four units may be starting sometime soon. This will be a unique opportunity to own in this special place.

Trekking the High Atlas in Morocco

Morocco has much to see and experience. Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains takes you to Berber villages and places that you can only reach by trail. After climbing into snow at 13,000 feet, you can unwind and relax on the coast or take a trip into the desert on a camel.

Seasons of change

Eastern Washington State in the U.S. is an ever changing palette of colors and textures as the seasons change.

Available...rooms with view

In a safe and peaceful little fishing village called Tehuamixtle, tucked into a protected cove, surrounded by cliffs, where locals still earn their living fishing and harvesting oysters, a small lodging will soon be built. For the right individual, it is possible to have a share of this. By many definitions, this is paradise. Far enough from the usual tourist trappings, yet close enough to the amenities of the modern world. tehuamexico

R.M. Schindler House in California

Rudolph Schindler worked for Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1920's. A project in Los Angeles, CA lead to his opening his own practice there with the design of what is known as "The Schindler House", a live-work space for two couples. I like the simplicity and the integration of interior and exterior space. Concepts that very much apply to my project in Mexico. This exellent book documents the house, and I believe it is out of print. See links for more information on this house.

Exploring Washington wine country

There is nothing like a very good bottle of wine. A well crafted fine wine, and the culinary art of fine food are one of life's pleasures. Consumable design. Wine country in Walla Walla Washington, USA, has excellent wineries that produce world class wines.

Designer cocktails on the edge

Sophisticated cocktails, amazing small plates, rustic chic, rolling hills, vineyards, wheat fields, at what seems like the edge of the world. Waitsburg Washington U.S.A. Exploring the wine country of Washington State, I discovered this most unlikely and surprising place. jimgermanbar

Better art than automobile

This old Citroen seems very much at home in the medina of Marrakesh. Most streets are no wider than a small automobile, making for interesting travel if you choose to drive. This car has somehow become part of the landscape.

Chachalaka on the pacific coast of Mexico

This video shows Chachalaka. It is a very special place and I am working towards designing a very Eco-friendly setting for a handful of small casas. Links to Chachalaka, Mayto, and the Tehua area are here.

Design studies for Mexico project

These studies are for my Chachalaka project on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The three views show the entry of the buildings. The other sides are open to the vistas, ocean, and beach. Designs are terraced into the natural topography and will create a very low profile as you approach each site. One view shows what is a 'tunnel' through to the site below. Access to buildings is planned for electric vehicle only. Motor vehicles will be parked in a designated area near the road. There are wonderful trees and cactus that will lend to a feeling of intimacy and attract birds and butterflies.

Guanajuato inspires design and creativity

Guanajuato Mexico is a beautiful colonial city with a rich history. The Spanish created a vast tunnel system to extract large quantities of silver. At one time during the 18th century, Guanajuato was the largest source of silver in the world. Today it is a business and government center and home to a university. The colonial architecture, layout of the city and colors are unique. The tunnel system is now an underground road system for traffic resulting in few automobiles in the centro area.

Powering Mexico

For the moment, the vultures are the only ones utilizing this windmill. A relic from the past and a symbol perhaps of the state of alternative energy solutions in Mexico. I hope that in the near future it will be politically fashionable to promote solar and wind alternatives to supplying energy. Mexico has a lot of sun, and many areas have consistent wind. These technologies would be useful in developing areas and eliminate the need for expensive expansion of conventional power grids.

Bath design in a small area

This was a bath designed for an urban loft and utilized a small space. A skylight is above the tub/shower. The large mirror and custom wall hung vanity make the space seem larger. The toilet is closed off with a pocket door that has a frosted glass panel, allowing light. Double doors with frosted glass panels close the bath from the master bedroom. This was part of a complete renovation project.

A dedicated fisherman

This Egret was very dedicated to his place on the beach. Never mind the big waves. Every morning the Egret would be at the same spot, working the waves.

New Years at Chachalaka beach

Looking forward to a great new year. Design ideas are taking shape for Chachalaka project. It is a truly amazing beach.