The Big Kahuna Island Architect

A reminder. . .

2010-08-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

A reminder that I am the Kahuna and this is my Island!

Compound from the air, after many seasons!

2010-08-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Kitchen w/ a spectacular view out!

From the Drive.

John Morris Architects & Knickerbocker Group

It is nice to have after many seasons to see a project I was intimately involved with mature and mesh with the environment as well as this compound has.

Library Stair

2010-08-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Before & After - Tempe Public Library

Living the Life!

2009-12-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Day & Night. Caribbean Ocean Palms Villa, St. John USVI

Commercial TI - Downtown Tucson

2009-12-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

Interior Renovation project part of Urban Renewal efforts 2008 for Downtown Tucson.

2009-05-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Courtyards

Ink on Trace

2009-05-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

For Rick.

International Work - Dubai

2009-05-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Four Bedroom Villa - Dubai, U.A.E. 3 Car

Four Bedroom Villa - Dubai, U.A.E. 2 Car

Five Bedroom Villa - Dubai, U.A.E. 2 Car

Four Bedroom Villa - Dubai, U.A.E. 2 Car

Airpark Propeller House II

2009-04-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

VIEW TO RUN-WAY

SKYWALK VIEW TO DINING ROOM

EXERCISE/LOUNGING LOFT

SKYWALK

MASTER BATH SINK

Airpark Propeller House I

2009-04-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Wine Room

2008-08-22T16:08:00.001-07:00

Enjoy!

Pemaquid with Boothbay Homebuilders.

2008-05-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Main Villa Design for a Multi-Pod Site.

2008-05-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Interior Design & Architecture:

Addition & Remodel of a 19th Century Bath.

2008-05-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

2008-05-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Typical Southwest Style.

Vegas and Parapets.

2008-05-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Residential & Commercial on a mixed use lot.

Art Gallery / Coffee Shop.

Preserves open Space w/ Privacy for Residence.

2008-05-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Someone left the wheel barrow on my site, anyone know who this belongs to?

2008-05-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Circle House Project, Concrete & Glass.

2008-05-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Coastal Maine 15K SF Retreat.

2008-05-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

And the first of many Villas built on St. John USVI, Tropical Low looking East toward the Atlantic along the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

2008-05-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Airpark Project.

House with Hanger.

2008-05-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

A moment of peace in the desert.

Ranch Building 14.

A whole lotta num nums

2006-02-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Embrace the natural form, all found objects create harmony.

Rick is Gay!

2005-12-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

Rick is Gay!

Just look at his outfit and Head Gear!

Yurts

2005-12-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Marcus Agrippa's yurt!

and a Maine yurt. . .

Same idea. . . A skylight!

If it's yellow . . .

2005-11-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

Most of the Islands in the Caribbean have a lack of fresh water sources. Pretty much the only source is the rain collected from run-off and sent into cisterns.

When I first came to the Virgin Islands about 10 years ago, I noticed many interesting sites, smells and sounds. I travelled by car and boat to other islands in the British/American Virgin Islands experiencing the best in tropical adventure by shopping, eating and relieving myself.

Let me explain, since water is a precious commodity for villas and restaurants there happens to be a protocol for emptying toilets. (not for filling them by the way)

Islanders made signage to help the unsuspecting traveller to conserve water as well as to assist in making 1 & 2 a good experience. It is written on media such as coconuts, palm fronds, and wood crates.

Next to the light switch and the T.P. dispenser what I read and what I can tell you is this:

"If it is yellow,
let it mellow.
If it is brown,
flush it down!"

You still have to wash your hands too. . . All the best!

Kids only.

2005-11-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

I came across this bill board in my travels to Europe. . .

The smile on the babies face says it all.

To my friends, the DAM Nelsons.

Category five. . .

2005-11-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Ironic name.

Time for a Drink

2005-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

On break from working, hah, we enjoy a bite to eat and a few drinks at Skinny Legs where it is said "It's and OK place"

My little buddy has learned from a good teacher how to say "Cheers" when drinking.

If you see the drink by the corner of the table with the straw pointed toward Lil K, it is not a margarita just a lemonade. He isn't old enough for that yet.

Our second trip as a family was a sucess. We enjoyed the beaches, the pools, the people, the weather and the food.

Buddy seemed to become more aware and speak a great deal better by being away from home. It seems trips like this one spurs his development in language and activity. Get your kids out too!

2005-10-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

An example of how to best utilize our sun's energy.

2005-10-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

'VIZ'ual of the Sonoran Desert Project - dubbed The Propeller House.

Systematic Approach to Sustainable Dwellings

2005-10-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

Taking a closer look at the lack of resources and the cost increases per unit of gas for cars & homes, professionals such as myself in the green architecture industry have determined to remain adamant that people should invest dollars in the future with technology capable of capturing sunlight and converting it into heat and energy.

I have found a site that describes in a basic manner with text and diagrams the different kinds of things to consider for each design.

The following links will take you to brochures from Solar Works, Inc.

Solar PV augmented grid system:
http://www.solar-works.com/PDFFiles/PV_Sunplicity_Spec.pdf

Soar PV w/battery storage augmented grid system:
http://www.solar-works.com/PDFFiles/PV_Sunplicity_UPS_Spec.pdf

Solar PV off the grid completely:
http://www.solar-works.com/PDFFiles/PV_Off-Grid.pdf

Solar heating:
http://www.solar-works.com/PDFFiles/SDHW_Brochure.pdf

Solar Hot Water heating:
http://www.solar-works.com/PDFFiles/CL_64-80_Spec.pdf

Good design starts with conservation and forethought. Our future holds promise for a cleaner living with reducing the dependence on resources we mine from our Earth.

Our work

2005-10-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

With sustainable features such as rain water collection system, solar powered pumps, solar hot water heaters, gray water irrigation, a viable water recovery septic system and natural ventilation, this villa plan offers something comfortable and livable for parties of two to fourteen.

This is the first of three such projects on Island.

The Pretty Kahuna and The Little Kahuna

2005-09-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

My Cool Kahuna Family. Wife Liz and Son Aidan.

The Big Kahuna himself

2005-09-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Where did I leave my worries????

The Kickoff

2005-09-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Big Kahuna is on the scene finally. . .Bloggin.

Yes it's true, I am the Big Kahuna Island Architect.

First I must define Kahuna:

kahuna /k*-hoo'n*/ n. [from the Hawaiian title for a shaman]
Synonym for wizard or guru.

Now where the Big comes in, refer to no. 6.

big (bĭg)
adj., big·ger, big·gest.

Of considerable size, number, quantity, magnitude, or extent; large. See synonyms at large.
1. Of great force; strong: a big wind; in a big rage.
2. Obsolete. Of great strength.
1. Mature or grown-up: big enough to take the bus by herself.
2. Older or eldest. Used especially of a sibling: My big brother is leaving for college next week.
Pregnant: big with child.
Filled up; brimming over: felt big with love.
Having or exercising considerable authority, control, or influence: a big official; a big chief.
Conspicuous in position, wealth, or importance; prominent: a big figure in the peace movement.
Of great significance; momentous: a big decision; a big victory.
Informal. Widely liked, used, or practiced; popular: “For public opinion . . . has grown harsh and yuppie-bashing is big” (Sally Jacobs).
Informal. Self-important; cocky: You're too big for your own good.
Loud and firm; resounding: a big voice.
Bountiful; generous: had a big heart.

adv.

In a pretentious or boastful way: talked big about the new job.
Informal.
1. With considerable success: made it big with their recent best-selling album.
2. In a thorough or unmistakable way; emphatically: failed big at the box office.

In the many Blogs to come you will begin to know the Influential Shaman.

Until then, "Aloha nui loa"