Classic Style
An Interview with Susan Alisberg and Ed Parker from Alisberg Parker Architects

Where did you grow up?
SA - I grew up in a beautiful Tudor home in lower Westchester NY. I think the architecture of that home planted the seed for my interest in residential architecture.

EP - In the flat sand hills of the Pee Dee region of Florence, South Carolina. The area is rich in antebellum history and architecture.

What influences did you have growing up that made you become a designer?
SA - Both of my parents are artistic. My Dad is an Architectural Engineer who became a builder and is a talented artist as well. My mother practiced Interior Design for a few years and then opened an art gallery. My parents often had a project going on at home and they always asked my opinion. My mother educated our senses. She was dragging us through museums and cathedrals and telling us to “look” for as long as I can remember.

EP - My father and uncle were always building and fixing things. I was fascinated by how things went together and how they worked. I always drew and painted and often made things with scraps of discarded wood and cardboard. As I got older, I began building fairly elaborate forts and tree houses that conformed to my body size. Little did I know at the time I was learning about human scale and enclosing space to create intimacy and comfort.

What would you consider your design style?
SA - Classic. Architecturally, I follow historic precedent, but simplify and modernize the interior for today’s lifestyle. I appreciate antiques and modern furniture and enjoy integrating the two. If you decorate with things you love, carefully chosen regardless of period or style, you end up with an interior which will not date itself.

EP - I am a traditionalist. I design in the proportions and language of many historic styles. Our goal is to create a home that looks as if it was set into the landscape 100 years ago, but that functions for the modern family. Many times those two ideals might seem to be in conflict with one another. However, using the rich architectural languages and proportions of historic styles, we are able to create quality traditional work that accomplishes both goals.

How long have you been designing? Where did you study?
SA - I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornell University and then went to Columbia University and received my Masters in Architecture. I have been designing ever since I was little, helping my parents and then helping my friends.

EP - I’ve been a designer for 18 years. I graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Design and Yale University Graduate School of Architecture with a Masters of Architecture.

How do you define "home"?
SA - Home literally means Shelter, but it is for whom that shelter is which defines it.

EP - Home is a place of love, comfort and warm memories.

What are some questions you ask your clients before you begin a project?
EP - We want to know how they live. Where do they gather? How do they eat and play and sleep? Are they formal or casual? The more information we have about a client, the better we are able to design a home that is truly their own.

Who are some designers that have influenced your work, and how?
SA - Edward Lutyens and David Adler are the Architects to whom I most often refer. If we are working on a Mediterranean I would look to Mizner. Mostly, Ed Parker influences my work on a daily basis. We exchange ideas all day long. In decorating, it would be an odd mix from David Easton, Albert Hadley, and Bunny Williams to Stephen Gambrel.

EP - Being a traditionalist, I research historical precedent and inspiration from the turn of the century masters: David Adler, Edwin Lutyens, McKim Mead and White, Delano & Aldrich, Horace Trumbauer and John Russell Pope to name a few.

What are some trends we should look out for in design? Any particular colors?
SA - Design is now simpler and pared down. I think with the economy where it is people will embrace Mies Von De Rohe’s adage of “Less is More”.
Green is on everyone’s mind. I think we will see it in interiors as well.

How does your home design reflect in what you wear?
SA - My dress is classic, but I love color and pattern. While I follow fashion avidly, I rarely buy something I will not like when styles change.

Who is your dream client and why?
EP - My dream client is someone who is inspired and inspiring. Who listens and is decisive. Someone who appreciates traditional architecture and the details that make good quality design. Also someone that has an open mind and willing to try unconventional means to achieve unconventional ends.

Susan Alisberg – Ed Parker • Alisberg Parker Architects
222 Sound Beach Avenue • Old Greenwich, CT 06870
203-637-8730 • info@alisbergparker.com
http://www.alisbergparker.com