Some time ago, I became familiar with Alabama-based architect Jeffrey Dungan’s work when my eyes feasted upon an exceptionally lovely and serene kitchen via Pinterest. It was the kitchen from his Villa at Shoal Creek project, and I bet you know it too (see below). It has resonated with thousands of design lovers for good reason. Then I fell in love with more of his work showcased in Milieu magazine right here. Today’s design lesson, Timeless Architecture Inspiration: Jeffrey Dungan, will introduce a most transcendent approach to traditional and classic design from a masterful eye.
Timeless Architecture Inspiration: Jeffrey Dungan
What treasure I discovered when I dug deeper into Mr. Dungan’s portfolio. What I found was a kindred spirit, and what I became was a great admirer of this Alabama-based starchitect’s philosophies and sensibilities. It is refreshing to find an architect with this level of success so remarkably grounded in wonder. Lots of design professionals have a reverence for nature and an ongoing love affair with light; this pro has learned to honor and preserve it timelessly.
Perhaps such grounding is a result of his growing up on the family farm in rural Alabama.
Such a humble and soulful approach to building homes yields beautiful structures which will never fall from favor.
Meet Architect Jeffrey Dungan
In an interview the architect shared on Jeffrey Dungan’s Journal, we learn some important inside information about Dungan’s creative process and values.
His Approach to Design?
“There are always three things I ask the site when approaching design: 1. Where are your best views? 2. How does the sun travel across? 3. What is the shape of the topography? The answers to those questions will tell me how to lay out the house.” – JEFFREY DUNGAN
Where does the architect find inspiration?
“For me there are endless sources. Certainly the earth and the beauty of it are inspiration, but also music and people are for me as well. Especially when I draw, people are huge and I have surrounded myself with some amazing ones who inspire me everyday. In the end, it’s personal and it’s spiritual. There is no recipe for it- it’s mysterious but worth seeking out.” -JEFFREY DUNGAN
Want to know the person behind all this beauty and hear the voice behind the designs?
TREAT YOURSELF to 2 minutes of lovely, vulnerable sharing from an architect full of gratitude.
I was moved by the sense of purpose and calling inherent in this video capturing a man’s mission and am inspired to reflect on my own longings. It is also admirable how the architect mentions trees since they are such important teachers in my own spiritual journey. Just this afternoon I spoke with someone who is quite tender at the moment and struggling to move forward. I was compelled to suggest spending time with trees for help in returning to center.
An Amazing New Book
How positively fortuitous that the architect has just written a book! It is a must own for students of beauty, design, and timelessness. So much more than inspiring design details, this is a collection of wisdom.
The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses by Jeffrey Dungan
I spent good chunks of time this weekend with Dungan’s awe-inspiring book, and the quality of the projects, commentary, and photography by William Abranowicz is staggering. This is not one of those sweet catalogs of pleasant interiors. Yet it isn’t show-offy either. The work is highly sophisticated, understated, thoughtful and poetic. Each page is worth savoring and lingering over.
Let’s tour some of Jeffrey Dungan Architects’ projects to be enlightened a bit more about timeless design, the use of natural materials, artistry with natural light, proportion, and superior architecture.
Timeless Architecture Inspiration: Jeffrey Dungan
A Clean & Modern Approach
Now, This is Just FUN!
Traditional Vernaculars & Classic Architecture
Cozy, Pale, and Interesting
Natural Materials + Natural Light
Innovative Shapes from Nature
Sophisticated Yet Accessible
Pattern Play
Staircase Wonder
Serene and Timeless
Rugged & Handsome
Playing With Light
How Fast Can I PIN This Image & These Doors!?!
You will love the book!
No matter where this post finds you, no matter how you may have stumbled upon this little inspiration sanctuary on the web, maybe this poetry will mean something for you.
When I am Among the Trees
by Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
How grateful I am for poets and architects who create shelter for us with words and bricks!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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