PROFILE

Eric Charles Parlee is a native of Pasadena, California, licensed as an architect in 1977 and has had and established practice as an architect in Santa Monica since 1984. Pasadena and the foothills of Altadena have a rich inheritance in residential architecture, some of them built by his grandfather, A.C. Parlee, and these have greatly influenced the approach to residential design that is reflected in his body of work. From the early rancho, to craftsman, Spanish colonial revival, shingle style, American traditional, Italianate, and English arts and crafts, Eric Parlee has drawn inspiration from numerous excellent examples of these styles found in the town in which he grew up. Attending college at the California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, he graduated with honors in 1974 after attending his fourth year of study in Florence, Italy. Prior to establishing his practice in Santa Monica, he attended UCLA for a Masters Degree.

The last twenty years have seen a tremendous growth in the character and quality of residential construction in the West Side communities of Los Angeles. While many of these projects are new construction many also are transformative remodels and additions. Most are in traditional and established neighborhoods where the challenge and responsibility for the architect require a sensitive blending of the old with the new.

Many of the most accomplished architects of generations past had the opportunity to study historic architecture in Europe and bring those lessons home. Eric Parlee attended the California State International Program in Florence, Italy where he had the privilege to do the same. Within the language of many different revival and native California styles it is possible to create a dwelling of modern sensibilities and refinements while pleasing the eye and giving a sense of comfort and gracious living. Open plans with efficient circulation and an abundance of natural light are joined to the traditional styles in unexpected and delightful ways reflecting all that the California climate and region has to offer. Designs with refined detail and proportion as well as a strong commitment to excellent execution of the built product within the discipline of the chosen style are at the heart of every one of his works. The need to promote environmentally responsible design is not incompatible with traditional architecture but is a challenge that requires innovation and sensitivity to materials and building system strategies. This challenge is welcomed and is at the core of his commitment to providing excellent solutions to modern day living.

Active in his community, Eric Parlee has served on neighborhood organizations as well as two terms on the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board and two on the Planning Commission. In the former he was instrumental in the development of the ARB Design Handbook as well as the Ocean Park Design Guidelines. On the Planning Commission, he participated in the development of the Civic Center Specific Plan, the St John's Hospital Master Plan, and the North of Montana residential design standards. As a member of the Pasadena/Foothill Chapter of AIA, he has recently been elected to the Board of Directors where he is serving as the Director of Advocacy to promote an architectural voice and contribution dealing with issues of government policy and planning.