Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens (December 2003) "Meet the Architect: Harry Elson" by Sophie Donelson Where do you live in Palm Beach? When we visit, my wife and I stay at the house I designed for my parents in the heart of town. Do you have a favorite place in Palm Beach? The alley of palm trees lining Royal Palm Way. Since I was a little boy, it's been my gateway to the island, that magical moment when you cross the Okeechobee Bridge and realize you've arrived. Now it symbolizes the rigor and discipline I admire most about the island's landscape. Where did you receive training? After school I worked for Edward Larrabee Barnes and Charles Gwathmey. This is my tenth year with my own firm. Where is home? The Upper East Side of Manhattan on weekdays and on weekends, a contemporary farmhouse I just completed on Shelter Island, NY. From the outside it's modern, yet respectful of the character of our neighborhood. The inside is informal and loft-like with lots of light and air. What's your design philosophy? To address practical issues first, then allow the design concept to evolve. What is your favorite materials? Many modern architects are infatuated with glass, steel and concrete, but I'm interested in the relationship between wood and stone. The challenge is to use classic materials in a modern setting. What's the best part of designing a project? Walking through the finished project. It's like seeing a dream realized. Who is your favorite fashion designer? Ermenegildo Zegna. Their clothes are all about clean, classic lines, beautiful materials, flawless execution and just the right touch of flair. That's what I search for in my architecture. I'll always cringe when I see: An electrical outlet or light switch that has not been thoughtfully located. What would you do for work if you weren't an architect? I can't imagine doing anything else. When I was 10 on a family trip to Italy, my father gave my brothers and I each a camera. Later, my parents recalled that all my pictures were of buildings and formal gardens - not people. They knew, even before me, that I was destined to be an architect. Do you have a dream project? Designing a small regional airport or a library would be a fantastic addition to our current commissions. Having a well-balanced architectural practice keeps the creative juices flowing.