Architect Duncan Ian Nicholson

Left to Right: Ramsey Daham, Duncan Nicholson, and James Perry at concrete pour for the Goldstein Tennis Court photo by Kris Conner

Architecture received a great loss in early 2015 with the passing of my Mentor and Friend Duncan Nicholson.

Architecture writer Alan Hess sentiment from the Duncan Nicholson Remembered article on the John Lautner Foundation's website may have put it best:

"There was no Architect more solidly committed to Architecture in the highest sense. Duncan was doing what we all would be doing in the best of all worlds: quietly and expertly carrying the ever-evolving nature of Organic architecture launched by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, John Lautner. It came through in his enthusiasm in talking about the Sheats-Goldstein house with visiting students -- I'll always appreciate his willingness to do that."

Architect Duncan Nicholson overseeing a renovation at the Sheats-Goldstein Residence photo by James Perry

I feel very blessed to have been an apprentice under Duncan Nicholson. He took the time to mentor me over the years that I worked under his tutelage. He had the attributes that every man and architect should strive for. He was honorable in every aspect of his work and life, and he taught me that, like in life, ones architecture should strive to be honest, original, and innovative.

The first time meeting Duncan I quickly realized that he was immersed in historic knowledge, bringing forth references on ancient truths. He was always articulate in his thoughts, on point in his writings, and exact in his drawings. Duncan was a one of a kind Architect and an artist in his own right. He took every chance to design as a profound opportunity to bring something beautiful into the world. No matter how small or how large he would make a lasting design that was unique in its form and true in its function. He was an individual who would rather struggle for commissions than compromise his integrity.

When he drew, I knew it was always an informed thought with a deep understanding and significance. I knew this because he taught me that I could hone that same skill to form and develop a design, and by controlling and training my mind I could quickly imagine, iterate, and then solve the idea. And only then was the complete idea worthy to be put down on to paper. This was just a glimpse of the love that he put into his work as he continued a long legacy of great design.

Duncan enjoyed surfing and rode countless waves at his favorite spot at Topanga, where it is only fitting as the place he would first meet his wonderful wife Lee. He had an amazing laugh and was youthful in his ability to get the joys out of the everyday. He was generous, and loyal, and always playful in his natural zest for life.

And above all of this he was also my friend, and I will miss you for as long as I live.

He was never short of words of wisdom, and I would like to share a few of Duncan’s sayings:

-The answer is always to be found in the problem.

-The first answer to a problem is often not the best answer.

-Only a Jackass assumes.

-Fact follows fiction.

-If God had a partner the world may not have been as beautiful.  

Architect Duncan Nicholson sitting on concrete bench he designed.