If you have noticed an ever-growing population of beautiful wood and glass rectilinear structures around town, you have been spotting the work of S2 Architects. We spoke with principal architect Jospeh Spears about what it takes to build a great Aspen home.
What defines a successful modern house to you? It’s a play between subtle and daring, complex yet simply organized, compelling yet reserved. Spaces dissolved to their essence or to take advantage of a single moment with all the focus on that moment and nothing more.
Do you recall seeing or experiencing a piece of architecture growing up that set you on your career path? That would be the Salk Institute, Guggenheim Museum in New York, and De Young Museum in San Francisco.
What are the most important things a client should think about when building or renovating in Aspen? Views and Outdoor Connections, which is a big reason to be in Aspen.
When it comes to choosing your collaborators, builders, suppliers, etc. what is most important to you? Being accommodating and passionate.
I would say your work is dominated by right angles. If someone wanted to build a house of all curves would find that an exciting challenge or not for you? Right angles are a good base, but emphasizing on a singular wall or element within the base concept could be quite exciting. I do have modern pieces of architecture I love that are curved buildings.
Are there any artists or schools of art you would love to fill one of your houses with? My philosophy is the color of a house should come from the art, furniture and sculpture. In art we prefer bold, colorful contemporary artists.
