Written by Remy Haynes
Photography by Remy Haynes

ARCHITECT RON RADZINER CONTINUALLY WORKS FOR THE MAGIC MOMENTS

It can be said that architecture is an artform that strives to reach truth through structure. Like a painter, architects employ an expressive craft with the final result seeking to elevate the viewer's awareness of the world around them. Both architects and master painters harmonize form, color, and space, meticulously crafting visual experiences. Through creativity and technical expertise, they manifest visions into tangible forms, balancing aesthetics and functionality or narrative, respectively, eliciting emotional responses and shaping perceptions of physical or depicted spaces. Their works often transcend mere utility.

We had the opportunity to explore the balance between technique and design with master builder and architect Ron Radziner of local design firm, Marmol Radziner. “Ultimately the beauty of a building depends on architecture and site being in harmony,” Ron says as we tour his private home in the hills of Los Angeles. Nestled amongst native California sycamore trees, you could miss it if you're not looking closely from the main road. He explains how they cut the house around the tree in their upstairs family room to make sure the tree wasn’t disturbed, creating a real sense of beauty and oneness with the landscape.

Keeping the structure of nature in place when designing spaces is something that's very important to Ron and his business partner of 34 years, Leo Marmol. Known for creating 'glass houses', Ron's aesthetic as an architect could be referred to as California Modernist with his biggest goal being to create intimate, dark, warm spaces that force the eye to be drawn out to the landscape. Creating strong connections with the surrounding environment has always been Ron's number one goal when he takes on a new project. Understanding the site and physically walking through it is very important as a first step before he sits down to draw- to get a feel for the sun, wind and other natural factors that will affect not only the structure but how people live within it.

Growing up in LA, Ron has a rich history of building in his community. He recounts working with Tree  People over 30 years ago to build the community center and park on Mulholland and recalls when the Getty Center was being commissioned. “I remember reading that the architect, Richard Meier, was concerned about trees blocking the building. I was astounded by that because one of my favorite things is the clean lines of architecture being broken by nature.” This is exemplified by the entry way to his home where you practically climb over a ree trunk to get inside. It is reminiscent of one's youth and wasting away the days climbing every tree possible before being called in for dinner.

I inquire if he was that kid who was always outside getting dirty. A resounding “Yes.” with the addition of, ”And building. I was always building things, from elaborate forts to sandcastle cities. I feel fortunate to have connected with my love o f building so young. I don't think there was anything else I really could have done for a career.” There is something innate in a man's brain about building things. I offer, ”Oh absolutely.” he says. It's a bit primitive and yet a bit artful, since spaces must be built to not only withstand but also bolster their inhabitants. Living things dwell in these structures and feed off the views, the cozy corners, the open dining room with 13-foot table for family dinners. Architects not only get to provide shelter for people in the way of homes, hotels and retail spaces but they get to create a space that also inspires its users.

When asking Ron what he enjoys designing the most I realize that's like asking a parent to name their favorite child, it's impossible. “I do like it all but what I love most is designing homes. There's nothing more satisfying for me than designing a home for an individual, couple or family. It's an expression of how living life is for them in this physical way. To help manifest that for them and help satisfy all their basic needs but hopefully in the end create something way beyond what they could have imagined, that is deeply fulfilling.” His response reminds of the duality that architecture allows, using the left and right brain to imag- ine not only the structure of a place but it's use. For men especially, this artform allows them to tap into that feminine, creative side imagining how the space will be used and how people will move through.

On the topic of inspiration, can't help but notice the giant, larger than life bookcases in both his office and home space, filled with words and pictures from photographers, painters, builders, writers, poets. We easily go down the rabbit hole on art exhibits he's found inspirational to admiration of other architects to loving Europe and its mix of old and new architecture. I sense he picks up inspiration from many sources, always open to when an idea may spark. “It's sometimes a painful process to get to a place where you're happy. You just have to keep working through it,” he relays about the creative process. Until you find those magic moments. offer, when you know you have something good. “Exactly,” he says. Any artist can relate to that struggle. Working and re-working their art until it ‘feels’ right. Even after 34 ears as an architect. Ron admits to still embracing that challenge. Even the most seasoned artist still wonders if they could do it better. “When I first sit down to sketch, I like to imagine a ruin being taken over by nature. I love that feeling when buildings and their environment co-mingle, they become one. When I draw, I imagine myself moving through the space.” Still tracing his designs by hand with pens and pencils and many layers of tracing paper he'll begin drawing and layer ideas on top of one another. He then passes it on to a designer at his firm who puts it into Revit, a computer aided design tool and his ideas take shape in the form of 3D on the screen. This allows further collaboration with his team.

Marmol Radziner employs over 200 people in their office, shops and in the field. They are largely known for their warm, yet distinctly modernist approach with an emphasis on materials that age gracefully and are eco-friendly. “We are always trying to educate the client on the sustain- ability options.” The regulations in California really push highly sustainable buildings. They can push further, he says, by using solar panels, batteries for storage, and the most energy efficient glazing. There Is an availability nowadays of sustainable materials and technology. The client may spend a little bit more, but the technology is there, and they like to support these manufacturers who are creating these earth friendly options.

After 34 years of building and designing one might think Ron was ready for retirement. “I still get visibly excited when we walk through a new site. I feel very fortunate to still do what I love.” As we part ways, I'm struck by what he's created for his Mandeville Canyon residence and many other spaces over the years, that balance between utility and comfort and the wildness of nature, duality at its best.