Mark A Silva Architect

Modern Luxury California Magazine, February 2023

Best Architect in San Diego, CA

San Diego Magazine Feature Article - Special 75th Anniversary DESIGN Issue, February 2023

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JULY 2022 ISSUE OF ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST

“Even a brick wants to be something,” legendary modernist architect Louis Kahn once explained when describing his design process. “It’s important, you see, that you honor the material that you use.”

This fundamental implication, that the individual elements of architecture matter and should be honored in their contribution to the greater whole, is made manifest in architect Mark A Silva’s 21st century contributions to San Diego’s modernist landscape, and it is an idea that informs every facet of his designs.

“I design organic architecture in the truest old-school sense of that term,” Silva says. “Organic architecture is shaped by the characteristics of the site and the purposeful intent of the owner. Every element that makes up the composition of that design has meaning, and the homes that are born from those designs are meaningful as a result.”

Those elements, in Silva’s mind, go far beyond a simple inventory of materials comprising the fabric and finishes of a home, but also live in both its occupants’ desires and the details of its physical environment.

“When I design a home for a client, I start by getting to know them and getting to know the site,” Silva explains. “Visiting where they currently live is an important first step. I want to understand how they live, to see their things, and to get a feeling for who they are and their needs. Then I do what I call a ‘camp out.’ I take a table and chair, the survey, and some sketch paper and scope out the site. I walk it to see the sun orientation and where the breeze comes from, listen to the sounds, experience the smells, and I get to know and understand the site in the same way I’ve gotten to know the owners. When you combine those two experiences and let that information inform your design, that is how true organic architecture is formed.”

NATURALLY INSPIRED

Raised in a William Krisel-designed post and beam midcentury modern home in San Diego, the vernacular’s devotion to open spaces, expanses of glass, and seamless indoor-outdoor living has resonated with Silva from the outset of his career and is a visible thread throughout his portfolio.

“Post and beam midcentury modern architecture shaped my understanding of design from a young age, so it definitely influences my work, but I bring several different things to the table. The architectural language of midcentury modern is just one of those factors,” Silva says. “At the end of the day, every design
is a unique creative work that comes from my head and hands to provide a beautiful, functional, and correct solution to a project’s unique needs.”

A veteran architect who has designed a stunning array of award-winning homes over his more than 30-year career, he views his work as ever-evolving creatively and, while rooted in an affinity for the philosophies of architectural luminaries like Kahn, Wright, Neutra, and Niemeyer, his process is a constantly adaptive approach to realizing authentic architecture.

“My clients are interested in building not just a house, but a home and a work of art that expresses who they are,” Silva says. “That requires more than a rote representation of iconic ideas, and that’s the kind of meaningful architectural experience I strive to provide them. That, to me, is success.”

When it comes to modernizing midcentury homes in San Diego, Mark Silva (858.735.2375, markasilva.com) might just be the master. The architect, who grew up in a classic post-and-beam William Krisel house on Mount Soledad, isn't exactly a preservationist, though. "I save the best and update the rest," explains Silva. "It's still midcentury-modern, but reinvented for today's lifestyles and technologies." Silva also taps the clean-lined style for new builds, with touches like clerestory windows and low sloping roofs. -AS

What is the appeal of midcentury-modern design? Exposed beams, vaulted ceilings and lots of windows give a very light and open feeling. Being in that environment helps people to think in a light and open way.

Why do you reinvent these homes? These houses have great bones, but they're 50 years old. My clients like the midcentury-modern feeling, but they live in the real world. They're not strict preservationists.

What is your personal expertise? I'm uniquely positioned to do this because I really understand the architectural language of midcentury modern, the indoor-outdoor lifestyle and the framing of the views. It was and is a great way to live, especially in San Diego's climate.

What room usually needs the most improvement? In most midcentury-modern homes, the kitchen was a separate space. The trend now is a great room scenario. Today's kitchens are gorgeous and need to be celebrated as part of the lifestyle. It's where everyone gathers.

How do you create the midcentury-modern vibe from scratch? It's in the proportions, the way you divide up the roof forms, the cantilevers and wing walls, the changing of textures and materials. There's a simple elegance to the whole thing. And best of all, it's very livable.