LA CAÑADA HOME TO APPEAR IN DIANE KEATON BOOK

          The home of Michael Burch and Diane Wilk in La Cañada Flintridge will appear in Diane Keaton’s new book on Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture by Rizzoli Press.  The 1925 house was purchased 6 years ago and recently enlarged by Michael and Diane, both architects, to meet the needs of their expanding family.  Their award-winning firm, Michael Burch Architects, based in La Cañada, has been repeatedly featured in Architectural Digest and other leading journals.  The house will be open for the La Cañada Annual Spring Home Tour May 5, 2006.

          The house was of architectural interest prior to the expansion.  Arthur Kelly, prominent Los Angeles architect whose practice included such buildings as the campus of the Westlake School and the Playboy Mansion, designed the house as his personal residence.When the Burch’s purchased the home, it was essentially intact with only minor upgrades to the kitchen.  Original stenciling, hardware and light fixtures all remained.  Beams with carved Ram’s heads, grace the living room.  The Burchs restored the house.  Then triplets were born to the family and what was a very comfortable 2,300 sf house was doubled in size to fit the new family.  
    Luckily, Michael Burch Architects has extensive experience working on architecturally significant Period Revival homes, including houses designed by Wallace Neff, George Washington Smith, John Byers and Paul Williams.  Much of this work entails correcting unfortunate additions from previous remodels.  Their work updates homes in a sensitive and appropriate way.  In the Burch house, natural light is important – most rooms have exposure from 2-3 sides.  New rooms have arched, vaulted or wood beamed ceilings.  Other details include stenciling, inlaid cabinet doors and extensive use of Tunsian tile.  Additionally, Spanish gardens and fountains were added.  The project serves to enhance the original composition and maintains a level of craft and detail that is rarely found today.

          The romance and drama of the firm’s work, whether new construction or renovations/additions, captures the imagination.  Their client list, with many in the entertainment industry, includes:  Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, James Belushi, John Getty, Victoria Principal and George Wendt.  Michael Burch Architects limits the number of commissions to insure personalized services from the architect throughout all stages of the project.