Architecture Expertise
For the ongoing collection of life.
Unique properties occupy a different place in the world than do other homes. Their appeal extends beyond their immediate locales to a cosmopolitan market of
discerning buyers as likely found on another continent as in the same city.
I take great pride in using my considerable resources, global connections and deep roots within the Los Angeles Architectural market to perfectly unite qualified people with exceptional properties.
To those who value the unique, we possess an intimate knowledge of the local market and specialize in homes of architectural distinction.
Truly extraordinary properties are different at every level, and they require real estate services that are as well.
Your home is extraordinary; shouldn’t your representation be the same?
It has been my privilege to work with some of the finest architects in our area.
Architectural Background
"A building can be designed to satisfy by the month with the
regularity of the provider. Or it can give satisfaction in a very different way, by the moment, the fraction of a second, with the thrill of a lover." –– Richard Neutra
It is the agent’s job to tell the story, highlight the historical context and explain the pedigree. They must emphasize the added value of owning living art. The agent’s knowledge and enthusiasm must be infectious.
Gerard is an experienced real estate professional with a robust background in architectural design. In 1993, one of his clients purchased the 1947 Richard Neutra-designed Kaufmann Desert House. His clients showed him photographs taken by Julis Shulman five years after completing the house’s renovation in 1998. During the original construction, Schulman took the iconic black and white picture of the house. Looking at the stunning images ignited Gerard’s passion for architecture. In the years since, he has marketed and sold homes designed by Pierre Koenig, Richard Landry, Ray Kappe, Thom Mayne, Cliff May, and Michael Rotondi, and many extraordinary contemporary architects.
Gerard was also the expert co-host on a six-part radio show called “Architectural Los Angeles.” They broadcast the show from the famed Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock House, Ray Kappe’s personal residence, and Sci-Arc.
Currently, he is proud to be the exclusive agent for the legendary Kaufmann Desert House. This residence has been called one of the most significant homes in the United States. Through the power of the Sotheby’s brand, this home has had extensive coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Forbes, The Robb Report, and widespread coverage worldwide both online and in print.
The benefit of hiring a realtor with an architectural background
There are many reasons that architects make excellent real estate agents. Despite being separate industries, architecture and real estate share numerous commonalities.
Since Gerard has such a deep appreciation and understanding of home styles and features, he knows how to market and sell a house to accentuate its most attractive features and qualities. He has an eye for detail that you might not find in other local agents. Having worked with so many established architects and sold their homes, he knows the best way to provide the expertise that can benefit his sellers and showcase an in-depth perspective that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of working with a realtor with an architectural background is their knowledge of local fixer-uppers and homes in need of renovation. Gerard can guide his clients to homes more likely to turn a profit for investors and buyers seeking a financial return.
Gerard has an eye for aesthetic design when it comes to fixer-uppers that other agents might not have. Working with an agent who has that experience can save time and money because you won’t have to consult outside experts to get an alternative opinion. Gerard can already offer that to you. He acts as a multifaceted guide to the process, knowing what the market is looking for and what homes can best showcase those trends.
An agent with architectural experience will also be more aware of potential risks. There is nothing worse than becoming a new homeowner and discovering that your house has a severe leak or foundation problems. Gerard is more aware of these caveats and can lessen the chance of these risks by ensuring the house’s structural integrity is intact. This benefit is advantageous if you’re planning to seek out new construction or even hoping to build a home on your own from scratch. You’d likely be consulting an architect anyway for stylistic ideas, and Gerard’s artistic eye has been honed by years in the industry, selling homes designed by world-class architects.
How an architectural background benefits sellers
We’ve addressed many reasons why working with a realtor with an extensive background in architecture is beneficial, but what about sellers? If you’re hoping to sell a property, someone like Gerard is the best person for that job. His knowledge encompasses a broad range that includes history, design functionality, materials, aesthetic judgments, and much more.
Not only does he understand and create elaborate marketing strategies as a realtor, but he does so with a unique eye for design that highlights the best attributes of your home. With a keen ability to identify the hottest style trends and maintain spatial awareness, there is no better guide to sell your home for top dollar than Gerard.
Your home is your passion. When you are ready, let us help you market this legacy.
