1
- Hi.
- A colonial?
- Yeah, I always
liked colonials.
- I know. I just didn't think
you were serious.
- It's the perfect
combination...
Old-world charm,
modern convenience.
- Where are we...
18th-century New England?
No, I don't want to live
in some fairy-tale replica
of a bygone era...
It's ridiculous.
- It doesn't matter
what the style is, anyway.
The important thing
is a practical floor plan
and a good location...
How far is the commute,
how good are the schools.
- Schools are important.
- Yeah, they increase
property values.
- What a transformation.
- I can't tell the old
from the new.
- There isn't any old left.
We just kept the facade.
Everything else is new.
- Wow. That's
a million-dollar view.
- It's closer to 1.3 million.
- Now there's a water view
in every room.
Remember how awful the place was
when we bought it,
with that chartreuse shag rug
and the sprayed-on
cottage cheese ceiling?
- We thought the ceilings
were only 8 feet.
But believe it or not,
they were 11 feet.
- We only found out
when we poked through
to put in those skylights.
- You remember how it was
laid out like a train,
just all long and narrow?
- Mm-hmm.
- We completely opened
all of this up.
We ran a huge steel beam
the entire length
of the house for support.
It cost us 20 grand.
- It was so worth it.
Our architect had a lot
of creative ideas.
- It's a brand-new house.
- It's completely different.
I-I don't even
recognize the place.
- That's because
when we opened it all up.
We had to relocate
the staircase.
- Which completely changed
the layout upstairs.
- Wow.
- Ouch!
- Yeah, would have been
cheaper to build new.
- You're kidding.
- Well, there are a lot
of hidden conditions.
I mean, you don't know
until you open up the walls.
- It was not cheaper
to build new.
Ivan did a lot
of the work himself.
- You did?
- No.
- You programmed the audio
and lighting systems
throughout the whole house.
- That can be tricky.
- Yeah.
No, I hope you wore
a hard hat for that.
- Remember the kitchen?
It was totally
original condition,
hadn't been updated at all...
Formica counters,
electric stove,
avocado-green fridge, linoleum.
- It was sweet.
- Sweet, yeah, but not really
suited to our lifestyle.
- We gutted it completely.
- Mm-hmm.
- Oh, I've gotten
so many compliments
on your plates, Drew.
- Oh, that's so nice.
- Drew, you made those?
Oh, my God, those are beautiful!
I had no idea
how creative you were.
- She has a great eye for color,
doesn't she?
- Right? I keep telling her
we can grow a business.
With the right marketing,
you could be moving
thousands of units.
- Moving units.
That's so funny.
- Would you make a set for us?
Seriously, we'd commission you.
- Ah, you signed it.
I was gonna ask you to sign it.
I have no doubt
these are gonna be worth
some money down the line.
Drew Davis?
- I use my maiden name
for artistic pursuits.
- Huh.
- So I heard
you guys found a house.
- Ah, we made an offer.
There's been
some back-and-forth.
It's practically a tear-down.
- Aw, that we're going
to lovingly restore.
It's our dream house.
- Don't say "dream house."
If we invest ourselves
emotionally,
it will be harder to walk away.
- I don't want to walk away.
- Well, you don't want them
to know that.
It gives them the upper hand.
- If you find something good,
you have to move fast.
- We have to balance the need
for a quick decision
with the need
for the right decision.
- Sometimes you have
to take a chance.
Go on a gut instinct.
- Drew, we need to settle down,
overcome our emotions,
and make a sensible
home-purchase decision.
You know, a house
is like a marriage, right?
You can't just jump in.
And you can't just jump out
if you want to unload it.
You're stuck with that decision
for a very long time...
hopefully.
- It is like a marriage.
You do go by intuition.
It's not something
you can analyze.
- Intuition is a feeling.
You don't base
big decisions on feelings.
- You said it was
like a marriage.
- Yeah, marriage is
the biggest decision of all.
You don't base that
on just mere feelings.
- Have you seen
our warming drawer?
- Ooh.
- Mm-mm.
- I like the way
they did that recessed
rectangle in the ceiling
and the way it was lit up.
- Oh, that just killed me.
Here they have
a classic mid-century modern,
and they remove
all the original fixtures
and replace them
with recessed cans.
- I like recessed cans.
They work.
They're bright.
You can see.
- You can see too much.
- I'm ovulating.
- What?
- I'm ovulating.
- Right now?
How can you possibly tell?
- Well, you just can.
I know my body.
I don't want to go into details,
but, you know...
Discharge.
- Oh.
I paddled 11 miles today.
I'm totally exhausted.
- Why do you always have
to go so far?
- That's not that far.
I mean, I'll do
16 or 17 next time.
You c... you can't expect me
to turn on
like a faucet, you know.
At least try to seduce me
a little.
- Batten down
the hatches, Seattleites.
We've got a big storm system
blowing in from the west,
a bit of lightning and thunder
with wind gusts expected
to get 60 miles per hour.
- Aren't you a little
underdressed?
- It's Saturday.
- You look like a little boy.
- Who do I have to impress?
The broker works for us.
- What about me?
- Honey, we're married.
- Hello, Drew. Hello, Colin.
It's good to see you again.
Your contractor's already here.
It looks worse than last week.
- Oh, it just needs
a little TLC.
It's got good bones.
- It's great to find something
that hasn't been ruined
by a spec developer.
- It's gonna need a ton of work.
- It's cosmetic.
That's why
it's such a good deal.
This location
and the water view...
it's got endless possibilities.
You just need
a little imagination.
Oh.
- Gonna need to replace
all the windows.
But you don't need to use wood.
Vinyl is cheaper.
- Vinyl is weird.
- Well, I recommend composite.
It's not vinyl,
and it's not wood,
but it looks like wood,
and it lasts forever.
- If it's not vinyl
and it's not wood,
then what is it?
- Composite.
- Overall, what do you think?
- Oh, seems pretty sturdy...
I mean, there could be
hidden conditions.
I'd have to pull off
some of the siding.
But, uh, let's see.
- It's so peaceful and quiet.
- Country living
close to the city.
There's history here too.
This house was rented one summer
by Courtney Love.
- Okay, so, roughly, ballpark,
what's it gonna take
to clean this up?
- Top of my head, um...
$200 a square foot,
depending on finishes.
- Really?
$200 a foot, 2,500 square feet.
That's $500,000.
- You can finance
the home improvements
along with the purchase price.
- Here we go. Here we go.
- So cool.
- Congratulations
on your new home.
Oh! Oh! Wow!
- Oh, my God.
- Jesus.
- Ooh.
Whoa!
- It's all right.
It's their tree, so it's okay.
- So you just closed yesterday?
Boy, are you screwed.
I'm just kidding.
You're totally covered.
- Tear it down.
It's a no-brainer.
It'd be cheaper to build new.
- Where do we begin?
- Oh, there's an architect
named Ray Jenkins,
does a lot of work in the area.
I built a house of his down
on Fulton Road.
- Ah.
- Is this a house?
- I'm Putnam Hatch,
and I find it ironic
that I'm known less
for the Hatch Foundation
than I am for the Hatch House...
My private residence
designed by the firm
of Sullivan and Moss.
Now, the Hatch Foundation
is actually a global
philanthropic organization...
- Hello?
- Yes.
- Hi, I'm... I'm looking
for the architect Leo Sullivan.
- Why?
- I saw a house that he designed
at 299 Fulton Road.
- I designed that house.
- Are you Leo Sullivan?
- Sullivan is dead.
- Oh, um...
Who am I speaking to?
- Miles Moss.
- It's so exciting to meet you.
- Really?
- I just love the house
on Fulton Road.
- Oh, thank you.
Here it is.
We call it the Hatch House.
- Oh.
- Please.
- You're here all alone here?
- The firm is transitioning.
I apologize if I sounded
cryptic on the phone.
Mr. Sullivan died
unexpectedly three months ago
and, uh, left
a lot of creditors.
- He was your partner?
- Leo's role was more
on the business side.
As it turns out, my confidence
in him was misplaced.
I am so glad that you like
the Hatch House.
I had a wonderful client,
Putnam Hatch.
- Mm.
- Anytime I've ever done
anything good,
it's because I've had
a wonderful client.
- What makes a wonderful client?
- Someone who inspires me.
Can I?
As an architect, I have the job
of transforming hopes and dreams
into wood, glass,
steel, and concrete.
But if the dreams aren't there,
there's very little I can do.
There will never be
a great architect
without a great client.
- I can tell by your style
you're a creative person.
You appreciate the process.
- Yeah, I do.
- It's very satisfying
when a client
gets as excited as I do.
- Do all architects
start by drawing?
- Many prefer the computer,
I'm old school.
With a pen and paper, I'm free.
I could redesign the entire city
of Paris in half an hour.
- You mentioned your father
was an architect.
- Called himself
an old-fashioned modernist.
The modernists
had this absurd idea
that you could heal the world
through architecture.
Of course, that's impossible.
Nobody expects architects
to have grand visions anymore.
What a shame.
- Hmm.
- Miles.
- I just love the way
you combine vintage
and contemporary.
- Oh, thanks.
Miles, I'd like you
to meet my husband, Colin Stone.
- Miles Moss.
- That's quite the house
at 299 Fulton.
- Thank you.
We call it the Hatch House.
- It's named after the client.
- That's traditionally
how it works.
Whatever you build here
will be called the Stone House.
- Huh.
Oh, Mr. Hatch must be
a wealthy man.
- People assume
that interesting architecture
is expensive,
but it's not necessarily so.
There are a lot of new and
innovative materials out there.
- So how would you
describe your style?
Who are your influences?
- Influence
is a difficult subject for me.
I, uh, try to avoid it.
It would be a nightmare
if I started to think about it
It would just tie my hands.
None of us invented the house.
That happened
thousands of years ago.
Remarkable property.
Yeah, I must admit, as much
as I loved the old house,
I feel we have
a tremendous opportunity.
- Oh, I agree...
A tremendous opportunity!
- Let's say we wanted
a 3,000-square-foot house,
four bedroom, three bath.
Ballpark, what's that
gonna set us back?
- That's a bit like saying you
want to marry a woman
who's 5'6" and 125 pounds.
Many women would fit
the criteria,
but you wouldn't love them.
What's more important
is designing a house
to suit your needs.
- And our budget.
- Well, yes,
that's one of your needs.
But beyond budget,
you have other needs...
Your hopes, your dreams.
I need to learn those things.
My process begins with a period
of intense communication.
I need to find out
who you are, deep down.
What are your eating habits,
your bathing habits,
your sleeping habits,
and privacy needs?
The more open you are,
the more input
I have to work with.
Important consideration...
Will the family grow
and change over time?
- On a practical side,
you know, we can't just think
about what appeals
to Colin and Drew.
We've got to think
about the resale value.
You know, most people
don't stay in a house
for more than 7 years.
- What?
That's crazy.
- It's true. Look it up.
- Really?
- Again, the assumption
is that innovative architecture
must not only be expensive
but impractical.
I find the opposite is true.
- He's odd.
- I like him.
I'm tired, honey.
I rode 34 miles today.
I just kind of want
to relax, you know?
- We have to have sex
to make a baby.
- Well, can you... can you add
a little more pressure
to the situation?
I got a full plate at work.
We just made a huge
investment in this house.
Now we have to build
a whole new one.
He makes me uncomfortable.
He's too much of an "artist."
What if we don't like
what he comes up with?
- He's an amazingly
creative person.
He has fresh ideas
that we would never think of.
Why can't you be more supportive
of his creativity?
- Because it's all ego
and vanity... that's why.
And I'm telling you...
That's going to show up
in added cost.
- He just...
He thinks differently.
I wish I could get
inside his head for just a day.
I like the chemistry between us.
- Oh, chemistry.
Drew, we have got
to think practically here.
What if we want to sell
in a few years?
You do not want to be
upside down on a mortgage.
- Why are you talking
about selling
when we haven't even
built it yet?
Why?
- You know, and I don't like
the idea of separate interviews.
What if we contradict
each other?
If I wanted to talk to somebody
about my feelings,
I'd hire a therapist,
not an architect.
- Maybe you should.
- Hey, you know whose
an architect?
Elizabeth's brother-in-law.
We should call him.
- No.
- This was a spec house
in Renton.
We were supposed to do
three others,
but the developer went broke,
and the bank foreclosed.
Here's a car wash in Everett.
That was a good project.
- What makes a good project?
- When you get paid on time.
Uh, this client wanted
a French chateau,
so we did
an authentic reproduction.
Elizabeth sends her regards.
- Well, I now have
both proposals.
Guess who's cheaper.
Miles Moss.
- Here's my studio.
- Aha.
- Oh, don't look too closely.
It's just a hobby I do for fun.
- What we do for fun
is what really matters.
Art only has meaning
if the process comes
from an inner compulsion.
- I wouldn't call it art.
- This is my process...
getting to know you and Colin.
You're a creative person.
You understand the dialogue
between client and architect
is an intimate one.
When you talk about building,
you're talking about...
dreams.
You must never let yourself
be overwhelmed
by a rational analysis.
When we're talking
about a house, a room, a space,
it's not something
that you think.
It's something that you feel.
- My... my main concern
is separation.
I need my own space.
- Of course.
There must be a place
for solitude.
A couple can't be together
if they have no place
to be alone.
- Colin's uncomfortable alone.
So the TV stays on
to keep him company.
- Many people avoid solitude.
It's...
Frightening to be alone
with your thoughts.
You may find there are none.
Do you intend to have children?
- We're trying, yeah.
Our... our genes may not match.
- Well, it's an important
consideration.
The couple needs
to have privacy,
so their children can have
a place of their own
so they don't drive
everyone crazy.
- Oh, that's beautiful,
isn't it?
- The nautilus shell...
A symbol that goes back
to the ancient Hindus.
- The golden ratio.
- Exactly.
Plato called it
the key to the cosmos.
From the structure
of the human skeleton
to the pattern
on sunflowers seeds,
the ratio is there...
Seemingly a geometrical pattern
for life itself.
- Look, the golden ratio.
It's everywhere.
- Ah.
- Accumulated benefits.
Right,
during the absorption period,
the debt is divided
into a series
of staggered maturities.
Right.
No problem.
Look, if Drew answers
questions differently than me,
it doesn't mean we disagree.
- What does it mean?
- It means we haven't had
a chance to talk about it yet.
Sometimes she doesn't think
a thing through logically.
The point is,
we know what we want.
- Of course.
You could design it yourself.
You just need someone
to draw up the plans.
- No, I...
- It's like someone
who has no knowledge of fashion
but wanted to design a suit
It would be an amorphous sack.
- All I'm saying is,
we want to make sure
we get what we want.
- Well, that's why
we're here, Colon.
I'm trying to determine
what you want.
- It's "Colin."
Colon is the large intestine.
- Forgive my accent.
- One thing I want for sure
is plenty of storage space.
- Now, is that the first thing
that comes to mind?
- It's an important feature
that's easily overlooked.
Also, I want a whole-house
multi-zone audio system,
you know, so I can listen
to my music in any room
while she listens to her music
in another room.
- When did music become
so personalized?
It's funny how technology
best serves mediocrity.
- I want a flat-screen TV
in the toilet
so I can watch
the stock reports.
- Check.
- All the TVs
should be mounted flush.
That has to be
planned for, right?
'Cause you got to make sure that
they're recessed into the walls.
Shouldn't... shouldn't
you write this down?
- I just want to take
a step back,
go a little deeper.
What is it that you really want?
- Some friends put in
a voice-activated butler system
that performs
all these household tasks.
You know, you can call...
from the freeway,
and it starts the sauna.
Is that the kind of thing...
Hey, Jim.
Basic structure
is where all the investors
owning a sequential-pay mortgage
investment conduit
received interest payments.
Yeah, the principal received
from the underlying mortgages
repays each tranche
in a predetermined order.
Right. No problem.
Sorry.
- Our work has become
so specialized, hasn't it?
People know more and more
about less and less.
- Yeah.
S-shouldn't we be
more systematic here,
you know, make a list
of things we like and don't like
about our current house?
- If you want, but we could
also use our imaginations
and dream of what our new
house could be.
You... you must have dreams
for your new house.
- Yes, I do. I dream.
I dream that we don't go
over-budget, you know.
I dream that the place
is re-saleable
and I don't lose my shirt.
- And yet you're asking for
a voice-activated butler system.
- No, no, no, I researched
the butler system.
It's surprisingly affordable.
Look, this isn't
rocket science, you know.
For one thing, we have
this great view of the water.
Just put up a wall of glass
and frame the view.
- Nothing spoils a view so much
as huge windows
that gape at it incessantly.
It's better to glimpse it
as you pass by.
- I don't want to glimpse it.
I want to see it.
It's a big view
from a house on a hill.
- A house should
never be on a hill.
A house shouldn't be
on anything.
A house should be of the hill.
Hill and house living together,
each the happier for the other.
- Yeah.
Look, uh, Miles,
here's my concern.
You're, um...
You're an artist,
and I'm just...
I don't know
that your vision
reflects our needs.
- Rest assured...
I find the client can be
a significant design resource.
They sometimes
make wonderful suggestions.
- Thank you.
Don't forget...
We're the ones
that have to live there.
We have to pay for it.
We have to be rational.
- I understand completely.
Rationalism is the enemy of art,
but is necessary as a basis
for architecture.
- It certainly is.
- A work of art
is revolutionary.
A house is conservative.
- That's right.
- A house must satisfy
a requirement.
A work of art does not.
- I'm glad
we're on the same page.
- A house is designed
to provide comfort.
A work of art
wants to draw people
out of their comfort zone.
- Exactly.
- That is why people love houses
and hate art.
- Yes.
No, I don't hate art.
- Only a small part
of architecture belongs
to the realm of art...
The monument and the tomb.
Everything else has a function.
I believe
it is just as important
to design a chicken coop
as it is to design a cathedral.
We're roughly at the height
of the second story.
- A blank canvas.
Where do you begin?
- I got something for you.
- Oh.
- I want you
to start noticing things,
little details that contribute
towards how a space
makes you feel.
Drawing is better
than taking photos.
It forces you to look
more closely at things.
- Nobody talks
about these things.
It's like a big secret
and they only let you in on it
once you have children.
- Where's your sweater, Max?
Did you leave it in your Cubby?
- What's a Cubby?
- I can't believe
you don't know what a Cubby is.
When did you start sketching?
- I'm taking notes
for my architect.
- "My architect."
Drew has her very own architect.
- He's...
so inspiring.
- Oh.
- It's like I'm seeing things
in a completely new way.
I love my architect.
- Does Colin
love your architect?
- Colin is suspicious
of creativity.
- Hey, are we getting
together Wednesday?
- I have a facial at 9:00
and a laser appointment at 4:00,
but other than that,
I'm pretty open.
- Emma's doing my nails at 1:00.
What about late afternoon?
- I have 6:30 yoga.
Thursday?
- No, I do weight training
Thursday mornings,
but the afternoon is free.
- I'm getting my hair colored
then I have therapy. Friday?
- Any recent changes
in your health?
- No.
- Any big life changes...
New job, death in the family?
- No.
- We're building a house.
- Ooh, that's exciting.
It can also be stressful.
Drew, everything
is within range.
Colin, your testosterone is low.
Levels tend to drop off
after age 35.
We want to try to raise it.
As with any hormone treatment,
there are side effects.
The most prevalent
is increased sex drive.
Do you think
you can handle that?
- Yeah...
- Seriously, though,
stress can be a factor.
You're building a house...
Big financial commitment,
countless decisions to be made.
The pressure
can affect fertility.
Think about the message that
you're sending to your body.
From an evolutionary standpoint,
your body knows that a period
of extreme stress
is not an ideal time
to get pregnant.
- Well, what do you
suggest we do?
- Try to ease up
on your work schedule.
- W-work is not stressful.
This... this is stressful.
- She's trying to help.
Maybe if you cut back on your
50-mile rides and paddles.
- It could just be bad timing.
Two busy people having
intercourse
once or twice a week...
It's hit or miss.
You can predict ovulation
by calculating your next period
and then counting back 14 days.
- Oh. Well, maybe
my app is wrong.
It says day 14, not 19.
- What, we had all that sex
for nothing?
- You can purchase a test kit
that'll give you
advanced warning.
When the test is positive,
have intercourse that night,
the next night, the night after
and the night after that.
Or forget about
ovulatory charts, mucus charts,
and scheduled sex
and let passion take over.
- We're not using those.
- Why not?
He may recommend them
to other clients.
- I don't want to use them.
I'm sick of them.
No, we're not using them.
- Maybe he'll recommend them.
- No. I don't want to use them.
I'm sick of them.
Oh!
- I don't know what you expect
to learn by watching us eat.
- I'm observing how you live...
so that I can better
design your house.
- Well, we wouldn't be behaving
like this if you weren't here.
- That's the Heisenberg
Uncertainty Principle.
You can't observe a thing
without changing it.
- Mm.
- What do you think
of the plates?
Drew made them.
- He knows that.
- They're great, aren't they?
- Of course.
I can't help wondering what
you'd do with a bigger canvas,
express emotions
that can't be contained
on plates.
- People need plates.
They have a use.
It's not just art, you know.
You're providing a service.
- What matters is that you
enjoy the process.
- I used to enjoy it.
Now it's just work.
- Most artists would be
happy there was work.
- He promotes me
to all his colleagues.
They provide color samples
for me to match.
- They didn't ask you to match.
They simply wanted you
to coordinate
with their tablecloth
and napkins.
- I don't want to be told
what colors to use.
- Drew, they're trying
to put together a tabletop.
- Fuck their tabletop.
- The salad is excellent.
- You're wearing your hair
with more abandon.
I like it.
- Thanks.
You pick up on everything,
don't you?
- Everything of interest.
- You can get that.
I don't mind.
- Oh, it'll go to voice mail.
You see, an architect
must be many things...
Sculptor, artist,
but before you can build,
you must have an idea.
- The nautilus shell.
- It's classic,
and it's curving.
I like all of that.
I'm not attracted to
right angles and straight lines.
They're hard and inflexible
and man-made.
There are no right angles
in nature.
- Ah, it must be so freeing
to make such big gestures.
My world is so small.
- Well, here,
I don't need all of this.
It's a nice big piece.
You can really
stretch out on it.
- I'm a little intimidated
by a big blank piece
of white paper.
Well, then paint it black.
Look...
a staircase isn't just a way
of getting
from one floor to another.
It's a room in itself.
You saw what we did
at the Hatch House.
- I was never inside.
- Oh.
- Incredible.
- The result
of excellent chemistry
between architect and client.
- Oh, what are you doing?
- Well...
Putnam usually has
a decent bottle of wine
in his cooler.
- The sleeping space...
The center
of a couple's life together,
the place
where they talk, sleep,
sleep late...
make love.
- The center of my husband's
life is the bathroom.
He spends a lot of time there.
- Well...
that's understandable.
Bathing is pleasurable
and therapeutic.
It's one of the simplest ways
to unwind...
The sensual contact with water.
It's one of the precious times
when we are absolutely alone
and completely naked.
- He just sits on the toilet.
I have trouble sleeping.
He insists on keeping the TV on
in the bedroom.
I have to wait
until he falls asleep
to turn it off.
I need a room of my own.
- Architecture can't force
people to connect.
It can only plan
the crossing path,
remove barriers,
make the meeting places
more inviting.
- You always think
of modern as cold.
This is cozy.
- The concept of cozy has always
been a problem for modernism.
But it's
a major concern of mine...
along with comfy.
Yeah.
A group of chairs, a sofa,
a pile of cushions...
to make that work is...
It's very subtle.
Most meeting places are sterile.
People avoid them.
Nothing happens there.
Others are...
full of life.
They...
seem to attract people.
People feel more...
Alive.
This arrangement
is particularly successful.
Oh.
This is nice.
- Mm-hmm.
- You must have come home from
work early to prep all this.
- I did.
Where were you?
- Oh, I, uh...
Miles showed me the inside
of the Hatch House.
- Really? I would have liked
to have seen that.
- You should.
It's amazing.
- Yeah?
The owners were there?
- No, um...
You should really see it.
You'd realize he's a genius.
- Yeah, well, the problem
with geniuses
is they're a pain in the ass.
- Oh.
Mm.
- Mike Conway,
Conway Construction.
- Miles Moss, architect.
- Miles.
- Hi.
Looks like it's clearing up.
- Yes, this afternoon,
if the forecast is reliable.
- So, uh, this is...
- I want you to know
that Drew's contribution
to the design has been crucial.
She has been my muse.
- Oh, my God.
Wow.
- Wow.
- The parking garage is here.
You enter through
the main doorway here
into a floating stairway space.
It's a design idea
inspired by Drew.
- Can you really build this
on our budget?
- Well, I think
that's a question for Mike.
- I have no idea what this is.
Um, what's the skin?
- Titanium, of course.
- Titanium.
- Yes.
A magnificent metal...
Noble, mysterious, vital,
just as Cronus,
the first of the Titans
who ruled over the earth,
the heavens, and the sea.
- Do you know a supplier?
- Of course.
- And a sub?
- Yes, yes.
Let me walk you
through the floor plan.
- There are no straight lines.
- Straight lines are a symptom
of the new illiteracy.
It will lead to the downfall
of human civilization.
- People like straight walls,
you know.
They're... they're practical.
You can... you can put furniture
up against them.
- Squares and rectangles
make no sense in human terms.
They have a negative effect
on social interaction.
They only express
the rigid desires of people
who are too preoccupied
with systems
and their means of production.
The entire universe is curved.
Einstein proved that.
- Why don't you let him
present his idea
before criticizing it?
- That's all right, Drew.
I like clients to provide active
and aggressive criticism,
as long as they have
absolute faith in me.
I find that
the best work happens
when everyone has an open mind.
Remember, you're paying
for my talent and experience.
You're wasting money
if you don't listen to my ideas.
- All right.
So where are the rooms?
- The living spaces
are here and here.
The kitchen space is here.
And these are
the sleeping spaces.
- You mean bedrooms?
- You could call them that.
- What's this thing...
This line here?
Is this a wall?
- Yes, it's made of Quietstone.
It's a soundproofing material.
It's as thin as Sheetrock,
but twice as sound resistant.
It creates complete separation.
- Complete separation from what?
- Your side of the house
from Drew's side of the house.
- Oh, I knew it.
I knew it.
I told you that doing separate
interviews w-was a mistake.
Why don't you...
Just build a duplex.
We'll live next door
to each other.
- I was just responding
to Drew's sound concerns
and your music concerns.
I think you're making more
of this than was intended.
- All right, Mike, ballpark,
what... what are we looking at?
- I've got a thousand questions
before I could give you
a solid number,
but I'd have to say
at least, uh...
$500 a square foot.
- Five hun...
That's... that's over
a million bucks!
Are you out of your mind?
- Mike, if you have
a thousand questions,
wouldn't it be good to get
some answers first
before making wild guesses?
- Um, where are
the load-bearing walls?
- The loads are being
transferred here, here...
and here.
- Well, I'm not telling you
anything you don't already know,
but it would be more efficient
to stack them.
- It would be more efficient,
but they wouldn't be happy
living there.
Now's the time
to make changes, folks.
It's cheaper to use an eraser
on the drafting board
than it is a wrecking ball
at the site.
- We can't allow the engineering
to dictate the building's form.
Structure has
to accommodate design.
- Oh, okay, thank you
for your time, Miles.
Send me your final bill.
I will take care of it.
- What? No.
- Yes. No, we're done.
- It's just a first pass.
Nothing's set in stone.
- Stone would be cheaper.
- Most people find
that what they want
is 50% over the original budget.
- What we want?
- Yes, what we want.
- Mike and I
need to get together,
go through all his questions.
There are always
less expensive alternatives,
if need be.
I find its better to negotiate
than pound my fist on the table.
- This would save you
a whole bunch right there.
- Those rooms would be prisons
for the people
who had to live in them.
- I'm sure that Miles
can come up
with creative solutions
that lower the cost,
yet still maintain
the integrity of the design.
- You know what?
Give me a chance
to get together with Mike.
We'll go through his questions
and come up with some options.
- We can do that.
- Fine. All right.
Mike, I'll...
I'll call you tomorrow.
Bye, bye.
- Where's my storage space?
Give me the luxuries of life,
and I'll happily do
without the necessities.
- That makes no sense.
Where's the bathroom?
- You think I forgot bathrooms?
- No, your bathroom here.
- Oh, oh, it's, uh...
Yesterday was a big mistake.
It's just completely ridiculous.
- What do you mean
"completely ridiculous"?
- It won't happen again.
I had a weak moment.
- It's been a long time
since I've connected with anyone
the way I connect with you.
- Oh, no, I'm sorry, Miles.
I just can't.
It's not that I don't think
you're an amazing person.
And I'm completely
attracted to you.
But I just can't. I'm married.
I don't want to hurt Colin.
I don't want to hurt you.
- Hurt me?
- Yes.
- You've made me
the happiest man alive.
- No, don't say that.
I feel awful... just guilty.
It's deceitful.
- It's not your fault.
I set you up.
I've been in love with you
since we first met.
- No. Don't say that.
No, it's over.
- You're his muse?
How "amusing."
You think I don't know
what's going on?
You two have been meeting
behind my back...
conspiring to make
this house more expensive
and less re-saleable.
Unless you can bring
this guy in line,
we are going
in whole nother direction.
A million dollars...
That's insane.
- Oh!
- Drew, what are you doing?
You're getting paint
all over the floor!
- It's an art studio.
That happens.
- How can you
hear yourself think?
- I'm not thinking.
Don't do that!
This is my room!
- What has gotten into you?
Why are you making such a mess?
- Because I want to.
Miles gave me
a big sheet of paper,
and I'm having fun.
Is that allowed?
- Oh, so, what?
Now he's your muse?
Is that it?
- I designed it in a sequence
of natural curves,
to flow in
and out of the landscape.
The contractor says
it's impractical.
As if I had intended
practicality.
- We don't have to go back
to the drawing board.
We just have to bring
down the cost.
- Why?
Years from now, when you're
enjoying your beautiful home,
you won't even remember
how much it cost.
- There must be ways
we can save.
- Sure, sure.
Take out the structural glass,
put in a wall.
Lose out the stone,
carpet throughout.
Replace the titanium
with, God forbid, stucco!
With a painter or sculptor,
you wouldn't dare
suggest alternatives,
but an architect has
to put up with anything!
Imagine trying to find
a replacement
for the touch
and feel of titanium...
the fabric of our lives.
It's too bad that clients today
aren't the committed patrons
of the past.
Now it's all
about return on investment.
- You really think
that's my motivation?
- It's your work, too.
You're advocating
cutting your own ideas.
You're submitting
to arbitrary power,
which has always,
throughout history,
crushed human sensibility
and truth.
You've been colonized.
- Every project has its limits.
- You'll just have to find
creative solutions.
- Fewer windows,
uh, less square footage overall,
big reduction
in the structural glass...
That's significant...
No Quietstone.
- Wow.
I'm glad you've been able
to cut corners.
- There are no corners.
- I mean, it looks like
you've made a genuine effort.
- I want my clients to be happy.
- Mike, any other suggestions?
- You could replace
the titanium with stucco.
- Never.
The Stone House
will not be stucco!
- I do like that...
The Stone House.
- Well, I'll, uh, run
this latest revision by the subs
and get the final numbers.
The cost reductions
will be significant, I think,
but I have to say,
it will still be more
than your original budget.
- Well, hopefully
subsequent generations
will find that the Stone House
was worth the extra expense.
- That's a yes.
Come on, honey.
Oh!
Oh!
- Ooh!
- Oh!
- Thank you.
- Whoo!
- Yay!
- Oh, it will be
a very quiet house
if it's just the two of you.
How old are you now,
honey... 39, 40?
- I thought you said
you never ask a woman's age.
- Colin's getting up there too.
You should take
some precautions.
I've been doing
a little research.
We know a very good doctor
who can help you.
He has a wonderful facility
with an emergency backup system
in case there's a power outage.
And his practice isn't so big
that you'd get lost
in the shuffle.
You know, if you'd like,
I could make an appointment,
and then you could,
you know, go over
and freeze some sperm
or harvest one or two eggs,
and, you know,
you wouldn't have to worry.
You'd have a backup plan, you
know, just in case you need it.
- Mom, is that dinner
conversation... sperm and eggs?
- I'm sorry, honey.
You're right.
- And can we lose
this flower arrangement?
I can't see around it, over it.
- They're beautiful.
They're from our garden.
- I know that,
but I can't have a conversation.
- And, you know, sweetheart,
when the time is right,
I know a wonderful Russian nanny
who costs a lot less
than you would think.
- Aren't you getting
a little ahead of yourself?
- I'm just trying to help, okay?
- I appreciate that.
- She's gonna need her own room.
You might as well plan for that.
- We're not building
a separate bedroom
for a potential nanny
to take care
of potential children.
- Right.
The nanny can stay in the study.
- How many bedrooms total?
- They're sleeping spaces.
- Huh?
- There...
There's one true bedroom
and a space for a daybed.
- Daybed?
What's a daybed?
You're spending a lot of money
for a house
with only one bedroom?
You're nuts!
- Okay, Joseph.
It's not your house. Let them
make their own mistakes.
- The architecture
is really quite special.
He's... he's a genius.
- Genius.
Genius does not design
a million-dollar house
with one bedroom.
- I just don't understand
why you didn't use
Elizabeth's brother-in-law.
The space for the daybed
could easily be turned
into a bedroom.
We just add a door and a closet.
- We can't make any changes
without consulting Miles.
- It's our house, Drew.
- You close that big hole
in the ceiling,
you'll probably have room
for a couple more bedrooms.
- Yeah, but tiny.
- No, that area is part
of the staircase.
It's... it's
the main design feature.
- Hmm. Looks like
wasted space to me.
- Well, you know, you could
maybe squeeze in
another bathroom here.
Oh, and if you push out
the kitchen wall there,
you know,
you could have a little mudroom
for when the children
come in from playing.
- Can't they just wipe
their little feet on the mat?
- If we're gonna make changes,
now is the time to do it.
Boy, you don't look so good.
I'm gonna be sick.
- It's probably the shellfish.
We'll all be sick.
- Uh-huh.
Yeah, tax equity investment
equal to present value
distributions...
discounted at a minimum
unlevered target IRR.
Yeah, based on the project's
capacity factor.
Whether or not the partnership
flip structure yields returns.
Right.
The two lease structures...
Sale leaseback
and inverted lease.
Right.
Feeling any better?
- Not really.
Sorry I couldn't say
good-bye to your parents.
- They understood.
If you're sick, you're sick.
Not much you can do about it.
Hmm.
- What are you reading?
- A very interesting analysis
of whether a partnership flip
yields higher returns
than a sale leaseback.
The conclusion
is pretty surprising.
- I'm pregnant.
- Are you joking?
Drew, honey.
- Did you get my message?
- Oh, yes.
- And?
- You can't change the walls
without changing the structure
and supports.
I'd have to revise the plans.
The structural engineer
would have to revise his plans.
And Conway would issue a
change-order for the extra cost.
- Yeah, I know, but we need
more bedrooms.
- Why?
- A house this size
should have more bedrooms.
It's just common sense.
- Is common our goal?
I don't know why people
hire architects
and then tell them what to do.
- Because it's our house.
- Well, often, the opinion
of the client must be
disregarded for their own good.
- Do...
- We're having a baby.
- What?
Really?
Congratulations!
That's great news.
- Thank you.
- The space for the daybed
can easily be modified
to make room for the baby.
- Oh, I'm glad you agree,
'cause if we don't start making
some practical compromises,
we're gonna end up
with a white elephant.
- Oh, really?
Would "Art and Architecture"
magazine
put a white elephant
on its cover?
- "Art and Architecture"
magazine?
- A feature writer
called me yesterday.
The Stone House is a finalist
for their October issue.
- Wow.
- That's pretty good.
- Michael. Mike Stone.
- No.
What about Braydon?
- Braydon?
That sounds like a horse.
- I like Joseph.
Joseph. Joseph Stone.
- Regular Joe.
- Well...
- Wow.
What about Grayson?
- You're just making stuff up.
- Well...
What about Upton or Hudson...
or Grace?
- That sounds like a law firm...
Upton, Hudson, and Grace.
What happened to something
simple, like... like Jane?
That's pretty. Jane.
- Plain Jane and Average Joe.
- No.
- Wow.
Wow.
It's fantastic, Miles.
- Incredible.
Let me ask you,
can you paint it?
- The titanium?
Why would you want to do that?
- I'm saying down the road,
you know, for a change of pace.
- That's insane.
It's... it's beautiful.
It has a 100-year warranty
against corrosion.
- Well, it's just...
more silver than I thought
it would be.
- I love it.
- Gary.
- Ew.
Abigail.
- Yeah, that rolls
right off the tongue.
- Oscar.
- Oscar?
Wow. Middle school
wasn't hard enough.
Jeff.
Jeff is not a name for an adult.
- Jeffrey.
- Imogen.
- Do you want her to hate us?
Is that what you want?
I mean, really,
if you want to show the world
that you're creative,
sweetheart,
do it in a way that doesn't harm
innocent bystanders.
- Is that what you think
I'm doing?
- Kids want to fit in.
They don't want to be different.
- What if the child
isn't as conservative
and unimaginative as the father?
- Oh, yeah?
W-w-what if he is?
What if he's... what if he's
actually quite capable
o-o-of dealing sensibly
and prudently
with practical matters?
I mean, have you seen
these change orders...
These extras added
by your genius?
The costs keep spiraling upward,
just like
this fucking staircase.
- Why do we always do things
your way?
- We don't do things
my way, sweetheart.
We do them the right way...
With research and planning.
- You claim
there's all this logic,
but it always ends up your way.
You argue with me until you
wear me down and I give in.
- You know what?
You see things wrong.
Sometimes I wish I could just...
I could just reach inside
your head and flip a switch,
you know, just change
your perspective.
But I guess, you know,
we bring different things
to the table
as life partners, right?
I'm good at making money.
You're good at spending it.
I'm good at making calculated,
informed decisions
that yield positive results,
and you're good at making quick,
impulsive decisions
and never thinking twice, right?
What, is it lunch?
There you go. Good girl.
That's his preschool
music teacher at Montessori.
Are you gonna get him?
Go get him. Go get him.
- Max has a natural
sense of rhythm.
You should see him in ballet.
- It used to turn me on
when I'd hear him talk
about business.
He was so confident.
It was not confidence.
He's just stubborn.
- You're out of your mind
to think of leaving Colin.
How much difference does it make
who the guy is, anyway?
Once you have a baby, the guy
becomes so much less important.
Do you really think
that you want to be
on your own right now?
- How did the relationship work
between architect and client?
- Ah, truly inspired,
a wonderful collaboration,
great chemistry
between architect and client.
- Oh, good.
- Your details are off.
You obviously have
no field experience.
Your... your construction drawings
are just pretty pictures.
- You're not even using
the latest set!
These were revised!
- You've changed them
so many times,
I don't even know
what I'm building anymore!
This is completely
unprofessional.
Let me tell you... I am not losing
money on this job
based on your incompetence.
My advice to you is learn
how to work with real life!
Ooh.
It looks like the chemistry
between architect and contractor
isn't quite as good.
- Construction
is very stressful,
and we're using
some very unusual materials
for a residence...
Titanium, for example.
- The floating staircase
is impressive.
- It was a true collaboration.
I was his muse.
- You were his muse?
- Don't write that.
- Society needs
a good image of itself.
That's the job of the architect.
If a client
wants a house designed,
most architects will design one,
but a conscientious architect
will ask first
why this house is needed.
What is its Raison d'tre?
- Hmm.
- The architect may conclude
we don't need this house
and walk away.
That's why I don't have
a lot of clients.
- There seems to be conflict
between you and the contractor.
- To a man with a hammer,
everything looks like a nail.
- Yet another stack
of change orders.
I don't pay these by tomorrow,
Conway walks off the job.
The cost is
out of control, Miles.
It's like you're just...
You defy me and then build
whatever the hell you want.
- Cost is very simple.
It is materials plus labor.
You want a $5 million house
for a million dollars.
How's that my fault?
Want me to pay for it myself?
- What are all the extras?
- Essential details.
- You said less is more.
- Less is only more
when more is no good.
And these stairs...
I've been thinking about them.
They're just too dangerous
without a handrail.
- A handrail?
Can you imagine
how ridiculous that would look?
- I'm saying it's dangerous.
I can't believe
the Building Department
would even allow it.
- They won't.
Creativity is stifled by an
overzealous concern for safety.
We will put in
temporary handrail
and remove it after inspection.
- Isn't that illegal?
- It's your house,
not the city's.
- Do you see what I mean
about all this wasted space?
- Wasted space?
There is a purpose to beauty.
- If we fill this in,
we add two rooms.
- Fill it in?
You don't need two more rooms.
- Don't tell me...
How can you be
so incredibly arrogant?
- If I have to choose
between honest arrogance
and hypocritical humility,
I choose honesty.
There's no reason to change it.
- What are you... Oh.
You think... you think you can
prove anything by drawing it.
- I prefer drawing to talking.
It's faster,
and there are no lies.
Is this what you want...
Bisect this space
and create two rectangles?
- Yes.
What's wrong with that?
- For you, maybe nothing, Colon.
You're a rectangular man.
But for Drew, who is fluid
and curvaceous,
whose spirit
is spontaneous and free,
she can't live in those rooms.
- Do not talk
about my wife like that.
You are crossing a line there.
- Again, there is a line...
A straight line,
a line in the sand,
a line that can't be crossed!
- All right, you know what?
You know what?
I'm not paying another dime.
That includes your bill.
- Then I'll file a lien
on your property.
- Really?
So I should get a lawyer?
Is that where this is headed?
- Where there's a will,
there's a lawsuit.
Ignorance of the law
never stopped anyone
from practicing it.
You wouldn't nickel-and-dime
a surgeon, would you?
You respect his knowledge.
You understand
the need for his services.
When I figure the amount of time
I spend on a project,
it works out
to about $15 an hour.
I feel like a poor seamstress.
Do you want to know
the real reason
I didn't put a handrail in, huh?
- It makes it very difficult
to catch yourself if you fall.
- Don't you think
you're overreacting?
I mean, God, your hormones
are all over the place.
- My hormones?
It can't possibly be you.
- I had to fire him.
He threatened me physically.
- Miles Moss?
- Where are you...
Where are you going?
You're eight months pregnant.
You are the least
practical woman I know.
- I need to be alone.
- Why do you never remember
the good times?
We never...
We're having a stressful time,
but we have good times, Drew.
Last year, in Mexico...
Remember, we walked
into the hotel lobby,
and the mariachi band
was playing our song?
- Our song?
What song is that?
- How can you not know
we have a song?
- I feel like we're
in two different marriages.
What song are you talking about?
- "My Heart Will Go On"...
from the "Titanic" movie.
- This is why
we can't be together.
- Drew, don't do this.
Don't do this.
Look, a marriage
cannot always be exciting
and inspiring, you know.
You settle in,
and you get comfortable.
That's normal.
I'm a good guy.
I'm doing everything
I'm supposed to do.
I'm stable, emotionally
and financially,
more than you know.
There is nothing wrong with us.
Why do you invent problems
where none exist?
- I'm suffocating.
If you find yourself
trapped in a box with no air,
you don't ask permission.
You just cut a hole
so you can breathe.
- I don't understand that.
- No, you don't. You don't.
- Drew, don't...
Come here, please.
Come here.
Don't do this.
We'll finish the house, okay?
We'll finish the house your way,
but then, please...
let's get this nut case
out of our lives.
- Drew?
Drew?
- So cute.
Our philosophy is that children
should love coming
and love learning.
If they don't jump out
of the car and run right in,
we want to know about it.
Now let me show you
the children's Cubbies.
- Putnam Hatch.
- Yes.
- I was in your house.
- You were in my house?
- The Hatch House
on Fulton Road.
- What were you doing
in my house?
- Miles Moss showed me around.
- Who is Miles Moss?
- The architect
who designed your house?
- The architect who designed
my house was Leo Sullivan.
- Yeah, that's right...
Sullivan and Moss.
- No, that's not right.
That was James Moss,
Sullivan's business partner.
Look, I don't know
who your friend is,
and I don't know
how he got access to my house,
but if either of you comes back,
I'm gonna have you arrested.
- Hi.
- Who designed the Hatch House?
- What?
- Why doesn't Putnam Hatch
know you?
- W-what are you
talking about?
- I just met him.
He doesn't know you.
- That's not true.
Why do you have the keys
to his house?
- Why are you asking me
all of these questions?
- I don't know who you are.
I don't know what's going on.
Did you or did you not
design that house?
- We all worked on it together.
- Who's "we"?
- Sullivan, my father, and me.
Come on, come sit down.
Sit down, sit down.
- I left Colin.
- That's great news!
We don't need him anymore!
- What?
- The house is almost finished.
The... the bank will make sure
it's completed
even if Colin stops paying.
- I thought you'd be
a little more sympathetic
and a little less ambitious.
- I'm sorry.
You're right. I'm...
Being totally selfish.
You're contemplating making
a big life change, and...
I'm worrying
about finishing the house.
It's just that
the magazine people
are coming to take photos
and finish the story.
We made the cover
of "Art and Architecture."
You can build a career
out of that.
- I thought you had a career.
- It could be better.
- This is your first house,
isn't it?
- We make a great team, Drew.
Maybe we could live
here together...
you, me and the baby.
- Oh, no. You don't...
Don't... don't look at that.
Don't look at that.
Don't...
It's not...
"Best graduate design project
of 2002."
Oh.
- Drew, I'm sorry.
I had to get the house built.
It's a good design, Drew.
Please.
I've had a long time
to think about it.
- Drew?
Drew?
Oh, no.
Drew!
Please.
Drew, forgive me.
- Aah!
- I could never get any
of my projects built.
I spent countless years
designing handicap-accessible
bathrooms...
Drew, I never met the right
client until I met you.
You're the one.
We had the same inspiration!
It's possible!
Drew, please!
Drew!
Aah!
- Oh.
Oh.
Ugh.
She painted the titanium.
- That's gonna
void the warranty.
- The color's called
Grandma's refrigerator.
It's on the chart I submitted.
It's all planned out.
I-I-I can't make
an impulsive decision
while climbing a ladder.
Hold on.
Where's the color chart?
I have the chart right here...
Dill pickle, dead salmon,
dog's ear, baby's bottom,
Grandma's refrigerator.
He's not sure about the yellow.
He's confused
because his grandma's
refrigerator was white.
Can you talk to him?
- Frank?
- Yeah.
- Take Imogen.
- Imogen.
- Hey, Frank.
Hi. It's Colin.
Yeah, I know.
I know. My grandmother's
refrigerator was green.
It's just the name the company
gave the paint color.
It doesn't mean anything.
No. Look, she started
another job.
She's booked
for the rest of the year.
Let me explain something.
Drew's an artist.
She's not a painting contractor.
You don't get to choose
the color.
It's not repair and maintenance.
Well, she's not trying
to please everyone.
She's trying to move them,
you know,
draw them
out of their comfort zone,
make them think and feel.
Her work is
very mysterious Frank.
It's compelling and surprising.
Just sit with it for a while.
Let Drew do her thing,
and I'm sure that you'll be
very happy in the end, okay?
Okay. Bye.
- Thank you.
- Here, take that.
I got to take her for a nap.
- Yes.
- Hmm?
Come here.
Come here.
A little
Grandma's refrigerator there.
All right, you, here we go.
Whee!
Oh, boy.
- Bye!
- Oh, boy.