Talk Shop: Patrick Ahearn // Patrick Ahearn Architect
ABOUT PATRICK
One of America's most celebrated classical architects and a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Patrick Ahearn has focused on historically motivated, site-sensitive residences in New England and beyond for more than 40 years. He has been awarded degrees in architecture and urban design from Syracuse University and has taught coursework at both Syracuse and the Boston Architectural College. Today, he oversees the architectural firm that bears his name while also deftly drafting firsthand. A recipient of countless awards, Patrick and his work have been featured in numerous publications, broadcast outlets, and websites. We are huge fans of Patrick’s timeless work (and his book, aptly named Timeless: Classic American Architecture for Contemporary Living!) and could not be more excited to feature him on Fenimore Lane. Check out the full interview below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Timeless
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
The biggest influence on my aesthetic was Levittown, one of the earliest planned communities where I grew up, which had significant impact on my understanding of density and scale. Other major influences are European cities like the Cotswolds and Munich, and Royal Barry Wills.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
My own architecture practice began in 1978 when I started moonlighting while I was employed at another firm. The moonlighting grew to overtake my full-time job and I eventually went out on my own permanently.
My favorite thing about my job is getting to know my clients, understanding their lives and how they like to live, and then translating that into architectural plans and homes that will serve them and their families for years to come.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
The late Howard Elkus was a mentor of mine who taught me the art of presentation and how to add romance to architecture.
What does your home say about you?
My home is a quintessential stone cottage on a hill. It was originally built in 1936, and I’ve built additional structures on the property to make it a family homestead. The narrative of my home was written over a long period of time, and the overall ensemble tells a story of tradition and romanticism. As a result, even the new structures have an implied sense of history - this is something I strive for with my clients’ projects as well.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find particular inspiration in travel to historic cities. I love exploring different ways to interpret scale and romance and elements of architectural surprise. I love that in places like Munich you can turn down a street or walk down an alleyway and all of a sudden you’re in an open square with restaurants and cafes and the like - I work to incorporate those sort of concepts in my architecture.
Who are your style icons?
Ralph Lauren
What are your key ingredients for entertaining?
A fireplace and a well-stocked bar
Do you collect anything?
Cars
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
I’m a car guy, so my top pick is @bringatrailer.
What design “rule” do you always follow, which is made to be broken?
Typically I specify all walls in Ahearn White, a mixture of Ben Moore paints that we’ve perfected over time. I know wallpaper is having a moment right now, but I believe that good architecture is the canvas on which interior design can be layered, and I like the walls to stay quiet. With walls in Ahearn White, you can layer color in the room with fabrics and furnishings and drapery and let the architecture be a silent backdrop.
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on some really exciting projects right now - a Wisconsin lakehouse, a family homestead in Utah, a property on Vancouver Island, and a few projects outside of Boston. It’s an exciting time for my team and I’m grateful to our clients for allowing us to do the work.
Wardrobe staples?
Anything Vineyard Vines
Favorite fabric/wallpaper?
Ahearn White paint instead of wallpaper, and shiplap or beadboard as architectural wall trim.
Best interior advice you ever received?
Create a strong structure and logical organization of spaces within a home.
Best career advice you ever received?
I wanted to be a car designer and my high school guidance counselor told me I should be an architect. The rest is history!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on?
I like to invest in quality real estate. Beyond that I also like to invest in exterior landscaping - it makes all the difference. In terms of saving, my penchant for paint over wallpaper ends up saving money in terms of both material and labor.
Your greatest extravagance:
My 2020 Porsche 911 4S
Favorite places to shop for home?
My wife Marsha and I like to stop by a little antiques store - Past and Presents - when we’re in Edgartown. Every year the owners go to Europe and bring back some really unique finds, and they’re reasonably priced.
Most prized possession and why:
My most prized possession is my 1964 Porsche 356 Coupe in Dolphin Grey. It took more than 3 years to completely restore that car, and every nut and bolt came from Porsche Classic. It’s really very special.
Your interiors motto:
Less is more.
Your life motto:
Keep it simple.
Advice for someone looking to define their own architectural style:
My strongest advice to new architects looking to define their own style is to look around the community in which they’re practicing, to understand the imagery and scale of their surroundings, and to try to blend in and be silent. They’ll be much more respected within the community by blending in than by trying to be unique or avante garde, and that will benefit a practice in the long run.
I would also advise those starting out to watch my complimentary Studio course, in which I go through design fundamentals and my philosophy of architecture for the greater good. I launched that series last year to share my knowledge, and it’s been great hearing from people who have gone through it start to finish - we’ve gotten resumes from some and others have even become clients. The Studio course was my way of giving back and I’m proud of what we put together.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: The Orecchiete Bolognese at Alchemy in Edgartown
Drink: The All-Out Stout from Athletic Brewing Company in Connecticut
Film: The Hunt for Red October
Hotel: Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland
City: Boston, Massachusetts
Bedding: Matouk sheets
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Neither! I start my day with unsweetened cranberry juice.
Playlist: Anything on MVY Radio
Weekend Activity: Skiing in the winter, boating in the summer
Design Book: Timeless