With an affinity and appreciation for inspiring designs that combine comfort, beauty, modernity and continuity with the past, Milton Tong, one of HDR Remodeling’s resident Architects, discusses the fundamentals of architecture, how they encourage his creativity and what it’s like to build beautiful spaces that people call home. 

How did you get your start in architecture?

I loved drawing and painting, and architecture allowed me to pursue something that was artistic and that contributes to society in a practical and tangible way. I’ve worked on large commercial and public projects, but have always found a great deal of creative freedom doing residential work and there’s nothing more satisfying than helping clients bring to realization the home of their dreams.

How would you describe your personal style if you were to design your own home?

A brand new house? Talk about a dream project! I love modern architecture, particularly when it brings an honesty and boldness in how it relates to site, materiality, and space. With a family of five, our house is more about fun than formality. It would be amazing to explore a modern design that has a quality of warmth and casualness that allows you to live in it with ease and with constantly changing and eclectic family needs.

Does your style have any core elements or guiding principles?

The term “Genius Loci” is the idea that every city has a distinctive character, a unique Spirit of Place. You can also apply this principle at the level of a neighborhood and even to a particular site or home. When designing a project, I feel it’s important to understand the house's architectural character and it’s structural and spatial organization; it’s bones. You can then build upon and bring out the beauty of the house, so that the renovation doesn’t seem forced or out of place. 

Sustainable design is a core value for me. Good design takes into consideration topography, sun orientation, climate, natural light and views in the orientation of spaces. A well designed building is the most cost effective means to affect energy efficiency and use of natural resources, and should be considered in conjunction with building envelope and mechanical systems design.

What elements of architecture do you enjoy the most?

As an Architect, I’m all about space and form. I particularly enjoy projects that explore the relationships between interior and exterior spaces.

What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on thus far and why?

We recently completed a home remodel. The house had some Mediterranean elements that we took as cues to both strengthen the historic character and also give a very modern rendition of Mediterranean style.

What is your favorite style of architecture?

The Bay Area’s housing stock has a rich diversity of architectural styles. Being a good Architect means being a student of all of these styles. I enjoy being able to work with all of them in both restorative or interpretive ways.

What is your approach to different projects when working with clients?

I think every project should be seen as unique from all other projects. The clients, the functional needs, the existing house and site conditions are all unique elements that need to be respected and well understood.

What is your approach to collaborating with clients? With internal teams?

I strive to really understand my client’s needs and aesthetic tastes. My goal is to create a home that reflects and supports their personality and lifestyle. Design is an iterative process where early concepts might uncover a better synthesis that we didn’t think of before. It’s very important to work closely with clients throughout the design process. 

Being a Design Build firm, it’s in our DNA to bring to any project or problem, input from our Designers, our construction crew, and trade professionals. We regularly work with structural engineers, interior designers, and other consultants and as a general principle bring them in as early as possible to the design process so we can benefit from their expertise and develop a team approach. Within our Design department, we have a very talented Design team and we take pride in having an environment that fosters collaboration and creativity.

What is a passion of yours outside of Architecture?

I’m a fan of Bay Area figurative painters and of local artists. On the car ride to school, my kids have fun trying to introduce me to new stuff on Spotify, and it’s definitely influencing my playlists. I’m also a comic book, sci-fi and all around movie nerd.