Carter Sparks: Special Salute - Page 2

Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Sparks studied engineering at Oregon State University, breaking to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he continued his education, graduating in 1950 from the University of California Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture.

Sparks then worked as a draftsman for Eichler architects Anshen and Allen in San Francisco, and also with architect Mario Corbett. He then worked as a designer for the firm of Gordon Stafford in Sacramento.

In 1954, Sparks opened his own architectural firm, first partnering with Donald Thaden, then working on his own, designing single-family, tract, and semi-custom homes that he modified individually for clients from standard Streng Bros. plans.

Elements you might find in a Carter Sparks home can astound and delight, weaving tight geometries with creativity and true freedom of expression. Look for signatures like sunken living rooms and conversation pits, cantilevered hearths, atriums, and partial walls.

"He had a real stylistic flair, his scored stucco, the very creative atrium," says Weinstein. "He was trying to figure out how to do an Eichler-style atrium in a much harder climate.

"He used a kind of plastic skylight, turning part of the living area into an aviary or garden taking advantage of the strong sun, shielding it while allowing it to provide sun for the plants. All those things were super-creative."

An architect forever in search of the light, Sparks designed homes that allowed the sun's rays to stream in through clerestories, multiple skylights, and unusual window placements. Wherever light was needed, whether to take in a view, or to provide additional natural light, Sparks found a creative way to introduce it.

At the heart of Sparks' loyal following is the thoughtfulness and consideration he gave his clients, large and small.

"Carter wanted to know our philosophy," pointed out Franklin Yee, the owner (with wife Sandra) of a custom Sacramento Sparks, when he spoke to the Eichler Network a few years ago. "He [Carter] said anybody can design a home, can give you the amount of square footage and how many bedrooms you want. But he wants to know your philosophy of living."

Happy 100, Mr. Sparks!