Three years w/ Jim; 1973, 74, 75
Just out of architecture school I worked w/ Jim (three year apprenticeship). Morehead / Beaufort and Carteret County were quite different then than now. Winters were quite distinct from the Summer crowds. We made our own entertainment in the winter. Jim said up front he was not a teacher but he was in his own way. Jim had a talent few could rival. Have you ever seen someone sketch upside down to a client in perspective to illustrate a spacial concept? Jim had the ability and confidence to do so!
The Coral Bay Condominiums were the first of such on Bogue Banks. To this day none better have been built! I would like to know what they cost then vs what they resell for when / if available today?
Jim was a pioneer for Carteret County. It is and was not a place where good architecture was actively sought or necessarily appreciated. Each project became an opportunity to improve beyond what was expected. Jim's brother Barry knows what I mean by this. We worked w/ Richard (Dick) Bell, landscape architect on a number of projects. Also Bill Bigger, structural engineer. I remember the Yacht Club, the regattas, the friendships. Jim's house projects are in a class all to themselves, quite distinct taking their visual cues from the local environment demands via time tested methods. He was practicing construction sensitivity on the outer banks long before it became popular to do so. I recall the Ocracoke School house. Bob Shuller was involved w/ that project.
I owe a great deal to Jim... I know he knows this! We kept in touch thru good times and not so good! I am saddened and I miss him!
Edgar