By Liz Goldner
Mark Singer (1948–2015) was an extraordinary architect and engineer, known for his innovative designs and compassionate mentorship. His talent, combined with his humble and gracious nature, left a lasting impact on both his clients and the architecture community. Born in New York City’s ethnically diverse Lower East Side, Singer developed an early passion for design, inspired by his father’s custom repair business and woodworking skills.
Early Inspiration and a Passion for Architecture
At just nine years old, after moving to Los Angeles, Mark discovered a book about Frank Lloyd Wright’s boyhood, which ignited his passion for architecture. Singer’s early interests included exploring the airy, open homes of Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler in L.A.’s Silver Lake, which would later influence his own award-winning designs. He believed that architecture is an exploration of what lies within each individual, using one’s abilities to create and innovate.
Singer’s journey led him to study structural engineering at California State University Los Angeles, where he gained insights that would become integral to his architectural approach. His son, Ryan, a residential designer, shares that Singer’s understanding of water intrusion, learned from observing the unique water flow in Laguna Beach, led to his ability to design homes that “think like water,” creating effective, innovative window and door details.
From Engineering to Architecture: Mark Singer’s Career Beginnings
After college, Singer worked for a developer specializing in large commercial projects, eventually earning his general contractor’s license. However, his true passion for residential design blossomed when he was entrusted with several small projects. This marked the beginning of his architectural career, and in the mid-1970s, he established his own design firm in Laguna Beach, California. His success led him to pass the architectural license exam.
Singer’s passion for lasting, permanent construction materials, especially concrete, was inspired by his early visits to Peru’s Machu Picchu with his wife, Myriam, who had recently emigrated from Peru. The intact stone walls of the ancient ruins influenced his preference for durable materials in his designs, which became a signature feature of his work.
Bold Designs that Redefined Laguna Beach
During the early years of his career, Laguna Beach was known for its eclectic, bohemian vibe, characterized by Spanish Colonial-style homes and beach cottages. Singer’s designs, which featured bold geometric shapes, minimalist aesthetics, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby canyons, were in stark contrast to the prevailing architectural styles. Initially rejected by the city’s conservative design review boards, Singer persisted and ultimately received approval to build his “avant-garde” homes.
His signature use of materials, including stone, stucco, glass, and wood for the exteriors, along with board-formed concrete for interiors, became iconic. These designs not only gained support from Laguna Beach’s design boards and residents but also helped transform the city’s architectural landscape into a contemporary milieu. Over the span of nearly four decades, Singer designed and built hundreds of homes in Laguna Beach and throughout Orange County, leaving a lasting legacy.
Mark Singer’s Homes: A Legacy of Timeless Design
Singer’s homes were recognized with numerous awards from the American Institute of Architects and the Laguna Beach Architectural Guild. His homes continue to be cherished by their owners, with realtors often highlighting the lasting value of Singer-designed properties. Those who lived in his homes speak highly of their personal experiences with Singer, noting his ability to listen to their needs while offering valuable design suggestions.
One of Singer’s most personal projects was his own 2,900-square-foot home, completed in 2001, for himself and Myriam after their children, Ryan and Jessica, had grown up. Located on a hilltop in Laguna Beach’s Arch Beach Heights neighborhood, the home offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Saddleback Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
The Zen-Like Sanctuary: Mark Singer’s Personal Home
I had the privilege of visiting Singer’s home in 2002 and was immediately struck by its Zen-like ambiance. The space featured open living areas, skylights, and endless windows framing views of the ocean, alongside warm, natural materials like concrete, wood, and stone. Singer described the home, along with its 1,000-square-foot guest wing, as rustic contemporary, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in design. He believed that a well-designed home becomes art in itself, where the elements of the space serve as the aesthetic expression.
A Mentor in Life and Architecture
Beyond his architectural talent, Mark Singer was known for his generosity as a mentor. Myriam recalls how, early in their relationship, he taught her drafting skills and encouraged her to contribute designs to his homes. Ryan shares that his father instilled a deep love for design in him, introducing him to architecture from a young age through hands-on activities like building with Legos and touring iconic homes.
Singer was also highly respected by fellow architects in the area, including Horst Noppenberger and Anders Lasater. Noppenberger admired Singer’s visionary work, noting that his contributions to the local landscape would be felt for years to come. Lasater fondly recalled receiving a handmade piece of furniture from Singer as a wedding gift, highlighting how Singer expressed himself through his craft.
Mark Singer’s Enduring Legacy in Laguna Beach Architecture
Mark Singer’s combination of old-world craftsmanship and modern design principles reshaped Laguna Beach’s architectural identity. He believed that the process of designing and building was as important as the final product. His works continue to influence younger architects and shape the design ethos of the city, which remains a testament to his creative vision nearly a decade after his passing.
Singer’s gratitude for the homes he created is evident in the way he viewed his work. He was proud of the lasting impact his designs had on the community, and today, his architectural legacy continues to be felt across Laguna Beach.
