Michael Lehrer - Architect

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Earlier this week I photographed award-winning architect and art teacher Michael Lehrer at his studio in Silverlake for Architect Magazine. It's a wonderful, open-floor former manufacturing building directly adjacent to a preschool. Michael is a big proponent of artistic "cross-pollination" and the value of playfulness in design. During the day, they open two huge garage doors and the studio is instantly filled with a soundtrack of children playing. I imagine some of those squeals and the laughter make it to the final design of some of their buildings.

Once a month, they order pizza and host a night of life-drawing. Also, there's a workshop where designers are encouraged to use their hands after hours of just their brains. The small, cramped little workshop has birthed composite resin chairs, end tables made from old catalogs and coffee tables with legs shaped like deer hooves.

Michael was a great subject. Open, playful and talkative, he made my job incredibly easy.

He also had two dogs, Lolita and Ginger. They had their photo taken as well. But you'll have to wait til the issue comes out to see them in their debut.


(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Credits
Production Manager: Pamela Sunnarborg
Photo Assistant: Jeff Johnson