When residential architecture and design go hand in hand to create structural and visual harmony, everything is in its place and there is a place for everything.
Achieving this harmony is the goal of designer John Robert Wiltgen, who expresses dismay at what he sees as the right hand of architecture not knowing what the left hand of design is doing.
Both elements must work together to achieve the best residential product, he believes. Otherwise, Wiltgen says, dissonance can result.
”When someone builds a home from scratch and then brings in an interior designer to decorate the finished product,” he says, ”it suddenly becomes apparent that the sofa they chose for the living room is too long for the wall, or that electrical outlets in the music room are opposite the stereo system.”
Wiltgen is neither a licensed architect nor a formally trained interior designer, although he incorporates the functions of both into the work he has been doing since he was 19.
”The architect alone does not complete the picture,” he says.
”Architects tend to design a residence from the outside in, forsaking the interior design. The designer, on the other hand, doesn`t often worry about structural composition.”
Dual role
Wiltgen has shown he can wear both hats successfully. In 1991, he was a recipient of the Merchandise Mart`s and Chicago Design Sources` ”Outstanding Achievement in the Design Profession” award.
The secret to his success, he says, is space planning. In fact, he often refers to himself as a space planner, for lack of a more formal description of his work.
”Every square foot (of space) has to do something: It must provide either storage or living space,” he says. Long, unadorned hallways, high-ceiling closets and saved-for-special-occasions guest rooms are typical of the unused space that space planners see as nightmares, Wiltgen added.
”The good designer has the ability to envision the finished product down to the accessories on the tabletop,” he said. ”He is able to say exactly where the furniture needs to go to suit the desires of the client.
”And with respect to that, he knows where the doors need to be so that the walls are long enough for the furniture.
”A design has to work for you, welcome you and look beautiful. I would never do a living room for someone who never planned to use it. If that was the case, I might as well brick it up.”
If he had his wish, Wiltgen said, he always would have ”input on the construction and design of the home from the ground up. Ideally, I would stand with my clients in the middle of nowhere and help them think of what would be appropriate for them.”
Dream job
Wiltgen is currently living one of his dreams, or rather that of his latest client, rehabilitating and decorating a New Town residence.
Although the home offers a bounty of beauty in its inlaid teak floors, antique marble fireplaces and solid mahogany doors, it is also an exercise in space planning.
The closet in the master bedroom, for example, has a high ceiling that Wiltgen has utilized by installing a storage area that can be lowered and raised by a hydraulic mechanism.
Several rooms have ornamental architectural detailing that disguises storage areas in the ceilings and walls.
The guest room is reached, not through a hallway, but through rooms on either side, and serves as a thruway when not in use.
Although beautifully practical, Wiltgen says his approach to clients is far from impersonal.
Catering to youth
Wiltgen`s youngest clients, a boy and girl of 12 and 13, were two of his favorites and typify his approach to clients. He was hired by the children`s parents to decorate their bedrooms.
”The kids were in charge, and my success depended on how well I listened to, interpreted and carried out their desires. By the time I finished, I knew so much about them-from favorite games and toys to what drawer they kept their socks in-that I almost became one of the family and am invited back to socialize quite frequently.
”I give the clients what they want, integrating their needs into all the things it takes to make a house a home.”
That`s an idea so important to Wiltgen that he even credits himself with coming up with his favorite cliche.
”A man`s home is his castle,” he says with a laugh. ”I have found that true, even if we`re talking about children.”
