Ray Parks and Associates is a small architectural firm with big personality. At the heart of this four-person team is Ray Parks himself: a 28-year veteran of the Central Coast land planning and architectural scene; an erstwhile potter espousing a creative attitude that’s firmly rooted in the land and how people live on it.

“We were living in Toronto at the time and relied on Ray and our contractor to work together, which they did exceptionally well. They are professional, trustworthy and diligent. We did this project long distance with very little input and infrequent visits. Ray is a creative and decent person to work with, he and our contractor made a great team.”
- Diane Young

With his formal background in fine art, land planning and architecture, Parks is able to approach each project as a whole as well as the sum of a thousand details. His early experience as a planning consultant for Carmel and other communities gives him insight into the arcane workings of each local government on the Monterey Peninsula. This exposure has taught him that there is no substitute for good planning. “Very often, what seems obvious needs a little more thought,” he said.

Nowhere is this kind of experience more crucial than on the sensitive California Central Coast, where historic, environmental and even seismic considerations can make or break a dream. Siting remains one of the most important elements of any residential design, and every site has issues, according to Parks. Often, the very features that distinguish a particular property are the most challenging to manage. Parks contemplates how clients live and makes practical suggestions based on real-world facts: The sun, prevailing winds and view-lines affect the configuration of a house as do the presence of historical structures, notable trees and neighbors. “I like to think I’m a good designer, but I think most people like working with me because of my personality,” Parks said.

“Ray is amazing in his adaptability; the mechanics of tying a new addition into an existing historic structure was a challenge. Ray came up with a very livable solution.”
-Bill Eggleston