Larry and Harold exemplify this heightened commitment to building a home. A couple for six- and one-half years, Larry and Harold have similar careers that lead directly into their mutual project. Larry is a thirty-four-year-old architect, while Harold is thirty-one years old and a successful retail designer/architect. The commitment of Larry and Harold to building a beautiful home was widely-known and admired in their local community. The interviewer was looking forward to finally seeing the house about which he had heard so much. The house that Larry and Harold built exceeded even the interviewer’s inflated expectations. It is not only a spectacular home in terms of both design and detail, it contains the backbone of the rich story of Larry and Harold’s relationship from its earliest development.
In arriving at their home, the interviewer walked through the corridor of a large apartment building and into a garden. Tucked away behind a cluster of tall apartment houses, Larry and Harold’s cottage stood out in stark contrast against its urban environment. The interviewer was greeted by Harold at the door with warm hospitality. Their house was immaculate and finely detailed. As their story unfolded, it was clear that the detailing was a blend of both their personalities and characters.
Harold’s diverse art work, which ranged from oil paintings to ceramic sculptures was displayed in the living room. The clean, sharp detail of the structure and the modern leather sofa was a touch of Larry. The old, stuffed chairs sharply contrasted with the newness of the sofa and were indicative of Harold. Downstairs there were two bedrooms with a veranda connecting them. A hot tub was hidden in the corner, overlooking the garden in back. Beyond the garden, the cityscape rose in full view. The second floor consisted of a carefully designed kitchen, with a dining area connecting to it. Behind this was a large, yet cozy, living room, with a fireplace and high ceiling. The art of both Larry and Harold was displayed in this room. On the bookshelves were photos and books, representing their separate lives and their life together as a couple.
Larry greeted the interviewer, sight unseen, from the small loft above the kitchen space. This was their shared office. Harold was cooking and asked the interviewer to join them for dinner. As Harold prepared the meal, Larry hollered down to watch the pasta. Harold assured Larry that everything was under control. He worked with ease in the kitchen, stirring the sauce, watching the pasta and eventually pulling a freshly-baked sheet of cookies out of the oven. Harold told Larry that dinner would be ready any minute. Larry came down from the loft, said hello to the interviewer again, and briskly walked into the kitchen to determine if indeed all was well. He insisted that the pasta was ready. Harold reassured him that it needed to boil just a few more minutes. The give and take of this couple was readily apparent. Finally, dinner was served, the wine poured and the interview begun.
