No single person has had a greater impact on the success of the museum’s design and spirit than Michael Boyd. He is the “building whisperer.” Whereas so many architects, designers and builders fundamentally change or alter existing structures to fit their personal styles, Michael is committed to preserving the integrity of a building.
The project we first worked on together was the renovation of a former National Guard Armory in Culver City, a massive concrete building, which is now the home of the Wende Museum. From choosing the colors to designing the logo, Michael Boyd was involved in every decision along with our architect Christian Kienapfel. When others wanted to clad the exterior walls with new surfaces, Michael insisted on sandblasting the walls to expose the beautiful aggregate underneath. It was a critical decision at the right moment.
His vision for the landscaping was pure genius. Our visitors describe the garden as “magical”. I had been used to a more procedural, process-oriented approach to design, but what I realized by working with Michael is that art cannot always be reduced to budgets and timelines. He found value-oriented solutions to create the visual impact of something that would other- wise cost multiple times what we could afford. It felt like a risk at the time to completely trust in Michael’s vision, but it was the best decision I have ever made.
What I admire most is his advocacy for his vision. I vividly remember Michael showing up at 6am on the construction site, talking to the workers, explaining to them that their job was the most important one in the world and their attention to detail and quality would have enormous ramifications. If they did good work, they could be proud of it for the rest of their lives. He would encourage and nudge when necessary to ensure the best possible result. His passion is infec- tious and these otherwise surly and cynical workers were completely mesmerized. Michael won’t stop until he has everyone on board.
It is my great pride and privilege to embark on a new project with Michael, in conjunction with Brian Wickersham and AUX Architecture, to transform an abandoned structure on a property adjacent to the museum, into a state-of-the-art center for the com- munity. Once again, Michael Boyd is overseeing the design of the building, the choice of the materials, and, of course, the landscaping. And, once again, he will work his magic.
