Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Salay
Hi Chris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Originally wanting to be a furniture maker, I started studying interior design, and then architecture. While still in school I set up a shop in downtown Los Angeles producing mostly custom casework. When working on site, customers routinely asked for additional work such as framing, electrical, or plumbing so I learned the various trades and licensed as a general contractor. After several years of contracting both residential and commercial projects, I stumbled upon a condemned mid century home, got the funding together to buy and restore it, and started a new business of restorations. Since then, I seek out neglected architectural properties and restore them both for clients and myself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Remodeling is never a smooth road, as anyone who has remodeled will tell you. There are always (frequently expensive) unknowns, and the process is never straightforward. It is challenging updating homes for modernity while preserving the character and intent of the original design. Luckily, my architecture background allows me to evaluate the original architectural intent, so even when updated a home will have the same look and feel as was originally intended.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in architectural restorations, especially mid century modern homes. The vast majority of these homes were built during a rapid rise in home ownership by the middle class. There was a revolt against classical norms and features, so a new, modern, simple, and cost effective construction was created. In the classic car world (one of my other passions) there is a type of car that is considered “over restored.” The restoration exceeds the budget or capabilities of the original build and the character changes or is lost. My background and knowledge allows me to authentically restore and update homes using faithful materials and techniques and building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrissalay.com
- Instagram: @chris_salay_design
