Originally printed in the La Jolla Light, March 2019, updated January 2021 The story behind how three generations of Benton men dedicated their careers to engineering and architecture has its roots in farming. “My grandfather was a tenant farmer and rancher in San Diego and other areas of California,” Paul Benton recalled. “When my dad [...]
Originally published in the La Jolla Light, December 2018 Jim Alcorn and Paul Benton have touched the lives of millions of San Diegans during the span of their careers, yet most do not know them by name. Both are the hands behind countless projects in and around San Diego and La Jolla since the [...]
For decades, Southern California has beckoned innovative thinkers and encouraged experimentation in all things creative, from fine art and film to fashion, architecture, food and design. In 2011, the Pacific Standard Time festival — a sweeping exhibition running along the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles to Santa Barbara — told the story of California’s artists and [...]
Alongside the great beauty, temperate weather and ocean breeze associated with coastal California living, earthquakes and landslides are an unfortunate and oftentimes fearful reality. While instances of destruction are rare, occasional catastrophes — such as the 2007 landslide that destroyed a Mount Soledad home and, according to the Union Tribune, continued to impact the local community [...]
Few things strike greater fear into the heart of a homeowner than the knowledge that a new room addition or home renovation will require a coastal permit. We all feel the same about this: in most cases, the design idea is simple, the neighbors love the concept and we just barely have enough time and [...]
We’ve heard the term “sustainable” but what does it mean when it comes to architecture? A green building — or sustainable building — is an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly residential or commercial space. Sustainable architecture is important because it serves as the future of community growth and ensures the well-being of our environment as well. From [...]