SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Thursday, November 03 2016 / Published in General, Weekly Feature

Architect Bobby McAlpine: Drafting Dreams into Exquisite Designs

 

Bobby McAlpine designed this barn outside of Nashville, Tennessee, for clients who wanted living space as well as entertaining areas that could accommodate large parties. Photo by Bruce Cain of Elevated Lens Photography

Bobby McAlpine designed this barn outside of Nashville, Tennessee, for clients who wanted living space as well as entertaining areas that could accommodate large parties.
Photo by Bruce Cain of Elevated Lens Photography

By Lauren R. Giannini

Imagine this scenario: You and your spouse decide to build the house and barn of your dreams. You find a young architect, discuss what you want, visit the site, and wait for his design. It’s worth it, because his vision is even better than your dreams.

That’s what happened, 25 years ago, when architect Bobby McAlpine made the dreams of a horse-loving couple come true. “Early in my career, I designed a house that was over their horses because the woman didn’t want to be any further away from them than that,” he said. “It was a darling little house — a gable-roofed, petite house that fit exactly over the horses’ stalls. It wasn’t a barn; it was a house that had horses in it.”

Barn and guest house in Tennessee — designed by Bobby McAlpine Photo by Bruce Cain of Elevated Lens Photography

Barn and guest house in Tennessee — designed by Bobby McAlpine
Photo by Bruce Cain of Elevated Lens Photography

It was, of course, a great success with all of its occupants. Since then, Bobby has designed other barns that merit mention even though they’re outnumbered by homes in his extensive portfolio. His intuitive understanding of what comprises a home, his quest for truth and order in the design, his passion for providing people with what they want and need even if they can’t articulate their innermost thoughts — these are just a few of the reasons why his reputation has grown by leaps and bounds, making him one of the top contemporary architects.

Architect Bobby McAlpine Photo courtesy of McAlpine

Architect Bobby McAlpine
Photo courtesy of McAlpine

Several clients, who bought big, beautiful properties, called Bobby to design their barns, which they wanted to build before the main house. “Once they have the barn built, they start collecting all of the toys, all of the equipment they need to run the farm and maintain it,” said Bobby. “Then, we start building sheds and, before you know it, they never get around to building the main house.” He laughed, and added, “This has happened to us more than once. Other clients developed an apartment in the attic [hayloft] of the barn over the horses. That’s happened two times, at least.”

Bobby tries to retain the essence of a building, barn or church, no matter how it’s being re-purposed. While renovation is a small part of his practice, he has turned barns and farm buildings into party palaces and guest lodging, but he maintains a healthy respect for the intrinsic nature of the original structure. He sees the similarity between barns and churches. “They’re essentially the same building,” said Bobby. “The big surround, the wide aisles – it’s the same language. I think that whatever constitutes that beautiful spiritual balance in a church also exists in a barn. It’s something I always want to bow to.”

The living room in Lida’s home — which is connected to her two-stall barn — reflects her love for horses. Photo by Kris Kendrick

The living room in Lida’s home — which is connected to her two-stall barn — reflects her love for horses.
Photo by Kris Kendrick

A recent project in Tallahassee involved house-design clients who wanted a barn for their daughters’ show hunters. Bobby looked to his go-to horseperson, Lida Cunningham Sease, one of his staff and a lifelong equestrian, to interpret the barn design for McAlpine. Lida’s design for her family’s home and barn reflects Bobby’s influence as well as her own expertise and experiences in horse-keeping and house design.

“When I’m in a meeting with Bobby and a client, I spend the entire time writing down quotes, because the language Bobby uses is so perfect in the way that it communicates the complexity, the beauty and the feeling of what he’s trying to achieve,” said Lida. “My job is to take the magic and turn it into reality — a mixture and weaving of all of Bobby’s vision and his magic, my experience, and the client’s wants and needs. That ‘built form’ is more than the sum of all its parts, and I love when it all comes together.”

A restored slide illustrates Bobby’s first project 25 years ago. His career kicked off with an equestrian flair when he was asked to build a little house over horses. Photo by Greg Tankersley

A restored slide illustrates Bobby’s first project 25 years ago. His career kicked off with an equestrian flair when he was asked to build a little house over horses.
Photo by Greg Tankersley

Child Prodigy

In his bio on www.mcalpinehouse.com, Bobby states: “It is no wonder why I love this work. I am called by houses. I understand them.”

Even before he learned to read and write, Bobby was drawing floor plans. This was his comfort zone, the place where he soothed his sensitive nature by drawing houses that were real homes. His family moved six times from one small town to another because of his father’s work in the lumber business. They lived in soulless dwellings that provided Bobby with a “show and tell” of what doesn’t work and why. He had no interest in school sports or clubs or extracurricular activities. He just kept designing houses.

“One day, I was showing something to my mother — again — and she said, ‘Roll up your drawing, get on your bike and ride it to that architect downtown,’” recalled Bobby. “So I did and he hired me as a draftsman. I was 14 or 15 and, at the time, we lived in Haleyville, Alabama, a town of about 3,000 with one architect. After he hired me, the high school I went to finagled a way for me to get out of class at 1:00 every day, two class periods earlier than anybody else, so I could go to work in the architect’s office. I also continued doing all my personal drawing.”

A major turning point in Bobby’s life took place when his parents, Andy and Louise McAlpine, decided to build a family home in Haleyville. His father, who managed sawmills and felt at ease with lumberjacks, had no clue how to relate to his son, a geeky boy who spent his time drawing houses. It was a challenge, of sorts, when Andy announced that he would build the house that Bobby designed for his parents and older sister. The success of their venture earned Bobby his father’s wholehearted approval and cemented their relationship better than ever.

The new family home provided living proof that Bobby, who was only 16 when the house was completed, was on the right track, career-wise. By the time he got to college to study architecture, he was very experienced, albeit mostly self-taught. “I had been traipsing through construction sites, being fascinated with wood-framed houses, learning how to put things together, and how to draw them,” said Bobby.

Bobby’s designs extend to this farm building on a property outside of Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Gary Walpole Photography

Bobby’s designs extend to this farm building on a property outside of Memphis, Tennessee.
Photo by Gary Walpole Photography

The Spirit of Design

“I have empathy for the people who sit in front of me and I have faith that they are my next teacher,” said Bobby. “What they want, even if they don’t know how to ask for it or describe it, is within them somewhere, and I find out a lot just listening to them. There’s a repository in me of everything I ever noticed that may or may not be tapped into or used and, often, when someone’s sitting there, talking to me, there are little people inside me holding their hands up who’ve never spoken before, going: ‘Uh, I’ve got this, I know what they’re talking about — if you’ve never done this thing before in your life, now is the time!’ It’s great fun to almost be puppeted by that, to be stimulated by the client and figure what to pull out of myself. The solution is always a combination of things.”

Guest house on the Nashville property. Photo by Bruce Cain of Elevated Lens Photography

Guest house on the Nashville property.
Photo by Bruce Cain of Elevated Lens Photography

Anytime Bobby visits a property, the first thing he does is set up the furniture and arrange the camp in his head. “I’m not really thinking architecturally,” he said. “I’m thinking about where do I want to sit and look, where do I want to build a fire, who do I want around me and how close. The systems begin to fall into place, and alignments, spaces and postures start to take shape and that becomes a layout, a floor plan that eventually I wonder what it looks like. But I don’t worry at all about what the architectural shape looks like in the beginning.”

What’s important to Bobby is the spiritual connection between the house and its occupants. He wants home to be a haven of truth, beauty and protection — this is true whether you seek his design for a house, barn, farm outbuildings, rural or seaside getaway, even a family café. He wants your home to be the place you love most to run to, the place that always promises you comfort.

McAlpine has offices in Montgomery, Alabama; Nashville; New York City; and Atlanta. Visit their website at www.mcalpinehouse.com.

 

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: architecture, bobby mcalpine, horse barn, lauren r. giannini

What you can read next

Dianne Johnson: From Monkey Business to the Horse Show Business
An Exciting Summer for the Future of Dressage
Caroline Roffman and Her Highness Rule at Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge 1

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capita Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capital Challenge Horse Show has officially begun! Not able to attend the 2023 Capital Challenge Horse Show? 🏆 No problem! Watch all 11 days of competition for free with the live stream, sponsored by C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc., on capitalchallenge.org or usefnetwork.com. 🎥
Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Bl Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Blue Ribbon Scholars is here to help! Whether you need help with a single subject, SAT prep, or transitioning to online school, Blue Ribbon will tailor a unique program to the needs of every student athlete, grades K-12. The exclusive education services provider at HITS Ocala since 2019, Blue Ribbon offers in-person tutoring services throughout the duration of the winter circuit, in addition to our virtual services via Zoom year round, anywhere, anytime! Are you showing at WEC this winter, but looking for affordable, fun, and individualized in-person support? Have no fear! In-person tutoring is available anywhere in the Ocala area, and everyone is welcome to attend our programs at HITS. Our tutors are kind, qualified, and understand the needs of competitive student-athlete equestrians. The founder of Blue Ribbon Scholars is an amateur jumper rider who holds a BA from Yale University and Master’s in Education from Vanderbilt. You will be in good hands! Message, email, or call us today to learn more about how we help you accomplish your goals. blueribbonscholars, hitshorseshows #sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses #wellington #wef #florida #college #school #blueribbonscholars #hitshorseshows #hunterjumper #showjumping #hunterjumpersofinstagram #tutoringforathletes #tutoringservices #backtoschool #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianlifestyle #horseshowlife #studyhardplayhard #homeschooling #ocala
📣Exciting News!! 📣 Sidelines Magazine is gr 📣Exciting News!! 📣 Sidelines Magazine is growing! Thanks to our success we are expanding our sales force and are looking for talented sales people‼️ Come join the team!! 👉For more information email editor@sidelinesmagazine.com
“There is no quick fix when it comes to horses,” said Samantha Wolfram, a 22-year-old equestrian professional. “You can’t flip a switch and the horse comes out broke and is easy to ride.” For most equestrians, this statement is a testament to the grit and reality of the horse business—there are no easy roads to establishing your career. But for Samantha, using her risk-taking, talent and ambition while riding and living abroad is helping set her up for success. Growing up an only child in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Samantha received her first pony at the age of 2 thanks to her mother, who was a horse trainer. “My mom got me a pony like what you see at the fair. However, he was a bad pony—or what I like to call ‘character building,’” she said. Her early start riding was a gift unto itself and by 5, Samantha was jumping crossrails. She was committed to riding until the age of 8, when another sport became her focus. “I was at an age where I wanted to fit in, and being a crazy horse girl did not help with being popular,” Samantha shared. Get to know Samantha in her recent feature "Finding Success in America and Overseas." And never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine. Link below!👇 https://sidelinesmagazine.com Follow Samantha on Instagram samanthawolfram 📸Photos by Kirsten Hannah, kirstenhannahphotography.com #sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • HOLLY ANN CHANEY

    Specializing in Luxury & Equestrian Properties

    DOUGLAS ELLIMAN C: 561-719-0828 hollychaneygroup@gmail.com hollychaneygroup.com

    [Read more]

  • Blue Ribbon Scholars is here to help equestrian scholar-athletes!
    Click ad title for more images
    We take an individualized approach to help our students discover and achieve their own personal, academic, and athletic best. We offer academic support for traditional school subjects at all levels in addition to standardized test-prep tutoring. We are excited to announce the first installment in a series of virtual,

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • October 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Zayna Rizvi: Horses from Family to Finals

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • Samantha Wolfram: Finding Success in America and Overseas

    By Juliana Chapman Portraits by Kirsten Hannah ...
  • Cedar Potts-Warner: At Liberty and Beyond

    Story and Portraits by Jennifer DeMaro   P...
  • Jordan Melfi: Turning a Secret Horse Life Into a Career

    By Veronica Green-Gott Portraits by Shelly Cart...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!