Interview with Richard Whittow

On January 17, 2008 Deborah Sommers sat with Richard Whittow to discuss the creative process involved in the construction and design of 23 Laurel Avenue. Here is an excerpt of that interview:

DS: What made you decide to endeavor on a construction project like this one?

RW: I always wanted to do a construction project like this. But I didn't want to do it this soon. I got involved in this one through a number of unforseen events.

DS: Events like...?

RW: Not going to talk about those.

DS: Ok. Let's move onto another subject. The subject of choosing a contractor. What goes into choosing a good contractor?

RW: It's like choosing an employee. You want someone that is going to do a good job. Someone that is honest and trustworthy. Someone that you communicate well with. And someone that comes in at the right price.

DS: And how did you know that Shawn was the one for you?

RW: It came down to personality and how we vibbed; how we gelled. A lot of the other quotes came in at the same price. But it came down to someone who I enjoyed working with and who enjoyed working with me. And would be responsive. One of the things I did shortly after we met was I called him to see how quickly he would get back to me or answer the phone. Most contractors would go right to voicemail and it would take two days to hear back. Shawn picked up the phone or returned my call in less than half an hour. And has done all along. I also checked his references and they were very positive.

DS: What is your favorite food?

RW: Indian food and sushi. Curry and sushi. I also like prosciutto.

DS: What do you think makes a house beautiful?

RW: (long pause) Very interesting question. Difficult to answer. (long pause) I can't really speak to modern architecture because I don't fully understand modern architecture. But in older buildings it's about character. Characteristics of rooms that are distinctive and interesting. Combined with balance and proportion.

DS: What does a typical day for you look like?

RW: Right now?

DS: Yes.

RW: I wake up at about 8am. First thing I do is have a cup of tea and turn the computer on. I check email and voicemail. Which takes about an hour or so. I normally have a task list for the day which usually involves a bunch of phone calls and paperwork I need to do. And then I may go up to Petaluma to meet with Shawn. Or I may be out looking at products - wood floors, granite, paint. That kind of stuff. I talk to Shawn pretty much everyday. And try and visit the property two or three times a week. In the evenings, I like relaxing, watching some TV, surfing the internet, enjoying dinner with my girlfriend, and recently, I try and get an early night.

DS: What do you think about the prospect of a US recession?

RW: I think it's probably likely, but I suspect it will be mild. I think most of the sub-prime costs have been made public and it's now just a media story. And it seems like the Fed are more than happy to lower interest rates. Which while not a good long term solution, will probably reduce the risk of recession. I think economic growth in the US will be slow for the next 3-5 years, but I'm not expecting a severe recession or depression. The presidential race will have some impact.

DS: What advice might you give to someone who is interested in investing in real estate the way you have done?

RW: It's all about...it's very long term. It's very hard to make money short term. And you'll likely loose a bit of money in the first five years of your real estate investment. If you can manage to somehow subsidize it and keep it for maybe 15 years, then it will turn out to be a very wise and lucrative investment. But don't expect to make a quick buck.