Robert Hidey of Robert Hidey Architects (RHA) has been pioneering housing trends since the firm’s inception in 1990. RHA’s highly successful architectural design and meticulous attention to detail maintain a distinctive blend of art, history, creativity, and technology.
Q: How did the Avanti site and natural features, as well as the neighborhood’s highly sought after location in Calabasas, help inform the community’s design?
A: The site’s unique nature is born from the geometries of the community. My firm was very focused on understanding the terrain and preserving the existing oak tree landscape, as well as engineering buildings in a way that takes advantage of the best possible view corridors. In addition, embracing the classic California lifestyle in Calabasas that encourages outdoor recreation was a primary consideration for our design. We were thoughtful to ensure the “walkability” of Avanti was a top priority because its location within the city is simply remarkable.
Q: How would you describe the architectural style at Avanti? Is this more of an Italian inspired style within the European spectrum?
A: Clearly the proximity to Rick Caruso’s renowned shopping center, “The Commons at Calabasas,” had a huge influence on the character and architecture of Avanti. Our goal was to build a community that carried a classical European expression. We ended up with a European village, in essence, buildings that are very vertical and dense, but really borrowed from more of an Italian aesthetic.
Q: What will people be most surprised about when they walk the floorplans?
A: The kitchen is the core magnet that people are drawn to, so the kitchens are very thoughtfully designed with upgraded appliances and great high-quality finishes. The master suites are generous, luxurious, and have great scale, while the secondary bedrooms have their own private baths. It is rare to find one-story living with the residences on the market today in which the rooms are not compromised.
Q: What do you believe the buyer at Avanti will ultimately find most attractive about living in this community?
A: This project is really catering to a discretionary buyer that wants to live on a single floor, requires proximity to retail, and enjoys a “walkable” environment. And I am happy to say that all of these demands are met at Avanti. The neighborhood services meet the needs of somebody that wants to live in a very low maintenance setting. The New Home Company has really tapped into these specifications and recognizes how best to build communities that meet specific buyer demands.
