Stephen William Adams
12-21-1944 to 9-23-2012
Stephen (Steve) William Adams, internationally renowned landscape architect and architectural designer based in North County San Diego, passed away on Sunday, September 23, after suffering acute complications from recent kidney surgery.
Since 1972, Adams owned and operated his own architectural and landscape design practice in Southern California. With partner Andrew Wilt, Adams Design Associates, Inc. was formed in 1985, specializing in residential, commercial and hospitality projects that harmoniously integrated architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental planning.
Along with his brother, Jeff Adams (a prominent general contractor), Bill Canepa, and Brian Sipe, Adams also served as the senior design partner in the local development firm, Wave Crest Properties. He was intimately involved with the design and construction of numerous high-end "spec" homes, as well as two highly successful ocean-front resorts: the Wave Crest Resort (1983) in Del Mar, and the Tamarack Beach Resort (1986) in Carlsbad, California.
Adams' design philosophy was dedicated to the principle of creating environmentally appropriate architecture, blending the indoors with the outdoors in a serene manner, while respecting and celebrating the natural features of each site. Adams' design talents were versatile, and projects ranged from large community complexes to modest private residences. He preferred natural materials, appreciated understated elegance, and created environments designed to age beautifully with time.
Publically, his legacy remains evident in his work with DEMA (the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association), the City of Solana Beach, and the streetscape and iconic "arches" of the Cedros Design District. Adams' fingerprint is also apparent in his many commercial projects from the Hansens' Surf Shop in Encinitas, to the Plaza 101 building in Solana Beach.
Adams offered a unique perspective in his residential work, and pioneered the concept of the "outdoor room," which is now a popular feature of many homes. Throughout California, and the ranch and coast areas of San Diego in particular, Adams consistently delivered custom environments to his clients that beautifully reflected their individual taste and lifestyle.
In his later years, Adams' design talents were especially evident in his international residential and resort projects around the Pacific Rim, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Fiji and Hawaii. Theses exotic locales informed his "Pacific Rim Tropical" style, which he adored and complimented his talent for integrating the indoor/outdoor space. Most recently, Adams was busy with the design of the Las Mareas resort project in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, which is currently under construction and boasts an expansive hotel, beach club and residential villas.
Over the years, Adams' designs have been cited for numerous professional awards, including an AIA Award of Honor, three Gold Nugget Awards from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, a National ASLA Merit Award, three Orchid Awards from the San Diego Chapter of AIA, seven AIA awards for landscape design, and numerous landscape design awards from the CLCA. He designed the Neptune Norte house in Leucadia, which was awarded the prestigious LEEDÆ Platinum certification for green building design and construction in 2012. In addition, his projects have been featured in countless national and international publications, including†Architectural Digest, Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, San Diego Home/Garden, and Conde Naste Traveler, just to name a few.
Whether large or small, traditional or contemporary, commercial or residential, his trademark aesthetic was always apparent. Adams' distinct perspective and creative genius will be long remembered and admired by his clients and the design community at large.
Adams was born in San Diego on December 21, 1944 as the first child of William (Bill) T. Adams, MD, and Catherine (Kay) B. Adams. He is survived by his wife, Nirmala Jagannath; his four children, Darrin Adams, Annie Haynes, Ursula McDonald and Grayson Adams; his two step children, Gautam and Janaki Jagannath; his two brothers, Jim and Jeff Adams; and seven grandchildren Skylar, Zander, Darrick, Maya, Lila, Desmond and Callan.
Adams' parents moved from New York City to the Hillcrest area of San Diego (Alameda Place) where he and his two brothers were born. In 1951, the family moved to a new home atop Mt. Helix in La Mesa (Alto Drive). Adams and his brothers grew up roaming all over the once very sparsely populated backcountry hills along with the family's trusted German Shepherd, Sam. It was at that time his brother, Jim, first remembers Adams beginning to show his true architectural talent – directing his brothers in the building of ever-increasingly creative forts and playhouses. These talents were fostered in high school with drafting and creative design classes. Adams was also a star athlete in football and track at Grossmont High, and in his senior year he tied Jesse Owens' national high school record by running the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds.
In 1962, he enrolled at University of California, Berkeley, majoring in landscape architecture and design. He was on the varsity track team for four years and ran in many national competitions. At Berkeley, he was exposed to, and indirectly involved with, many of the radically changing cultural and social events of the time, in marked contrast to his conservative San Diego upbringing. His passionate liberal political views and values, fostered during his time at Berkeley, carried with him throughout his life.
After graduation in 1967, Adams and Grace Gray moved to Leucadia, where they eventually married and raised their four children. They recall a fond childhood filled with music, friends, outdoor adventures and laughter. Adams instilled his children with values of integrity, sportsmanship and appreciation for the arts.
In 2005 Adams remarried, joining with Nirmala Jagannath and her children in Leucadia. Nirmala owns and runs Amba, a Solana Beach gallery featuring Indian crafts and textiles. In helping her with her business, Adams traveled to India many times and grew to love it deeply.
He will always be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his passion, artistic brilliance, love of music, witty sense of humor, gentle kindness, openness of heart, and deeply caring spirit. His legacy continues in the six amazing children that he helped raise and shape into creative, big-hearted, funny, intelligent individuals.†
As he wished, his ashes will be distributed locally off La Jolla, where he spent many hours deep-sea fishing with his family, in India, which he loved dearly, and in Costa Rica, where he spent many happy days.
A memorial celebrating Adams' life will be held at the San Diego Botanical Gardens in Encinitas on Sunday, October 14 beginning at 10:00 am. Following, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a home tour featuring a select number of residential projects – in great thanks to former clients who have graciously opened their houses and gardens – to showcase of some of Adams' most notable and enduring accomplishments.
12-21-1944 to 9-23-2012
Stephen (Steve) William Adams, internationally renowned landscape architect and architectural designer based in North County San Diego, passed away on Sunday, September 23, after suffering acute complications from recent kidney surgery.
Since 1972, Adams owned and operated his own architectural and landscape design practice in Southern California. With partner Andrew Wilt, Adams Design Associates, Inc. was formed in 1985, specializing in residential, commercial and hospitality projects that harmoniously integrated architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental planning.
Along with his brother, Jeff Adams (a prominent general contractor), Bill Canepa, and Brian Sipe, Adams also served as the senior design partner in the local development firm, Wave Crest Properties. He was intimately involved with the design and construction of numerous high-end "spec" homes, as well as two highly successful ocean-front resorts: the Wave Crest Resort (1983) in Del Mar, and the Tamarack Beach Resort (1986) in Carlsbad, California.
Adams' design philosophy was dedicated to the principle of creating environmentally appropriate architecture, blending the indoors with the outdoors in a serene manner, while respecting and celebrating the natural features of each site. Adams' design talents were versatile, and projects ranged from large community complexes to modest private residences. He preferred natural materials, appreciated understated elegance, and created environments designed to age beautifully with time.
Publically, his legacy remains evident in his work with DEMA (the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association), the City of Solana Beach, and the streetscape and iconic "arches" of the Cedros Design District. Adams' fingerprint is also apparent in his many commercial projects from the Hansens' Surf Shop in Encinitas, to the Plaza 101 building in Solana Beach.
Adams offered a unique perspective in his residential work, and pioneered the concept of the "outdoor room," which is now a popular feature of many homes. Throughout California, and the ranch and coast areas of San Diego in particular, Adams consistently delivered custom environments to his clients that beautifully reflected their individual taste and lifestyle.
In his later years, Adams' design talents were especially evident in his international residential and resort projects around the Pacific Rim, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Fiji and Hawaii. Theses exotic locales informed his "Pacific Rim Tropical" style, which he adored and complimented his talent for integrating the indoor/outdoor space. Most recently, Adams was busy with the design of the Las Mareas resort project in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, which is currently under construction and boasts an expansive hotel, beach club and residential villas.
Over the years, Adams' designs have been cited for numerous professional awards, including an AIA Award of Honor, three Gold Nugget Awards from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, a National ASLA Merit Award, three Orchid Awards from the San Diego Chapter of AIA, seven AIA awards for landscape design, and numerous landscape design awards from the CLCA. He designed the Neptune Norte house in Leucadia, which was awarded the prestigious LEEDÆ Platinum certification for green building design and construction in 2012. In addition, his projects have been featured in countless national and international publications, including†Architectural Digest, Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, San Diego Home/Garden, and Conde Naste Traveler, just to name a few.
Whether large or small, traditional or contemporary, commercial or residential, his trademark aesthetic was always apparent. Adams' distinct perspective and creative genius will be long remembered and admired by his clients and the design community at large.
Adams was born in San Diego on December 21, 1944 as the first child of William (Bill) T. Adams, MD, and Catherine (Kay) B. Adams. He is survived by his wife, Nirmala Jagannath; his four children, Darrin Adams, Annie Haynes, Ursula McDonald and Grayson Adams; his two step children, Gautam and Janaki Jagannath; his two brothers, Jim and Jeff Adams; and seven grandchildren Skylar, Zander, Darrick, Maya, Lila, Desmond and Callan.
Adams' parents moved from New York City to the Hillcrest area of San Diego (Alameda Place) where he and his two brothers were born. In 1951, the family moved to a new home atop Mt. Helix in La Mesa (Alto Drive). Adams and his brothers grew up roaming all over the once very sparsely populated backcountry hills along with the family's trusted German Shepherd, Sam. It was at that time his brother, Jim, first remembers Adams beginning to show his true architectural talent – directing his brothers in the building of ever-increasingly creative forts and playhouses. These talents were fostered in high school with drafting and creative design classes. Adams was also a star athlete in football and track at Grossmont High, and in his senior year he tied Jesse Owens' national high school record by running the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds.
In 1962, he enrolled at University of California, Berkeley, majoring in landscape architecture and design. He was on the varsity track team for four years and ran in many national competitions. At Berkeley, he was exposed to, and indirectly involved with, many of the radically changing cultural and social events of the time, in marked contrast to his conservative San Diego upbringing. His passionate liberal political views and values, fostered during his time at Berkeley, carried with him throughout his life.
After graduation in 1967, Adams and Grace Gray moved to Leucadia, where they eventually married and raised their four children. They recall a fond childhood filled with music, friends, outdoor adventures and laughter. Adams instilled his children with values of integrity, sportsmanship and appreciation for the arts.
In 2005 Adams remarried, joining with Nirmala Jagannath and her children in Leucadia. Nirmala owns and runs Amba, a Solana Beach gallery featuring Indian crafts and textiles. In helping her with her business, Adams traveled to India many times and grew to love it deeply.
He will always be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his passion, artistic brilliance, love of music, witty sense of humor, gentle kindness, openness of heart, and deeply caring spirit. His legacy continues in the six amazing children that he helped raise and shape into creative, big-hearted, funny, intelligent individuals.†
As he wished, his ashes will be distributed locally off La Jolla, where he spent many hours deep-sea fishing with his family, in India, which he loved dearly, and in Costa Rica, where he spent many happy days.
A memorial celebrating Adams' life will be held at the San Diego Botanical Gardens in Encinitas on Sunday, October 14 beginning at 10:00 am. Following, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a home tour featuring a select number of residential projects – in great thanks to former clients who have graciously opened their houses and gardens – to showcase of some of Adams' most notable and enduring accomplishments.
Stephen William Adams
12-21-1944 to 9-23-2012
Stephen (Steve) William Adams, internationally renowned landscape architect and architectural designer based in North County San Diego, passed away on Sunday, September 23, after suffering acute complications from recent kidney surgery.
Since 1972, Adams owned and operated his own architectural and landscape design practice in Southern California. With partner Andrew Wilt, Adams Design Associates, Inc. was formed in 1985, specializing in residential, commercial and hospitality projects that harmoniously integrated architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental planning.
Along with his brother, Jeff Adams (a prominent general contractor), Bill Canepa, and Brian Sipe, Adams also served as the senior design partner in the local development firm, Wave Crest Properties. He was intimately involved with the design and construction of numerous high-end "spec" homes, as well as two highly successful ocean-front resorts: the Wave Crest Resort (1983) in Del Mar, and the Tamarack Beach Resort (1986) in Carlsbad, California.
Adams' design philosophy was dedicated to the principle of creating environmentally appropriate architecture, blending the indoors with the outdoors in a serene manner, while respecting and celebrating the natural features of each site. Adams' design talents were versatile, and projects ranged from large community complexes to modest private residences. He preferred natural materials, appreciated understated elegance, and created environments designed to age beautifully with time.
Publically, his legacy remains evident in his work with DEMA (the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association), the City of Solana Beach, and the streetscape and iconic "arches" of the Cedros Design District. Adams' fingerprint is also apparent in his many commercial projects from the Hansens' Surf Shop in Encinitas, to the Plaza 101 building in Solana Beach.
Adams offered a unique perspective in his residential work, and pioneered the concept of the "outdoor room," which is now a popular feature of many homes. Throughout California, and the ranch and coast areas of San Diego in particular, Adams consistently delivered custom environments to his clients that beautifully reflected their individual taste and lifestyle.
In his later years, Adams' design talents were especially evident in his international residential and resort projects around the Pacific Rim, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Fiji and Hawaii. Theses exotic locales informed his "Pacific Rim Tropical" style, which he adored and complimented his talent for integrating the indoor/outdoor space. Most recently, Adams was busy with the design of the Las Mareas resort project in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, which is currently under construction and boasts an expansive hotel, beach club and residential villas.
Over the years, Adams' designs have been cited for numerous professional awards, including an AIA Award of Honor, three Gold Nugget Awards from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, a National ASLA Merit Award, three Orchid Awards from the San Diego Chapter of AIA, seven AIA awards for landscape design, and numerous landscape design awards from the CLCA. He designed the Neptune Norte house in Leucadia, which was awarded the prestigious LEEDÆ Platinum certification for green building design and construction in 2012. In addition, his projects have been featured in countless national and international publications, including†Architectural Digest, Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, San Diego Home/Garden, and Conde Naste Traveler, just to name a few.
Whether large or small, traditional or contemporary, commercial or residential, his trademark aesthetic was always apparent. Adams' distinct perspective and creative genius will be long remembered and admired by his clients and the design community at large.
Adams was born in San Diego on December 21, 1944 as the first child of William (Bill) T. Adams, MD, and Catherine (Kay) B. Adams. He is survived by his wife, Nirmala Jagannath; his four children, Darrin Adams, Annie Haynes, Ursula McDonald and Grayson Adams; his two step children, Gautam and Janaki Jagannath; his two brothers, Jim and Jeff Adams; and seven grandchildren Skylar, Zander, Darrick, Maya, Lila, Desmond and Callan.
Adams' parents moved from New York City to the Hillcrest area of San Diego (Alameda Place) where he and his two brothers were born. In 1951, the family moved to a new home atop Mt. Helix in La Mesa (Alto Drive). Adams and his brothers grew up roaming all over the once very sparsely populated backcountry hills along with the family's trusted German Shepherd, Sam. It was at that time his brother, Jim, first remembers Adams beginning to show his true architectural talent – directing his brothers in the building of ever-increasingly creative forts and playhouses. These talents were fostered in high school with drafting and creative design classes. Adams was also a star athlete in football and track at Grossmont High, and in his senior year he tied Jesse Owens' national high school record by running the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds.
In 1962, he enrolled at University of California, Berkeley, majoring in landscape architecture and design. He was on the varsity track team for four years and ran in many national competitions. At Berkeley, he was exposed to, and indirectly involved with, many of the radically changing cultural and social events of the time, in marked contrast to his conservative San Diego upbringing. His passionate liberal political views and values, fostered during his time at Berkeley, carried with him throughout his life.
After graduation in 1967, Adams and Grace Gray moved to Leucadia, where they eventually married and raised their four children. They recall a fond childhood filled with music, friends, outdoor adventures and laughter. Adams instilled his children with values of integrity, sportsmanship and appreciation for the arts.
In 2005 Adams remarried, joining with Nirmala Jagannath and her children in Leucadia. Nirmala owns and runs Amba, a Solana Beach gallery featuring Indian crafts and textiles. In helping her with her business, Adams traveled to India many times and grew to love it deeply.
He will always be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his passion, artistic brilliance, love of music, witty sense of humor, gentle kindness, openness of heart, and deeply caring spirit. His legacy continues in the six amazing children that he helped raise and shape into creative, big-hearted, funny, intelligent individuals.†
As he wished, his ashes will be distributed locally off La Jolla, where he spent many hours deep-sea fishing with his family, in India, which he loved dearly, and in Costa Rica, where he spent many happy days.
A memorial celebrating Adams' life will be held at the San Diego Botanical Gardens in Encinitas on Sunday, October 14 beginning at 10:00 am. Following, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a home tour featuring a select number of residential projects – in great thanks to former clients who have graciously opened their houses and gardens – to showcase of some of Adams' most notable and enduring accomplishments.
12-21-1944 to 9-23-2012
Stephen (Steve) William Adams, internationally renowned landscape architect and architectural designer based in North County San Diego, passed away on Sunday, September 23, after suffering acute complications from recent kidney surgery.
Since 1972, Adams owned and operated his own architectural and landscape design practice in Southern California. With partner Andrew Wilt, Adams Design Associates, Inc. was formed in 1985, specializing in residential, commercial and hospitality projects that harmoniously integrated architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental planning.
Along with his brother, Jeff Adams (a prominent general contractor), Bill Canepa, and Brian Sipe, Adams also served as the senior design partner in the local development firm, Wave Crest Properties. He was intimately involved with the design and construction of numerous high-end "spec" homes, as well as two highly successful ocean-front resorts: the Wave Crest Resort (1983) in Del Mar, and the Tamarack Beach Resort (1986) in Carlsbad, California.
Adams' design philosophy was dedicated to the principle of creating environmentally appropriate architecture, blending the indoors with the outdoors in a serene manner, while respecting and celebrating the natural features of each site. Adams' design talents were versatile, and projects ranged from large community complexes to modest private residences. He preferred natural materials, appreciated understated elegance, and created environments designed to age beautifully with time.
Publically, his legacy remains evident in his work with DEMA (the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association), the City of Solana Beach, and the streetscape and iconic "arches" of the Cedros Design District. Adams' fingerprint is also apparent in his many commercial projects from the Hansens' Surf Shop in Encinitas, to the Plaza 101 building in Solana Beach.
Adams offered a unique perspective in his residential work, and pioneered the concept of the "outdoor room," which is now a popular feature of many homes. Throughout California, and the ranch and coast areas of San Diego in particular, Adams consistently delivered custom environments to his clients that beautifully reflected their individual taste and lifestyle.
In his later years, Adams' design talents were especially evident in his international residential and resort projects around the Pacific Rim, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Fiji and Hawaii. Theses exotic locales informed his "Pacific Rim Tropical" style, which he adored and complimented his talent for integrating the indoor/outdoor space. Most recently, Adams was busy with the design of the Las Mareas resort project in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, which is currently under construction and boasts an expansive hotel, beach club and residential villas.
Over the years, Adams' designs have been cited for numerous professional awards, including an AIA Award of Honor, three Gold Nugget Awards from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, a National ASLA Merit Award, three Orchid Awards from the San Diego Chapter of AIA, seven AIA awards for landscape design, and numerous landscape design awards from the CLCA. He designed the Neptune Norte house in Leucadia, which was awarded the prestigious LEEDÆ Platinum certification for green building design and construction in 2012. In addition, his projects have been featured in countless national and international publications, including†Architectural Digest, Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, San Diego Home/Garden, and Conde Naste Traveler, just to name a few.
Whether large or small, traditional or contemporary, commercial or residential, his trademark aesthetic was always apparent. Adams' distinct perspective and creative genius will be long remembered and admired by his clients and the design community at large.
Adams was born in San Diego on December 21, 1944 as the first child of William (Bill) T. Adams, MD, and Catherine (Kay) B. Adams. He is survived by his wife, Nirmala Jagannath; his four children, Darrin Adams, Annie Haynes, Ursula McDonald and Grayson Adams; his two step children, Gautam and Janaki Jagannath; his two brothers, Jim and Jeff Adams; and seven grandchildren Skylar, Zander, Darrick, Maya, Lila, Desmond and Callan.
Adams' parents moved from New York City to the Hillcrest area of San Diego (Alameda Place) where he and his two brothers were born. In 1951, the family moved to a new home atop Mt. Helix in La Mesa (Alto Drive). Adams and his brothers grew up roaming all over the once very sparsely populated backcountry hills along with the family's trusted German Shepherd, Sam. It was at that time his brother, Jim, first remembers Adams beginning to show his true architectural talent – directing his brothers in the building of ever-increasingly creative forts and playhouses. These talents were fostered in high school with drafting and creative design classes. Adams was also a star athlete in football and track at Grossmont High, and in his senior year he tied Jesse Owens' national high school record by running the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds.
In 1962, he enrolled at University of California, Berkeley, majoring in landscape architecture and design. He was on the varsity track team for four years and ran in many national competitions. At Berkeley, he was exposed to, and indirectly involved with, many of the radically changing cultural and social events of the time, in marked contrast to his conservative San Diego upbringing. His passionate liberal political views and values, fostered during his time at Berkeley, carried with him throughout his life.
After graduation in 1967, Adams and Grace Gray moved to Leucadia, where they eventually married and raised their four children. They recall a fond childhood filled with music, friends, outdoor adventures and laughter. Adams instilled his children with values of integrity, sportsmanship and appreciation for the arts.
In 2005 Adams remarried, joining with Nirmala Jagannath and her children in Leucadia. Nirmala owns and runs Amba, a Solana Beach gallery featuring Indian crafts and textiles. In helping her with her business, Adams traveled to India many times and grew to love it deeply.
He will always be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his passion, artistic brilliance, love of music, witty sense of humor, gentle kindness, openness of heart, and deeply caring spirit. His legacy continues in the six amazing children that he helped raise and shape into creative, big-hearted, funny, intelligent individuals.†
As he wished, his ashes will be distributed locally off La Jolla, where he spent many hours deep-sea fishing with his family, in India, which he loved dearly, and in Costa Rica, where he spent many happy days.
A memorial celebrating Adams' life will be held at the San Diego Botanical Gardens in Encinitas on Sunday, October 14 beginning at 10:00 am. Following, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a home tour featuring a select number of residential projects – in great thanks to former clients who have graciously opened their houses and gardens – to showcase of some of Adams' most notable and enduring accomplishments.
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