Daniel Kahan — Architect
While they emerged in different eras and were shaped by different philosophies and guiding principles, modern and classical architectural styles are nonetheless complementary and, when applied properly, can be combined to create timeless, one-of-a-kind structures. It’s a philosophy that has long guided the work of Daniel Kahan, a principal at Smith and Moore Architects Inc.
The West Palm Beach firm specializes in residential design and has worked on projects in numerous regions and countries, while focusing primarily on the island of Palm Beach. Like Kahan, the 18-person firm has developed a reputation for combining contemporary construction techniques with tested architectural traditions.
Kahan forged his architectural philosophy while growing up in Augusta, Georgia. He loved the traditional architecture of the southern United States, but he also spent his summers in Mexico City, where he was exposed to modernist residential architecture practiced by his uncle.
“My uncle would design absolutely everything that went into these really interesting buildings and houses, and I spent a lot of time watching him work,” said Kahan. “I knew from an early age that’s what I wanted to do. But I wanted to do it in a very bespoke way, so it would be designed specifically for the end user.”
Kahan’s family moved to Palm Beach when he was in high school, and he was inspired by the area’s concentration of high-quality architecture. “There are very few places in the country like Palm Beach,” he said. “It piqued my interest for sure.”
After high school, Kahan pursued his passion for architecture, first earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and then a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida. While working on his master’s, Kahan interned at Smith & Moore Architects where, after graduation, he started working in 2004, eventually becoming one of the firm’s four partners.
Displaying his talent for synthesizing classical order and form with modernist simplicity, Kahan has designed many award-winning homes, drawing inspiration from artistic integrity, a passion for detail, the use of fine materials, and exceptional workmanship.
“One of the fun things about doing this job is that every client is different,” he said. “And you have to get know them as personally as you can to be effective. Once you know the client and the site, you figure out how to marry all the different components. Then it’s all about refining the details so it can be as custom as possible.”
Kahan said that Smith and Moore Architects is fortunate in that many of its clients have built homes for themselves before, and they often have a clear vision of what they want. ”It’s nice when people have some understanding of the process. But I always joke at the beginning about how we can think we’re designing everything up front and making all the decisions, but building a house is a non-linear process and it’s important to understand that going in. The process evolves along the way.”
Over the years, as Kahan has gained more experience, he said he’s refined this creative process, and has learned the importance of not adhering too closely to any one style and knowing when it’s OK to break the rules. Designing and creating a house, Kahan said, is often a process of distillation—of removing layers of ornament without sacrificing intent.
“We pride ourselves on understanding scale, proportion, balance and rhythm, so that what you’re left with is purity of space that’s still inherently beautiful without having all these embellishments. We’re also super hands-on during the construction process and work closely with the builders and artisans. We want to make sure everyone is equally invested and equally proud of the work we’re doing.”
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By Sam Boykin
Photography by Sargent Photography
Photography by Sargent Photography
Photography by Sargent Photography