Jonathan Kharfen

bio.

New to Palm Springs, I bring to the Valley over 25 years experience in all aspects of the architecture profession. After studying classical piano and music composition in France, I pursued my architectural education at MIT and Harvard University. With 24 years specializing in museums, my buildings have won numerous regional and international design awards, and have helped communities celebrate their local history, culture and pride through experiential storytelling.

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background.

My upbringing gave me a deep appreciation for and desire to explore all forms of cultural expression. As a professional, I am intrigued how influences outside of architecture can inform and enrich the built environment. My interests in music, composition, art, literature, theater, movies, cuisine, decorative arts, physical fitness, yoga, the natural environment, and more enable me to meaningfully engage with you on your unique interests, passions, and background.

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philosophy.

I believe in Concept-Driven architectural design – evoking a story unique to the client, the site, the function and the experience it inspires and arouses. Whether a homeowner, business owner or director of an institution, I am interested in how your story informs the overall conceptual approach, material and color selection, the shape and flow of space, and how it might make us rethink familiar architectural forms and features to uncover the unexpected.

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approach.

For me, design is a process of discovery, an open-minded and creative exploration mixed with a foundation of experience.  My goal for your project is to reflect you and your objectives.  Balancing wants and needs, current trends and personal taste, and maximizing the value of your budget, the process should be enjoyable and memorable, and the results beyond your expectations.

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education.

Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Master In Architecture.    1996

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science in Architecture.    1992

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current projects.

Cathedral City Cove House.    Interior Renovations

Movie Colony House, Palm Springs.    Addition and Yard Redesign

Tahquitz Creek Golf House, Palm Springs.   Interior Renovations

Deepwell Estates House, Palm Springs.   Renovated Exterior Detailing

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(while at Verner Johnson, Inc., Boston):

Museum at Prairiefire.    Overland Park  KS

Columbia Museum of Art.    Columbia  SC

Tampa Bay History Center.   Tampa  FL

Flint Hills Discovery Center.   Manhattan  KS

Monroe Science Center.   Monroe  NC

Carnegie Museum of Natural History.   Pittsburgh  PA

Franklin Institute.   Philadelphia  PA

Cape May Ferry Terminal.   Cape May  NJ

National Museum of the Civil War Soldier.   Petersburg  VA

Tarble Arts Center Expansions.  Charleston  IL

Tubman African American Museum.   Macon  GA

Texas State History Museum.   Austin  TX

Cade Museum.   Gainesville  FL

Cosmosphere SciEd Center & Space Museum.   Hutchinson  KS

Shramam South Asian Museum.   Dallas  TX

Museum of Fine Arts.   Boston  MA

Adventz Plaza Towers.   New Delhi  INDIA

National Museum of Natural History.   New Delhi  INDIA

K,K, Birla Foundation.   New Delhi  INDIA

Makka Museum.   Mecca  SAUDI ARABIA

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(while at Interactive Design Corporation, Palm Springs):

DAP Health Expansion.    Palm Springs  CA

Vista Sunrise II Apartments.    Palm Springs  CA

1445 N Sunrise Commercial Building.    Palm Springs  CA