DON BRANDENBURGER In Memoriam (1936 - 2023)
DON BRANDENBURGER In Memoriam (1936 - 2023)
We mourn the loss of a friend, collaborator, and great architect on Friday, May 5th, 2023.
Don was an extraordinary individual who was creating right up to the end. He was always looking for ways to make the world a better place through design.
Don grew up in Saint Louis where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Washington University in 1959. Upon graduation, he was sent on a tour of Europe by the university. They believed it was important for Don to deepen his education through drawing. What follows is a portfolio of selected drawings.
He returned to get a Master’s of Architecture and Urban Design in 1963. He remained close with his Master’s class throughout his entire life. The class came from around the world, and they regularly gathered in their far-flung hometowns.
Don moved to the Bay area in the 1960s after marrying Jean, the love of his life. He began working in William Wurster’s office and then migrated to work for George Rockrise where he met Robert Odermatt who became a lifelong friend.
In 1966 Don founded Brandenburger Associates architecture/land planning which became Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo in 1999. Don officially retired in 2004, but because of his constant desire to design and be involved in projects he approached us with the opportunity to collaborate and the rest, as they say, is history. Don was an incredibly generous collaborator always interested in the best idea not that it be his idea.
He loved to come by the office and tell stories and sit in the conference room and draw.
Don was a real artist. He had an accomplished circle of professional artists with whom he would go on painting expeditions.
Among the projects that we worked on together were the Cakebread Cellars, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, and American Prairie Reserve in Kestrel Camp, Montana. We are honored to have been able to work with Don on these projects. More information about the projects can be found through the links below.
Following includes a more expansive series of projects that Don completed with his prior firm with an emphasis on his work in wine country. Don was integrally involved in Napa Valley’s development over the last forty years. His work included not only wineries and homes but also buildings - from farmworker housing to health care facilities - that contributed to the creation of a more equitable community.
Click on a project name below to be taken directly to that project, or scroll through to read about each:
CAKeBREAd Family Residence
Rutherford, California
ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF RECORD
Brandenburger Associates
DESIGN FIRM
Brandenburger Associates
COMPLETION DATE
1989
Three views of the exterior of the house, two offering perspectives of the outdoor dining area under the covered porch. A large coffer in the eaves is located above the dining area. A view of the front entrance to the house is also provided, it is a subtle entrance framed by two deciduous trees located in the plantings that surround the house.
The high-performing home recedes gracefully into the landscape and meets the needs of the Cakebread family, with plenty of space for wine storage, low massing, broad overhangs and ample outdoor areas.
A picture of the expansive wine cellar which follows a library format, with stacks of floor to ceiling timber shelving for storing bottles. the wood has received a natural stain finish. the floor is a beige stone.
View uphill toward the house across the vineyard. Further uphill, behind the house is a verdant woodland.
A picture of the living room with a curved L shaped couch located in front of a large stone framed fireplace. A large coffer with lighting around the edges is located above the seating. In the background, floor to ceiling windows offer a moody view of the surrounding landscape in the blue light of dusk.
Nickel & Nickel Winery
Napa Valley, California
ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF RECORD
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
DESIGN FIRM
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
COMPLETION DATE
2002
View across the plaza at Nickel & Nickel Winery, with three barns on display. The two barns on the left are clad in board and batten siding painted white, built on stone foundations. Sash windows are found across the siding and large barn doors provide entry. The barn on the right has a gable roof, while the other white barn to the left has a Dutch roof with dormers and two ornamental cupolas. To the left is a smaller barn with a gable roof and a rectangular cupula on top. the Siding is vertical board with an unpainted, natural finish. Horizontal board is used on the gable ends. Sash windows are also used on this barn and entry is provided through French doors.
The North Fermentation Barn employed traditional American barn-building methods and features reclaimed, century-old fir beams.
Interior image of the steel wine vats within a heavy timber barn. The floor is finished with square grey tiles.
A close up view of the Dutch roofed barn.
A view of the rose garden lined by a white picket fence, overlooked by a white painted wooden house. A path leads through an avenue of rose bushes to the steps leading into the enclosed porch of the house's first floor.
A view offering a perspective from the rose garden towards the collection of barns and the plaza.
View down the hall way of the wine cellar containing wooden barrels for aging the wine. The barrels are stacked to form pyramids. Sturdy square columns support the arch vaulted ceiling. An Arched wooden door at the end of the hall provides entry and exit.
Don integrated a historic barn dating from 1770 (right) into the site, making it part of the “farmstead” and adapting it to house the administration functions of the winery.
Underground barrel-aging cellars shown here reduced the overall mass of the building complex, while utilizing the cooling effects of a high water table to save energy.
Don integrated a historic barn dating from 1770 (right) into the site, making it part of the “farmstead” and adapting it to house the administration functions of the winery.
Underground barrel-aging cellars shown here reduced the overall mass of the building complex, while utilizing the cooling effects of a high water table to save energy.
River Ranch Farmworker Housing Center
Napa Valley, California
ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF RECORD
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
DESIGN FIRM
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
COMPLETION DATE
2002
An exterior view of the River Ranch house shows two buildings behind a gravel driveway. The houses are single story stucco style. A few trees line the side of the house facing the driveway.
A closer look at an entrance to one of the buildings on the property. Grapes grow along a terrace on the side of the building and above a walkway providing shade. There are multiple double glass doors along the walkway beneath the grape vines.
A view from further back that shows a grassy field before the complex of buildings. Behind the buildings are lots of trees, the brown and tan of the buildings stands out in contrast to the green grass and trees surrounding it.
L to R: Priest and farmworker housing advocate Father John Brenkle, Don Brandenburger and Joseph Phelps Vineyards Chairman BIll Phelps.
Napa Valley Vintners Community Health Center
Napa Valley, California
ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF RECORD
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
DESIGN FIRM
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
COMPLETION DATE
2002
An exterior view of a clinic in The Napa Valley Vintners Community Health Center showing an entry with a sidewalk in front. On both sides of the entryway are trees and bike racks. This photo is taken from the parking lot so you are able to see the whole front of the building.
A closer look at a courtyard with a sitting area in the middle of the courtyard is a tree and along three of the sides are benches to sit on.
A picture of a waiting room inside the hospital there is a room full of benches and chairs. There are stairs on the left side leading up to the next level. There is a sign in the middle of the waiting room that says, "Improving Health Care for All of Napa County."
The Health Center is welcoming and accommodating of whoever may come through its doors and follows the philosophy that the Napa wine community should give back to the workers who are vital to its industry.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards - Sonoma
Freestone, California
ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF RECORD
Brandenburger Associates
DESIGN FIRM
Brandenburger Associates
COMPLETION DATE
2003
A bird's eye view of the Joseph Phelps vineyard that shows a large wooden building in the foreground and in the background are vineyards.
A Closer look at the driveway leading up to the tasting room. The tasting room is a large barn style building composed of light wood panels.
A side view of the winemaking room. The building has double barn style doors that open up. This picture is taken from a distance, so you are able to see three sets of doors.
A closer look at the room where wine is made shows a room full of metal vats in four lines with walkways between each line. Between each of the rows are a set of metal steps that allow you to walk between the rows and pour grapes and other things into the vats.
Designed using steel and the native redwood, the Freestone winery is nestled in the coastal hills of Sonoma and houses all necessary machinery, storage, and administrative office. This picture shows the winery building from a distance, so you are able to see the whole building.
Cuvaison Winery
Napa Valley, California
ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF RECORD
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
DESIGN FIRM
Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects
COMPLETION DATE
2004
An overview of a barn that houses machinery for winemaking. The roof of the barn is covered in solar panels. Off to the right and behind is a parking lot behind the parking lot is a pond.
A close up of a roof covered in solar panels with a man standing on the roof with the solar panels.
A picture of the Vinyards looking up at the barn on the left you see rows of grapes being grown along those is a grassy path that leads up to the barn.
A closer look at the side of the barn on the side you see some doors, lights, and some outdoor equipment plugged into the side of the barn.
Cuvaison’s extensive rooftop photovoltaic array provides 96% of the facility’s energy requirements while accommodating the winery’s functions of crushing, fermentation, laboratory, and barrel working and aging. The picture on the left show's barrels of wine in a large storage room.
Additional Significant Work
Thacher Residence, St. Helena, CA
2010 | Complete interior remodel of existing home for John Thacher, former president and winemaker at Cuvaison Winery in Napa.
Cooper Residence, Sonoma County, CA
2003 | Country home amidst the Freestone Winery vineyards.
Stanford Residence and Caretaker House, Napa Valley, CA
2002 & 1997 | Main residence and guest house, pool and tennis court overlooking the Valley. Adjacent caretaker house designed to discreetly overlook the valley floor.
Trefethen Winery, Napa, CA
1977 | Restoration of historic wooden winery. Thanks to Don’s faithful restoration, the winery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Silverado Resort Master Plan, Napa, CA
1968 - 1990 | Ongoing planning and design services for the renowned Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, including a master plan for 440 condominiums and 45 custom homes, renovation of the historic Miller Mansion, a conference center, golf and tennis clubhouses, and numerous site development and feasibility studies.
Silverado Country Club Condominium Complex, Napa, CA
1978 | Residential units, 1st & 2nd Holes, North Course.
Silverado Resort Convention Center, Napa, CA
1976 | Convention facilities carefully designed adjacent to the National Registered Historic Miller Mansion.
Johnny Miller Residence, Silverado C.C., Napa, CA
1973 | Residence for hall of fame golfer, lead NBC Sports analyst and Silverado Resort co-owner Johnny Miller, who also oversees the two PGA championship courses onsite. The home is designed around several magnificent oak trees on the 11th hole on the North Course.
Miller Mansion at Silverado Resort, Napa, CA
1972 | Renovation of historic Miller Mansion. The old porte-cochère became a restaurant, and a complete redo of the ground floor was undertaken to accommodate a new hospitality experience and administrative offices.
Thacher Residence, St. Helena, CA
2010 | Complete interior remodel of existing home for John Thacher, former president and winemaker at Cuvaison Winery in Napa.
Cooper Residence, Sonoma County, CA
2003 | Country home amidst the Freestone Winery vineyards.
Stanford Residence and Caretaker House, Napa Valley, CA
2002 & 1997 | Main residence and guest house, pool and tennis court overlooking the Valley. Adjacent caretaker house designed to discreetly overlook the valley floor.
Trefethen Winery, Napa, CA
1977 | Restoration of historic wooden winery. Thanks to Don’s faithful restoration, the winery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Silverado Resort Master Plan, Napa, CA
1968 - 1990 | Ongoing planning and design services for the renowned Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, including a master plan for 440 condominiums and 45 custom homes, renovation of the historic Miller Mansion, a conference center, golf and tennis clubhouses, and numerous site development and feasibility studies.
Silverado Country Club Condominium Complex, Napa, CA
1978 | Residential units, 1st & 2nd Holes, North Course.
Silverado Resort Convention Center, Napa, CA
1976 | Convention facilities carefully designed adjacent to the National Registered Historic Miller Mansion.
Johnny Miller Residence, Silverado C.C., Napa, CA
1973 | Residence for hall of fame golfer, lead NBC Sports analyst and Silverado Resort co-owner Johnny Miller, who also oversees the two PGA championship courses onsite. The home is designed around several magnificent oak trees on the 11th hole on the North Course.
Miller Mansion at Silverado Resort, Napa, CA
1972 | Renovation of historic Miller Mansion. The old porte-cochère became a restaurant, and a complete redo of the ground floor was undertaken to accommodate a new hospitality experience and administrative offices.
Additional Pro-Bono & Service Projects
American Prairie Reserve, Kestrel Camp, Montana
2007 - 2012 | The APR is located on the high plains surrounding the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. Don has contributed design services for over 10 years, helping the Reserve’s mission to preserve high prairie land in a state as close to what Lewis and Clark saw 200 years ago. Kestrel Camp included the design of low impact, yet comfortable and accommodating dwellings for visitors to the APR.
American Prairie Reserve, Enrico Education & Science Center, Montana
2015 | Design of an ecologically sensitive and low impact research facility for scientists, as well as a welcoming space for camp visitors and researchers to stay.
American Prairie Reserve, Kestrel Camp, Montana
2007 - 2012 | The APR is located on the high plains surrounding the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. Don has contributed design services for over 10 years, helping the Reserve’s mission to preserve high prairie land in a state as close to what Lewis and Clark saw 200 years ago. Kestrel Camp included the design of low impact, yet comfortable and accommodating dwellings for visitors to the APR.
American Prairie Reserve, Enrico Education & Science Center, Montana
2015 | Design of an ecologically sensitive and low impact research facility for scientists, as well as a welcoming space for camp visitors and researchers to stay.
Residential Projects (Various Locations)
Hodgson Residence, Lake Tahoe, NV
2010 | Designed to capitalize upon the 270 degree view from 500’ above the Lake.
Gutierrez Residence, Carmel Valley, CA
2003 | Contemporary hacienda style home in the rolling hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve.
Meyer Residence Addition, Hillsborough, CA
2002 | Seamless expansion of a classic Craftsman style home.
Carolands Chateau Restoration, Hillsborough, CA
2001 | Faithful restoration of ballroom and main staircase of this 1930s, 100 room, Historically Registered building.
Brandenburger Guest House, Flying Heart Ranch, Hailey, ID
2000 | Home completing a planned complex of buildings along the Big Wood River.
Martha’s Vineyard Home, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2000 | Main home and boat storage barn, overlooking the Edgartown Great Pond.
Vanumanutagi Ranch House, Watsonville, CA
1999 | Guest residence on a 1910 ranch estate and vineyards.
Phillips Residence, Woodside, CA
1999 | Complete renovation and addition to home.
Phillips Log House, Hailey, ID
1999 | Main residence and guest houses, in woods along the Big Wood River.
Transzow Residence, Red Feather Lakes, CO
1997 | Residence nestled in an aspen grove overlooking the 8th green of the Fox Acres Country Club.
Gotcher Residence, Hillsborough, CA
1996 | Large family home, built over a subterranean professional recording studio.
Nguyen Kim Ngoc Condominiums, Hanoi, Vietnam
1996 | Residence on reclaimed urban site.
Residence for Dr. Tran Le Thuy, Hanoi, Vietnam
1995 | New home within an old City.
Hagey Residence, Flying Heart Ranch, Hailey, ID
1994 | Residence defined by the three pyramids that form it on the Big Wood River.
Liebman Residence, Urbana, IL
1994 | Exterior designed to conform to neighborhood aesthetic requirements. Interior designed to display major glass art collection.
Raab Residence, Woodside, CA
1992 | Main house, caretakers building, pool-tennis, and guest house.
Traitel Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1992 | Large second home residence among massive pines overlooking Lake Tahoe.
Major Renovation and Addition, Brandenburger Home
1992 | Renovation and addition to create views to San Francisco and Bay.
MacLean Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1992 | Residence featuring shingled exterior within the woods of Lake Tahoe.
Lawrence Cottage, Ring Oak Plantation, FL
1991 | Residence featuring five pods elevated on poles on a bluff overlooking Lake Miccosuki.
Redfield Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1990 | Home on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Skoog Residence, Fox Acres C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1989 | Built around rock outcropping, allowing large boulders to help penetrate the floor plane and define the interior spaces.
Runnette Residence, Dorset, VT
1989 | Residence with serpentine shaped floor plan to reflect the contours of the site and capture the views.
Johnson Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1988 | Residence designed to capture the character of the old Tahoe classic homes.
Beattie Residence, Greenhorn Gulch, Ketchum, ID
1988 | Low Silhouette home designed to enhance flat site.
Admiral Service Residence, Ketchum, ID
1987 | Log residence with views of the surrounding mountains.
Liebman Residence, Fox Acres C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1986 | Designed among boulder outcrops, this home takes advantage of views of the Rocky Mountains.
John Stenzel Residence, F.A.C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1986 | Home designed to take advantage of the golf course, lake and clubhouse.
Runnette Residence, Sea Island, GA
1985 | Residence designed with a series of interconnected building elements on poles, overlooking Sea Island’s Great Marsh.
Newell Residence, Hillsborough, CA
1985 | Seamless addition to a classic Colonial residence.
Brandenburger Home, Flying Heart Ranch, Hailey, ID
1983 | Residence designed for passive solar heating at edge of clearing with views to river and mountain beyond.
Brunner Residence, Fox Acres C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1982 | Home designed with hexagonal grid overlooking 6th green and Rocky Mountains beyond.
Kemper Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1981 | Residence with mountainside views of the Pauma Valley in Southern California for the founder of Kemper Insurance.
Cliff Residence, Santa Cruz Hills, CA
1980 | Residence designed on a coastal hilltop with views over the owner’s vineyards.
Pauma Country Club Terraces, Pauma Valley, CA
1978 | 36 condominium units arranged around two large lawns extensions of the 15th fairway with views to Mt. Palomar.
Minier Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1977 | Residence designed to hug the hillside contours.
Cass Residence, Montecito, CA
1976 | Main house and guest house located on 10th green of Birnam Wood Golf Club.
Rasmussen Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1976 | Residence designed to capture views of the 7th green and 8th tee.
Rod Funseth Residence, Silverado Resort, Napa, CA
1975 | Residence designed for professional golfer on the Silverado Golf Course.
Arnold Residence, Hillsborough, CA
1972 | Residence designed on the Burlingame Country Club’s 8th fairway, with views of San Francisco and the Bay.
Cutler Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1972 | Residence on the 16th green.
Lee Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1970 | Residence built with adobe walls in a fan shape to encompass mountain views.
Hodgson Residence
Meyer Residence
Carolands Chateau
Martha’s Vineyard Home
Transzow Residence
Hagey Residence
Liebman Residence
Raab Residence
Lawrence Cottage
Runnette Residence
Admiral Service Residence
Liebman Residence
Runnette Residence
Johnson Residence
MacLean Residence
Brandenburger Home
Pauma Country Club Terraces
Rasmussen Residence
Hodgson Residence, Lake Tahoe, NV
2010 | Designed to capitalize upon the 270 degree view from 500’ above the Lake.
Gutierrez Residence, Carmel Valley, CA
2003 | Contemporary hacienda style home in the rolling hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve.
Meyer Residence Addition, Hillsborough, CA
2002 | Seamless expansion of a classic Craftsman style home.
Carolands Chateau Restoration, Hillsborough, CA
2001 | Faithful restoration of ballroom and main staircase of this 1930s, 100 room, Historically Registered building.
Brandenburger Guest House, Flying Heart Ranch, Hailey, ID
2000 | Home completing a planned complex of buildings along the Big Wood River.
Martha’s Vineyard Home, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2000 | Main home and boat storage barn, overlooking the Edgartown Great Pond.
Vanumanutagi Ranch House, Watsonville, CA
1999 | Guest residence on a 1910 ranch estate and vineyards.
Phillips Residence, Woodside, CA
1999 | Complete renovation and addition to home.
Phillips Log House, Hailey, ID
1999 | Main residence and guest houses, in woods along the Big Wood River.
Transzow Residence, Red Feather Lakes, CO
1997 | Residence nestled in an aspen grove overlooking the 8th green of the Fox Acres Country Club.
Gotcher Residence, Hillsborough, CA
1996 | Large family home, built over a subterranean professional recording studio.
Nguyen Kim Ngoc Condominiums, Hanoi, Vietnam
1996 | Residence on reclaimed urban site.
Residence for Dr. Tran Le Thuy, Hanoi, Vietnam
1995 | New home within an old City.
Hagey Residence, Flying Heart Ranch, Hailey, ID
1994 | Residence defined by the three pyramids that form it on the Big Wood River.
Liebman Residence, Urbana, IL
1994 | Exterior designed to conform to neighborhood aesthetic requirements. Interior designed to display major glass art collection.
Raab Residence, Woodside, CA
1992 | Main house, caretakers building, pool-tennis, and guest house.
Traitel Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1992 | Large second home residence among massive pines overlooking Lake Tahoe.
Major Renovation and Addition, Brandenburger Home
1992 | Renovation and addition to create views to San Francisco and Bay.
MacLean Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1992 | Residence featuring shingled exterior within the woods of Lake Tahoe.
Lawrence Cottage, Ring Oak Plantation, FL
1991 | Residence featuring five pods elevated on poles on a bluff overlooking Lake Miccosuki.
Redfield Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1990 | Home on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Skoog Residence, Fox Acres C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1989 | Built around rock outcropping, allowing large boulders to help penetrate the floor plane and define the interior spaces.
Runnette Residence, Dorset, VT
1989 | Residence with serpentine shaped floor plan to reflect the contours of the site and capture the views.
Johnson Residence, Glenbrook, NV
1988 | Residence designed to capture the character of the old Tahoe classic homes.
Beattie Residence, Greenhorn Gulch, Ketchum, ID
1988 | Low Silhouette home designed to enhance flat site.
Admiral Service Residence, Ketchum, ID
1987 | Log residence with views of the surrounding mountains.
Liebman Residence, Fox Acres C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1986 | Designed among boulder outcrops, this home takes advantage of views of the Rocky Mountains.
John Stenzel Residence, F.A.C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1986 | Home designed to take advantage of the golf course, lake and clubhouse.
Runnette Residence, Sea Island, GA
1985 | Residence designed with a series of interconnected building elements on poles, overlooking Sea Island’s Great Marsh.
Newell Residence, Hillsborough, CA
1985 | Seamless addition to a classic Colonial residence.
Brandenburger Home, Flying Heart Ranch, Hailey, ID
1983 | Residence designed for passive solar heating at edge of clearing with views to river and mountain beyond.
Brunner Residence, Fox Acres C.C., Red Feather Lakes, CO
1982 | Home designed with hexagonal grid overlooking 6th green and Rocky Mountains beyond.
Kemper Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1981 | Residence with mountainside views of the Pauma Valley in Southern California for the founder of Kemper Insurance.
Cliff Residence, Santa Cruz Hills, CA
1980 | Residence designed on a coastal hilltop with views over the owner’s vineyards.
Pauma Country Club Terraces, Pauma Valley, CA
1978 | 36 condominium units arranged around two large lawns extensions of the 15th fairway with views to Mt. Palomar.
Minier Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1977 | Residence designed to hug the hillside contours.
Cass Residence, Montecito, CA
1976 | Main house and guest house located on 10th green of Birnam Wood Golf Club.
Rasmussen Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1976 | Residence designed to capture views of the 7th green and 8th tee.
Rod Funseth Residence, Silverado Resort, Napa, CA
1975 | Residence designed for professional golfer on the Silverado Golf Course.
Arnold Residence, Hillsborough, CA
1972 | Residence designed on the Burlingame Country Club’s 8th fairway, with views of San Francisco and the Bay.
Cutler Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1972 | Residence on the 16th green.
Lee Residence, Pauma Valley, CA
1970 | Residence built with adobe walls in a fan shape to encompass mountain views.
