WINNER of the 2024 NORTH STREET BOOK PRIZE in the Art Book Category.
In his colorful book, The Fig District, Architect Jeff Shelton tells the stories behind eight of his most exuberant downtown Santa Barbara buildings that exist near his Fig Avenue studio, all within walking distance of each other
Packed with sketches, drawings and paintings, from early concepts to final elevations, The Fig District offers a glimpse into Jeff’s philosophy and design process, and Jason Rick’s beautiful photos reveal each building’s unique hand-crafted elements. The book details Jeff’s love of the pencil and hand-drafting, his creative approach to navigating Santa Barbara’s strict design standards, and the unusually fluid design process that occurs when adventurous clients meet an informally-formed group of local builders and craftspeople, aka the Merry Band of Artisans.
Jeff’s Walking Tour Map is printed in the book so that it can be used as a companion while exploring El Jardin, Cota Street Studios, El Zapato, Vera Cruz, the Ablitt Tower, El Andaluz, and the Pistachio House. The book also includes a fond farewell to Casa Blanca Restaurant.
“I met Neil and Sue Ablitt while I was on a ladder tiling a mosaic blanket at the Pistachio House, which is adjacent to their dry cleaning business. They approached and asked if I’d be interested in working on a new project and I said, “No, sorry, I’m too busy and not taking on any more work.” They proceeded to tell me that the project lot was a bit small, only twenty by twenty feet. Without a second’s hesitation I said, “I’ll take the job.” — excerpt from The Fig District.
Hardcover
192 Pages
11.5 x 9.5 inches
WINNER of the 2024 NORTH STREET BOOK PRIZE in the Art Book Category.
In his colorful book, The Fig District, Architect Jeff Shelton tells the stories behind eight of his most exuberant downtown Santa Barbara buildings that exist near his Fig Avenue studio, all within walking distance of each other
Packed with sketches, drawings and paintings, from early concepts to final elevations, The Fig District offers a glimpse into Jeff’s philosophy and design process, and Jason Rick’s beautiful photos reveal each building’s unique hand-crafted elements. The book details Jeff’s love of the pencil and hand-drafting, his creative approach to navigating Santa Barbara’s strict design standards, and the unusually fluid design process that occurs when adventurous clients meet an informally-formed group of local builders and craftspeople, aka the Merry Band of Artisans.
Jeff’s Walking Tour Map is printed in the book so that it can be used as a companion while exploring El Jardin, Cota Street Studios, El Zapato, Vera Cruz, the Ablitt Tower, El Andaluz, and the Pistachio House. The book also includes a fond farewell to Casa Blanca Restaurant.
“I met Neil and Sue Ablitt while I was on a ladder tiling a mosaic blanket at the Pistachio House, which is adjacent to their dry cleaning business. They approached and asked if I’d be interested in working on a new project and I said, “No, sorry, I’m too busy and not taking on any more work.” They proceeded to tell me that the project lot was a bit small, only twenty by twenty feet. Without a second’s hesitation I said, “I’ll take the job.” — excerpt from The Fig District.
Hardcover
192 Pages
11.5 x 9.5 inches
