Letter to the Editor, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine, written by the architect, Norm Applebaum, November 2011 edition.

Architecturally Speaking

I can't begin to thank you for the wonderful article written in the September issue ["Out of the Ashes," by Ron Donoho]. It tells the story of the friendship between a retired United States Ambassador, his wife and their architect.

We saw our child/home "Wings" disappear one day in October 2007 during the Witch Creek wildfires, and a new child known as "Villa Tyto Alba" born this year because of a friendship created 25 years ago.

I am eternally grateful to the magazine staff for helping tell the story of VTA. How fortunate we are that life has given us the opportunity to accomplish this, and to celebrate the birth of a new edifice.

With appreciation for your concern with regard to fine architecture...

Norm Applebaum, Architect
La Mesa