Spotlight On: Charles Kane, AIA
Mez Joseph
Liollio is pleased to welcome Charles Kane, AIA to our studio! Charles is a licensed architect with 5 years of diverse professional experience. As a student, Charles studied in the U.S, China, Italy and Greece; through his studies he gained a deep appreciation for history and context. After giving him time to settle in, we sat down for a little Q&A with our newest Spotlight On feature.
How long have you lived in Charleston?
A month
What brought you to Charleston?
Marshland, cheese grits and history
Where did you grow up?
Outside of Charlotte, NC
What other places (cities) do you call home, if any?
Miami & Charlotte
Are you married? Do you have children?
Leslie and I have been married for 3 years, and we have a dog named Greg—he is childlike.
Tell us a bit about Greg.
Greg is an 8 lb. terrier/chihuahua mix who is friendlier than Mr. Rogers and faster than Usain Bolt.
What is your favorite thing in your house?
An ivy covered window in the bedroom.
What do you like to do when you have free time?
Read books, doodle, and walk around.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Most recently, Leslie and I moved a 100 lb. chest of drawers up a 2’ wide flight of stairs.
What building have you visited that most impressed you?
Scamozzi’s Rocca Pisana is a 16th century villa in Northern Italy. It sits on top of a knoll and overlooks a bunch of vineyards. It’s a very simple stone house with an impressive, recessed portico and stunning views to the landscape.
What architect or architecture firm most influenced you as a student?
Aldo Rossi and Piranesi are two big influences for me because the city was always more important to them than individual buildings.
What is your favorite country you have traveled to and why?
Portugal was a recent favorite. I love places where the mountains hit the ocean.
What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
The people!
What inspires you most?
Things I see when I am walking around.
What is the hardest part about your job?
Pleasing everyone in the office with a playlist.
What style of architecture most impresses you or is your favorite?
Nordic Classicism
What is your favorite book?
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
What is your favorite restaurant?
Pubbelly in Miami
What’s your favorite place in Charleston?
Colonial Lake
What is your favorite food?
Fish tacos
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
The microscopic water bear because they are the only known creature that can survive in space.
Do you play any instruments?
Guitar
What song is at the top of your most played list?
Kurt Vile’s One Trick Pony. I relate.
Who is your favorite artist?
Edward Hopper & Giotto
Favorite television show?
Twin Peaks
Last book you read?
The Everglades: River of Grass by Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Last movie you watched?
Booksmart
Favorite movie or genre?
I like a good thriller.
Guilty pleasure?
I enjoy chips and salsa, but I don’t feel guilty.
What would the book or movie about your life be called?
A Series of Unfortunate Events. Sadly, it’s already taken.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Danny DeVito, I would hope.
What’s your astrological sign?
Cancer
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?
Taxes
What is your greatest fear?
Bad drivers
What does true leadership mean to you?
Hank Hill
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?
My 13 year old self wouldn’t take my advice. However, Tessenow had a great saying: “The simplest form is not always best, but the best is always simple.”
How do you define success?
A well-organized closet.