Orange County Register, April 10, 2017

McClean has come a long way from his Dublin, Ireland home as a boy where he used to draw houses and ask his parents, "what type of person does that?" Fortunately, for luxury home buyers, his parents steered him toward architecture.

As a student, he came to appreciate the modern home designs of L.A. "Growing up in Ireland, I was so intrigued by a home that you could open up to the elements and make the walls go away," he told The Real Deal last year.

His big break came in 2014 when a stunning home he had designed years earlier was purchased by the late Swedish DJ Avicii. From then on, McClean became the in-demand nest designer for the celebrities and financiers who fly high above Hollywood on the Bird Streets.

photo by Brian Thomas Jones

With a client list boasting Beyonce and Jay-z, Calvin Klein, and the Winklevoss twins–McClean took his star-architect status to a whole new level when he teamed up with spec-home developer Nile Niami.

Among the pair's giga-mansion collaborations, is "Opus" a 100-million, 20,000 square foot compound comprised of 12-foot ceilings, Roberto Cavalli floors, disappearing glass walls, a Cristal Champagne room, infinity edge pool, and a sky bridge.

Opus may be the only mansion on the market that includes original Damien Hirst artworks as some of the more "affordable" things in the room.

What makes McClean a great architect is that at the heart of all of his home's opulence and grander there is still a welcoming place inside for people to enjoy life.

Paul McClean characterizes his creations with smooth staircases, towering wine cellars, glass walls, and waterways that build emotions as owners walk past them. "Our houses are all about light. Light and water,” McClean told the Orange County Register in 2017.

Beyonce and Jay-Z's 120-million Bel Air Paradise built into the hillside with wrap-around floor-to-ceiling bulletproof glass walls and pools on every level. It's a white maze of angles that can be seen from space.

photo by Jim Bartsch

Anyone with enough money can build something big and gaudy–what makes Paul McClean stand apart is that he can design a 100,000 square foot mansion that still feels like a comfortable home.

The post How Architect Paul McClean Became The Giga-Mansion Maestro appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Avengers are everywhere these days. When they aren't fighting supervillains or attempting to prevent the destruction of the universe, where do the core members of the Avengers live? How do their cinematic superhero homes compare with the real-life residences of the actors who portray them? It's time to assemble the details.

Iron Man/Robert Downey Jr.

For luxury home design, it's hard to beat Iron Man's mansion. This real residence partially inspired Tony Stark's house in the movie. Located in La Jolla, California, the 11,000-square-foot, 4-bedroom, 6-bath architectural marvel doesn't come with any Iron Man suits–but it does have a private beach.

San Diego architect Wallace Cunningham was given an unlimited budget to design a home that enhanced the natural landscape of the Torrey Pines State Reserve and provided awe-inspiring views of the ocean waves below it.

Aspiring billionaire playboys can watch Iron Man's cinematic journey in the glass and concrete home theater after getting some exercise in one of the many infinity pools dropped like luxury puddles all over the property.

Photo by Brown Harris Stevens

Actor Robert Downey Jr's East Hamptons cottage seems modest by Tony Stark's standards, but it does have a real working windmill and several clever touches of whimsy that you'd expect from one of Hollywood's most versatile actors.

Captain America/Chris Evans

At the end of Captain America: Civil War, super soldier Steve Rogers walks away from his shield and "Captain America" identity.

Maybe Steve Rogers will be looking for a new home soon as well–since the Brooklyn Heights apartment he keeps was damaged in battle. Over the years, the cozy nook with the warm fireplace provided a welcome hideout for many Marvel characters.

Presented by Coca-Cola and Marvel Entertainment

The borough of Brooklyn showed its pride in being tied to the First Avenger, as Prospect Park recently unveiled a 13-foot tall bronze Captain America statue.

On the other coast, Chris Evans lives in Laurel Canyon in a recently renovated house he purchased for $3.5 million. When not on set, the Avengers actor refreshes in his steam shower and free-standing tub in a master bathroom made of limestone and Calcutta marble.

He can also practice his cooking skills in the gourmet chef's kitchen with Wolf range, marble countertops, and built-in Miele coffee maker.

If the Avengers cast wants to have a Beverly Hills dance party, Chris Evans' pool patio–wired for dynamic surround sound might be the best place to do it.

Thor/Chris Hemsworth

After the destruction of Asgard at the end of the movie Thor: Ragnarok, the god of thunder is what you might call "in the market" for a new universe.

Chris Hemsworth, on the other hand, enjoys a $7-million estate comprised of six separate buildings in New South Wales, Australia. The Down-Under retreat near Byron Bay resembles a Balinese resort and meanders down to a secluded beach.

photo by Domain

The palatial environment is impressive, but Chris has even bigger plans. The whole Hemsworth family is living in the surrounding buildings while the main house undergoes a massive $8-million renovation.

Hulk/Mark Ruffalo

The Hulk was comfortable soaking in a tub for two years in the Sakaar suite he was kept in as a champion Gladiator, but now that Bruce Banner is back to stay, he's going to need a safe house with a well-equipped lab. The Avenger with the infamous alter-ego has been homeless for much of the Marvel adventures. Hopefully, this scientist with seven Ph.D.'s will get some shelter from the storm soon.

Mark Ruffalo was feeling the opposite with too many homes. He sold his Brooklyn brownstone last year for $3.1 million to make his primary residence the 50-acre farmhouse he shares with his wife Sunrise Coigney in the foothills of the Catskills. The Sullivan County homestead, which runs along the Delaware River, is an attractive step back to a simpler time.

photo by Coke Wisdom O'Neal

With a vegetable garden, a carved wooden bear sculpture, large barn and an eco-friendly guest house, Mark Ruffalo enjoys the breathing space of his country escape–learning what wild mushrooms he can eat and which natural plants heal bug bites. He is raising his kids to appreciate nature and feel connected to the land.

Black Widow/Scarlet Johansson

Natasha Romanoff, the S.H.I.E.L.D agent, otherwise known as "Black Widow" graduated from a Russian spy to a core member of the Avengers team.

When she isn't hanging with her buddy Hawkeye or helping Iron Man or Bruce Banner to get their head in the game, Black Widow can probably be found at the Avengers Mansion in New York City.

The Henry Clay Frick House on 5th Avenue was the real-life inspiration for the fictional base. The house has been enlarged three times to include a grand entry hall, an enclosed garden court, an oval room, a music room, and gallery. The bedrooms are located on the second floor and accessed by a marble staircase with wrought iron balustrade.

Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson keeps her base in L.A. In fact, the famous Hollywood sign can be seen from her balcony. The 3,500-square-foot, two-story home sits on nearly an acre behind a secluded gate and cul-de-sac.

Dark wood floors accentuate the predominantly white walls and glass doors. A bathroom skylight provides ample views of the green hills that frame the pool and eight-person spa area.

It seems Scarlett has found her oasis in the middle of Los Feliz' historically Hollywood enclave.

See all of these famous stars and more in action in Avengers: Infinity War, still playing in theaters worldwide.

The post Haute Residence: Avengers Edition appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo by Kmeron

With 11 Grammys to his name and his latest album "DAMN" being named this year's Pulitzer Prize for music–a first for a record that isn't classical or jazz–the MC who sometimes refers to himself as "Kung-Fu Kenny" has mastered the songwriter's craft.

An artist can't achieve legend status in the music industry without being business savvy. Lamar also appears to be a smart real estate investor with a long-term strategy. "I really like to buy property...rather than buying things for the moment. Something that can last me a lifetime," Lamar said in a radio interview for San Francisco's Wild 94.9.

He reportedly still lives in a modest L.A. condo–to stay humble while purchasing other apartments, buildings, and houses throughout California to build his real estate portfolio.

For his lastest money-move, Lamar has purchased a 5,400-square-foot home in Calabasas for $2.65 million.

Calabasas (and nearby Hidden Hills) has become a music maker's mecca over the last few years. Music producer Rick Rubin keeps a studio there. Dr. Dre just bought a custom estate in Calabasas for $4.9 million. A recent episode of FX's Atlanta was inspired by Drake's party-ready Hidden Hills mansion. And Kanye West just announced he was moving the headquarters of his Yeezy sneaker line to the Calabasas Hills.

However, Lamar won't be eating at local hangout Banzai Sushi on the regular, he has no plans to live in his six-bedroom, six-bath home. The investment property features an ample backyard with swimming pool, hot tub, built-in grill and covered patio.

The home's spacious interior exhibits a comfortable theater room, an in-home gym, huge walk-in closets, and a master suite with a cozy double-sided fireplace.

The home was originally listed for $2.89 million, but Lamar negotiated and obtained the mansion below asking price. It's an inspiring story for the Compton-born 30-year-old, who has rapped about being a homeless as a boy, living out of motels.

"I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA," Lamar raps on his breakout hit single off the last album.

Looks like this talented rapper-turned-real-estate-mogul has been putting his money where his mouth is.

Property photos courtesy of CRISNet.

The post Kendrick Lamar, Winning Awards And Buying Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.