A Conversation with the Architect

Robert J. Altevers, AIA, has designed more than 50 country clubs around the world including clubhouses in many classic California clubs such as Shady Canyon Golf Club in Irvine, Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Coast and Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells. He recently took some time to share his vision for the new Rolling Hills Country Club.

At Rolling Hills Country Club, I created a style that would be appropriate to the location with a Clubhouse that responds to the environment in which it sits. Throughout the history of California, architecture has been a defining characteristic in many coastal communities such as Santa Barbara, San Clemente and Palos Verdes. My proposal picked up on these styles as well as European architectural influences.

Rolling Hills Country Club has every amenity that a modern-day Clubhouse should have, and is consistent with other first-class clubs in the United States. I honestly can't think of a single amenity that we've designed for another club that isn't at Rolling Hills Country Club. We spent a lot of time working with various sub-committees, and we customized the Club to fit the preferences of the membership and insure compatibility with the surrounding community.

There are great opportunities for views at Rolling Hills Country Club. Not just from the Clubhouse, but from the residential area and golf course as well. The Clubhouse is perched on the side of a hill overlooking the vast majority of holes. But I wanted to maximize the view beyond the course as well. The evening views of the Los Angeles basin are pretty spectacular.