Ray Washburne Interviews Mark Lamster at Park House

Highland Park Village owner and developer Ray Washburne interviews Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster at Park House in Highland Park Village.
Highland Park Village owner and developer Ray Washburne interviewed Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster about his new book, Welcome to Paradox City, and Mark’s views about Dallas through the lens of architecture and the built environment.

One of my favorite conversations about Dallas took place at Park House in Highland Park Village. Highland Park Village owner and developer Ray Washburne interviewed Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster about his book, Welcome to Paradox City. What made it so informative and enjoyable was the balance of power between two people whose influence and knowledge of Dallas come from very different perspectives.

Mark brought to light historical and architectural details I had been unaware of. Ray added anecdotes about Dallas history and architecture and observations about the urban grid that I had not considered. They often agreed for different reasons and disagreed with respect and humor.

Both thought the Philip Johnson-designed Kennedy Memorial was not a successful project. Ray, with a smile, asked Mark, “Do you think we should tear it down?” Mark, the author of a book on Philip Johnson, was quick to smile back and say no.

On City Hall, where their views differ, Ray gave Mark the last word to explain why he opposed demolishing the building. Knowledge, congeniality and respect kept both powers in check—neither could rely on easy pronouncements.

The result was a cordial conversation that provided an informative, fun view of Dallas, its history and its future—conversation at its best.

Brady Woods, Mark Lamster and Ray Washburne converse at Park House before Ray interviews Mark about his new book, Welcome to Paradox City.
Founding co-owner of Park House Brady Woods chats with Highland Park Village owner Ray Washburne and Mark Lamster before Ray interviews Mark about his new book, Welcome to Paradox City. The best thing about Park House, a private club in Highland Park Village, is that its programming often includes delightful conversations about architecture, Dallas or preservation.
Park House in Highland Park Village often hosts presentations and panels.
Before Highland Park Village owner Ray Washburne interviewed Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster about his new book, Welcome to Paradox City, those attending began to take their seats in a lovely room. Everyone enjoyed the formal conversation between Ray Washburne and Mark Lamster and the informal conversations between those attending.