We first became fascinated by Lane Pettigrew while working on an earlier book, Tropical Homes of the Eastern Caribbean. His designs have a special effortless quality that you find only in the best works of art, and all are harmonious and often playful. His career skyrocketed after he won a prestigious design competition for the Club Med resort in Bermuda, and over the past twenty years he has created resorts and homes all over the Caribbean.

His designs are notably client-driven, and at the same time extremely sensitive to site and location. That way he has created stylistically rich architecture, drawing inspiration from Vernacular, Colonial, and Modernist elements fused with ethnic and traditional design. His whole approach is directly opposite to that of mega-star architects. He is not aloof, but a collaborator working together with clients, members of his team, and locals, often relying on their knowledge of traditional building techniques.

As an architect, Lane Pettigrew has helped materialise and shape his clients’ dreams, thus changing their lives. This book will also be about them – about the difficult choices they sometimes had to face. About Leon Taylor successfully launching LaSource resort in Grenada despite devastating hurricane Ivan; the challenges Philip Nassief faced converting of an old fort in Dominica into a modern, comfortable hotel. Just a few from the colourful kaleidoscope of stories awaiting discovery.

We are also honoured to have the introduction to our book written by the late Lord Glenconner, often credited as the ‘grandfather of Caribbean tourism’. Little did we expect that the photographs we took of this great man, together with Lane on our last interview (below) would be the last in his rich and colourful life.

For us, the whole project was a feast for the eye and for the soul. For the eye, because of the extraordinary beauty of architecture and surrounding landscape. For the soul, because along the way we met fascinating people each of them unique, yet all part the rich tapestry of Caribbean history.”

Fort Young, Dominica
Soon after buying Fort Young in Dominica Phillip Nassief energetically embarked on restorative works on the hotel. The challenge was enormous. Situated on a high cliff jutting out into the water, there seemed to be only one direction to expand – towards the sea. Right on the beach, two facility buildings designed by Lane Pettigrew were added adjacent to the hotel. Their Caribbean style of architecture visually connects them to the traditional houses of Roseau just behind them.

Cap Maison, St Lucia
Cap Maison, a stylish boutique resort, was erected above the secluded Smugglers Cove Beach in St Lucia. “We wanted the resort to stand out high up on a cliff, bright and exciting, well visible from the sea,” says Helen Gobat, the owner. “The kind of structure that arouses your interest and makes you wonder: What is that? And we thought Spanish Colonial style would be perfect for that.” 

Spa at Jalousie Plantation, St Lucia
Perched on a forested hill in a jungle-like setting, the wooden cabanas that house the Spa at Jalousie Plantation are masterfully incorporated into their natural surroundings
They are, in fact, treehouses elevated on high posts above a meandering stream.
 Most of the wooden elements were hand crafted by local craftsmen. “It was easier for us to build these huts than for the Arawaks – they didn’t have all the tools we have today,” they comment.

LaSource, Grenada
One of Leon Taylor’s favourite spots in his LaSource resort in Grenada, is the palapa – an open-sided wooden structure with thatched roof made of palm leaves. This is not only because he plays conga drums there, but also because of some fond memories. “When Lane came here to work on the original design it happened to be his birthday. We went to a small restaurant to celebrate; we ate lobster, sitting on wooden stools on the beach, with our feet in the sand. Here, you can do the same.”

Hibiscus House, St Lucia
The architecture of Hibiscus House, like most of Lane’s Caribbean designs, is extroversive: reaching out to the spectacular landscape beyond. The means to achieve that vary: free-flowing floor plan, gingerbread-lattice wall openings, jalousie windows and doors, and numerous verandahs, balconies and terraces. This is light and transparent architecture, where fresh breezes dance freely.

Fond Doux Holiday Plantation, St Lucia
Lane Pettigrew assisted his friends Lyton and Eroline Lamontagne with the challenging task of renovating an old, dilapidated cocoa plantation in St Lucia, called Fond Doux, and turning it into a truly Caribbean holiday plantation estate. “When I started digging for the pool,” recalls Lyton,  “I was sure I was going to make just one – until Lane called. He said, ‘Hold on a minute, I’ll come and have a look.’ On arrival, he decided: ‘Oh no, I just realised that we are going to have three pools – two here and another one down there, at the bottom.’ ”


The Caribbean Architect is the upcoming book from the authors of the award winning Exotic Gardens of the Eastern Caribbean y For updates on publication date, and how to buy, go to www.ozonezonebooks.com