NOT TO DETRACT FROM CONTRACTORS

Once more, The Times seems to embrace the myth that architects somehow can magically transform two-dimensional drawings into marvelous, livable, leakproof structures. Morris Newman would have us believe that architect Barbara Coffman’s vision was perfectly realized in the Schwarzman house (“Rebuilt to Tilt,” Style, Aug. 14).

As the general contractor for the project and one who spent every day for five months at the site, I assure you that transforming and refining this concept into a physical reality was no easy task. The window system as originally drawn was unworkable and unbuildable. Only a collaboration among the architect, the Schwarzmans and myself--by trade a finish carpenter who has specialized in doors and windows--resulted in the finished project being as lovely as it is.

In the film industry, a screenwriter writes the script, much as an architect draws the plans. In the former case, however, it is the director--who takes the screenplay and transforms it into a visual reality--who gets most of the credit for the film. Directors can win an Academy Award for their efforts; a general contractor seldom merits mention in an article about a project in which he, much like a director, brought all the elements together to create a beautiful structure.

MICHAEL BOWE

Mar Vista