Farewell ranch style

CONGRATULATIONS to Jeffrey M. Kalban for creating a residence that is distinctive and appropriate for the Malibu coast [“The Ultimate Sea Change,” May 10]. He joins a handful of architects who have achieved success in that endeavor.

Somewhere in the party that is his success, I must inject an obituary for the ranch-style house that was the donor for this project. The ranch style is a native California modern design that embodies the modesty and honesty that were key to the success of America. “Bland” hardly seems appropriate.

DONALD TSCHIRHART

South Pasadena