59 TIM BUCHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY “Biggest project we ever did,” Johnston says. “Ian and I went out to Montana to learn about log crafting.” With 130 plus drawings, the project took two and one-half years to complete. “We were very conscious of expansion/contraction prob-lems with the logs, waterproofing. You carry that to the next project,” he says. “You learn. It’s all about learning.” One of the things that Johnston says he has enjoyed the most is working with the same clients more than once. For 25 years he designed more than 50 K&W Cafeterias from Florida to West Virginia, constantly refining the kitchen. And one of the last projects he designed for Figure Eight Island homeowners was the privately owned golf club, Eagle Point, in Porters Neck. “That was fulfilling a dream we all had — to have a golf course for Figure Eight,” Johnston says. Tom Fazio, another North Carolinian, designed the exclusive course. “Ian and I designed everything that’s above the ground. I rented the lift again and we drove it around over there,” he says. Inspired by indigenous vernacular forms, the Johnstons blended the best elements from coastal lifesaving stations and inland train stations, bracketed overhangs and tapered shingled columns, for the clubhouse. “One of the nicest things in practicing over the years, I still get cards from people,” Johnson says. “I was lucky to have wonderful clients.” Among the many others, Johnston designed a Figure Eight Island beach home for Our State Magazine publisher, Bernie Mann, and later in Greensboro, completely renovated Mann’s permanent home. “I get a card with a note at Christmas,” Johnston says. “‘We’re still enjoying your houses.’ It’s very nice.” Ducking the question of why he chose retirement now, he says it was finally time to stop and smell the roses. “I want to be on top of my game and work 40 to 60 hours a week and be right in the middle of it,” he says. “I don’t want to work halfway.” www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
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