William Clark - Scottsdale's Polo Afficionado

WILLIAM CLARK - SCOTTSDALE'S POLO AFFICIONADO by Kaya Morgan

Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, his homes are built to last 100 years.

As the son of an army officer, born in Atlanta, Georgia, Bill Clark considers it an advantage that he moved frequently and traveled extensively during his childhood. "It gave me a different perspective on the world than the rest of my peers," says Clark. The eldest of two boys, he completed high school with honors and played varsity football once the family settled in Phoenix, Arizona. Summer jobs in construction and as a rock climbing instructor caught his interest in the great outdoors and on projects that he could see made an impact on people's lives.

Following his heart, Clark entered a Civil Engineering program in 1978 while he moonlighted as a journeyman carpenter on remodeling projects to earn extra money for college expenses. Then, in 1978 he changed his major to Geological Engineering (mining & exploration) and spent summers working for Duval Mining Corporation, a division of Pennzoil, as an exploration geologist in Alaska and Washington. By 1982, Clark had earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Production and Operations Management and was ready to carve out his own future.

In 1984, he became project supervisor for a commercial design firm executing the finishing phases of hotel projects in the $4-$20 Million Dollar range. Soon thereafter, he opened his own residential remodeling company. By 1986, his focus was building high-end, custom homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona, one of Scottsdale's outlying upscale communities.

With a broad background in architecture and production management, Bill has a clear understanding of the site and environment from a design perspective with special emphasis on hillside design. As a small but specialized builder, he can give every project the undivided attention it deserves, visiting the job site daily and regularly communicating with clients in order to stay on budget. The tight knit feeling of family in his organization has everyone from the office staff to subcontractors devoted to building the best homes imaginable.

The single focus that sets William Clark Construction apart from other companies of that genre that may not follow a definitive style, is their designs are architecturally and historically correct. "Many homes these days are built conforming to no particular design theme. Frank Lloyd Wright called our way of building, 'contextualism' as you would create something following a specific context," as Bill explains. Clark's homes are built of masonry and steel rather than the fairly generic style using wood framing, Styrofoam and stucco, primarily for one reason — they are designed and meant to last a 100 years or more. "Although I cling to the fundamental building techniques, our houses also incorporate the latest technological advantages," he adds.

One of his favorite projects was a 13,500 sq. ft. Mediterranean Villa perched on a very steep hillside. Prior to starting work on the massive masonry and stone structure, he had to blast and remove 11,000 cubic yards of solid rock. More recently, he completed a 9,000 sq. ft. Spanish Colonial Revival spec house filled with details from the great Mizner houses of Palm Beach, Florida.

Clark's avid passion for horses dates back to his youth in Virginia beginning as a jumper when he was seven, having had the advantage of the army horse facilities available. Over the years his hobby did not wane. Then fifteen years ago, he was convinced to try polo and was smitten. Unlike other leisure activities he had tried, it was a team sport that really builds camaraderie between people rather than just a quiet pastime. Add to that the fact that, as Bill explains, "the rules are very complex, played on these gigantic animals moving at high speeds that have fears and emotions, just like people — so it is quite an exciting game. And, just like auto racing, there's no room for prima donnas."

Although polo is in his blood, his first love is the horses. Bill takes care of his five thoroughbred ponies personally. "Should the day come that I cannot play Polo any longer, I would still have my horses no matter what," he admits. Current President of the North Scottsdale Polo Club, he is always on the lookout for new members that have not yet considered the sport, or experienced guest players from around the country who would like to play while they are in the area. Bill is preparing to start another U.S.P.A. club at his ranch in the mountains outside Phoenix where he raises organic, grass fed beef with his wife, Sandra, and son, Evan.

For polo in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, contact Tel: 480.348.1949

To see the company portfolio, visit their web site at: www.wmaclark.com

For more articles by well known lifestyle writer, Kaya Morgan , click the link.

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*Disclaimer

With respect to the articles and their subject matter, it is based on information provided through research and/or by the interviewed parties and is not based on any original ideas or opinions of the author.