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Herbst Pavilion
Dive into the deep end of the swanky pet pool at Petchitecture 11: The Pet Set Lifestyle, a flashy fundraiser for Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS). Petchitecture (pronounced pet-kuh-tek-chur) is a fashionable fête where top designers and architects share their visions for the latest in “animal companion habitats.”
 Trendy designs for pet domiciles range from dog bone-shaped sofas to fishbowls atop crystal pedestals and everything in between. For Petchitecture 10 (2005), architect Marc Lindsell created the “Krazy Kajun Katfish Kabin,” a feline home on stilts — equipped with bait signs, fishing poles, corrugated tin roof, and a bayou boat.
Others explore ultramodern trends in petchitecture, resulting in lovely sculptural creations suitable for any architectural statement. Architect Dale Turner’s “Fortress of Cattitude” electrified audiences at a previous event with a multistory tower of cat comfort reminiscent of the Bauhaus style.
Past participating pet architects, or petchitects, include staff from the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Joe Boxer, and famed local architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The evening promises a great time for all, complete with a lively auction for the pet habitats and a silent auction of cool pet packages. Those attending can also bring their well-behaved pets for photo shoots in the clever constructions.
Proceeds from the festivities benefit PAWS, a volunteer group that helps low-income people with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses keep and care for their pets. PAWS also educates communities about the benefits of animal companions and human-animal bonds.
Take a journey into the wild world of pet architecture with PAWS. Refer to April 21 and www.pawssf.org for details.
– Claudia Willen
Images: “Krazy Kajun Katfish Kabin” by Mark Lindsell & Kalmbach Advertising (top); “Pet Pisces Piece” by Peggy Blair & Silvia Vojtkova (middle), Photos: Rik Clingerman
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