Breed: Boston terrierArchitect: William KriselLocation: Palm Springs, US
Much like the renowned mid-century modern home in which he resides, Brick is a shining example of his kind.
![Birck's home was designed by William Krisel. Photo / Nicole England](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/L4JW4VYQF4CFUX3P4FVHS3H2HI.jpg?auth=5345bc886b057091796f117ed5a916353244ed414a9eeb54a71c58ab06261904&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
As a Boston terrier, he’s of the first-ever breed recognised by the American Kennel Club, and as a Palm Springs-dwelling pup, he’s in a league of his own, living in the earliest tract house by pioneering architect William Krisel.
The 1957 butterfly roof property is Brick’s very own post-and-beam playground – that is, when he’s not playing tour guide to the scores of design enthusiasts curious about this faithfully restored home, from the Knoll furniture to the Krisel-selected paint colours, and even a kitchen recreated from a Julius Shulman photograph.
![Lounge details, and an office space. Photos / Nicole England](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/EIFRVG55OQOPGUL6IBZABZZSAY.jpg?auth=60baff9c9a7b73dc89aed4c1f23a443d9ccc18812cb37f780e6cdf5fc944e8a2&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Brick, who is named after the lead character in Tennessee Williams' 1955 play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, was excited about the perks of Krisel's work from the minute he got his paws on it at just 7 weeks old.
![The kitchen and dining area. Photo / Nicole England](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/R2VFIXG52QEF54CH7OLHWXQULU.jpg?auth=247fb34acc348ff7921e6fa0ff02bb3ef3c0d2ec1b3a9ee1fbbb0a87e00ea3e9&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
He enjoys a few splashes of water from the pool on a hot desert day (he’s not one for swimming) and rotates his favourite room in the house depending on the time of year: wherever the sun is shining down through Krisel’s clerestory windows is where you’ll find Brick, who, despite his breed’s New England roots, very much plays the part of a chilled-out Californian.
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Advertise with NZME.![Brick relaxes on the sofa. Photo / Nicole England](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NZ2N2ZJU37LISA47JFLURE6LDU.jpg?auth=2da17c19e84b067f0feb3f31b0c3a02bccf01a1686067110f1616a015bafa4b0&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
By now quite at one with his surroundings, Brick roams the home’s uncluttered interiors, often peering through the floor-to-ceiling glass and on to the front yard, where there’s a painterly, Garrett Eckbo-like landscape of perfectly aligned circles and squares reimagined by Krisel himself some 50 years later.
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/UIGJWQU3GLOKTBCOEVVVDZJRWI.jpg?auth=7e707454fcfb275ff89924e8512fb218bf19271f7877fc9c266471d71cd7edc6&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This is an edited extract from 'Resident Dog (Volume 2): Incredible Dogs and the International Homes They Live In' by Nicole England published by Hardie Grant UK $60AU and $65NZ and is available where all good books are sold. Photographer / © Nicole England. Stylist / Natalie James