Carl Baker, West Coast Director at Ike Kligerman Barkley, grew up with a passion for residential design. After studying architectural history at Vassar College, he earned his Bachelors of Architecture at UC-Berkeley and his Masters of Architecture at the University of Washington ? Seattle. At UW  ? Seattle, he was the recipient of the Valle Scholarship, giving him the opportunity to study sustainable design in Stockholm, Sweden. But before he ever practiced architecture, Carl apprenticed with a wooden boat builder in upstate New York. There he crafted his own skills as a woodworker, seeing how finely crafted machines come together. He also honed his ability to collaborate, all experiences he brings to his architectural work today. In the past, Carl worked at ROMA Design Group, where he was on the winning project team for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at the National Mall, as well as for Melander Architects in San Francisco. Today Carl joins us for Friday Five!

1. Grado SR80e Headphones

These are really well-designed and comfortable, not that expensive and feel great about the ears. Really refreshing to listen through these after dealing with earbuds all day, it feels like you are listening for pleasure’s sake rather than for work.

2. Sheaffer Leather-Bound 7×10 Notebook

The perfect notebook for me, which took about 20 years to discover. I can elaborate: it has a thick but flexible leather cover, which really protects it in all environments. At about ...