This book introduces a series of design stories with provocative story lines around some of de Reus Architects' most prominent projects--in locations as exotic and far-flung as Hawai'i, Mexico, Belize, and China. Each of the stories reveals the search that is inherent in the architectural design effort to evoke the spirit of each place by noting the unique circumstances for each client and property. The stories delve into planning and design aspects that reveal how spirit of place contributes to design meaning, and how creative expression can be discovered in pragmatic problem-solving. Within the stories, we uncover comparisons to ancient work in Hawaii, Indonesia, Mexico, and other locales, to underscore the significance of timeless principles in creating a harmonic living environment that stems directly from the natural circumstances of the land. Tropical Experience gives readers an overview of the complex architectural language utilized by the firm: one that fuses a variety of influences by combining the formal and informal, the permanent and ephemeral, the monumental and intimate, to achieve an integrated vision that is simultaneously familiar and new. Aside from a medley of project descriptions that underscore the aesthetic and pragmatic considerations taken by de Reus Architects, the book also includes an exploration of ancient villages in Tenganan, Bali and Kyoto, Japan that shed light on the influences and considerations behind a classical and humanistic design process that is embedded in the circumstances of a site. A series of diagrams, photographs, and essays delve into topics ranging from craftsmanship to site planning to sacred architecture to the unique demands of integrating host and guest communities in destination resorts. "Spirit" is the intangible yet significant and even experientially transformative quality behind what endears people to a place or building. This book reveals the design philosophy of de Reus Architects: searching for design innovation by embracing tradition and timelessness, while applying modern and sustainable sensibilities. AUTHOR: Mark de Reus leads de Reus Architects with 30 years of experience delivering architectural services to private clients and developers. His professional portfolio includes planning and design of new communities, multi-faceted projects, resorts, hospitality, clubhouses, spas, restaurants, wineries, retail and residences. Joseph Giovannini has written on architecture and design for three decades for such publications as the New York Times, Architectural Record, Art in America, Art Forum and Architecture Magazine. Bruce W. Carpenter is an acknowledged expert in several fields of Indonesian art, both antique and modern, and has written scores of articles for international and local magazines on subjects as diverse as Indonesian tribal gold and traditional tribal healing. ILLUSTRATIONS: 400 photographs & 20 illustrations *