William Clark - Scottsdale's Polo Afficionado

WILLIAM CLARK - SCOTTSDALE'S POLO AFFICIONADO

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

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 because it gave him a different perspective on the world than the rest of his peers. 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 only to change to Geological Engineering (mining & exploration) the following year. Summers were spent working for Duval Mining Corporation, a division of Pennzoil, while he moonlighted on remodeling projects to earn extra money for college expenses.

In 1984, he became project supervisor for a 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 1992, his focus was building high-end, custom homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona, one of Scottsdale's outlying upscale communities.

The single focus that sets Wm. 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.

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 seven 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 he likes polo, his first love is the horses. He 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 like himself that have not yet considered the sport, or experienced guest players from other areas of the country who would like to play while they are in the area.

For polo in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, contact 490.348.1949

For more articles by well known author, 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.