The story of the Sandcastle begins with a man who has lived a life filled with adventure. Born in 1925 and raised in Southern California, Harry Gesner grew up surfing as much as he could. Along with serving in World War II, he also spent time as a television cartoonist in New York, an archeologist, water skiing instructor, and a seeker of challenges. His love for surfing and the ocean has continued throughout his entire life and has become a vital inspiration for his architectural work.