I was thinking about the qualities of Architecture that inspire. What is it that makes you feel uplifted when you walk into a space? What causes that sense of Awe? That feeling of being close to something greater than yourself? That unbearable lightness of being (to steal one of my favorite film titles)….? I’ll let you in on a little secret; It is NEVER the … Read More
Mies van der Rohe was a big jerk.
. Last summer I drove out to Plano, IL. to drool over the Farnsworth House, designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe between 1945-1951. I have family in Chicago, and go up to visit a few times a year. Since Plano is just out of town, I decided to make a day of it and go play Architectural tourist. I even … Read More
You should sketch everyday
. I sketch everyday. I sketch to find things. To explore ideas. Or just to kill time while I watch American Idol. When I pick up a pen to draw, I never really know what I’m looking for. But, the act of sketching helps me find it. I’ve been doing it a long time. And, at this point in my career, I can’t think … Read More
Architect learns to stop worrying and love the bomb.
. Last year, a bomb went off. I was laid off from my job in January, along with 90 other people. Trust me, that bomb had been ticking for a few years before it blew. So, it seemed like as good a time as any to start my own firm. I’m not the type of person who always wanted his … Read More
Coffee with Alvar Aalto
Last night, my wife & I had what must have been the 200th argument about the merits of Alvar Aalto. I, being an Architect, think Aalto can do no wrong. My wife, not being an Architect, feels he may (in fact) have done some wrong. I’m drawn to Aalto’s work. I love his use of materials, and textures, the integration of nature into the … Read More
Broke Architect – will work for coffee
.Hello, You probably got my resume last year. I’m sure you remember it. “World’s greatest Architect, 18 years amazing experience, manager, leader, passionate-designer”. It was the one printed on nice paper, you know, under all those other ones on your desk. It was awesome! Don’t remember it? I don’t blame you. Last year was just a blur. After I was … Read More