POST AREA RATIOS

50-99% OF THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN GENERATED SO A BLOG POST REVIEWER CAN CHECK OFF A BOX ON THEIR FORM. THE FLOOR AREA RATIO OF THIS BLOG POST IS 19.2%. THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN SETBACK FROM THE RIGHT OF WAY BY 26′-0″ MINIMUM. THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF THIS BLOG POST (AS MEASURED TO THE MIDPOINT OF THE POST) … Read More

Questions for the Architect

Last week I held open office hours so folks could ask me questions. Here’s a sample of the ensuing conversations: QUESTION – No? ANSWER – Your lack of interest in architecture does not negate the importance of architecture. . QUESTION – Why? ANSWER – architecture is not to wonder why . QUESTION – What does the sum of the parts … Read More

Breathless

I try to remember him, but it fades. It’s too painful to remember, so my heart develops a callus, it hardens. Because if I remember his smell, his skin, his swollen finger on his left hand, his eyes, I won’t be able to stop remembering, and a flood of him will overwhelm me. From his forced smile, to his sigh, … Read More

My Fees

My fees will be inversely proportional to how much your project makes me hate myself. My fees will be adjusted to account for how much time you spend looking at the drawings. I give a discount if you look at the drawings. My fees will increase if you review my drawings with your nephew who went to “design” school. My … Read More

The difference between modernism and minimalism

Modernism reflects the way you live your life in a simplified and honest way. Minimalism reflects the way you live your life by means of glass and mirrors. Modernism creates forms that follow function. Minimalism creates forms that have had function removed. Modernism provides an open plan. Minimalism provides an open plan aggressively. Modernism has minimal details. Minimalism has minimal … Read More

Things to say to your client

The design will explore the dynamics between the opposing forces at play within your relationship. All materials will be white to reflect the purity of my thoughts. The design will be diametrically opposed to your budget. My fees reflect the impression of quality implied by the design of my business cards. I’m not interested in your opinion on the design. … Read More

Things to say to your architect

I already have the design, I just need the drawings. I’ll know it when I see it. Could we add a few curves? Could we reduce the fees by doing less? We had our cousin who’s in design school look over the drawings and we have a few notes. My spouse will pick out all the colors. They have a … Read More

MINIMALISM

Minimalism: The art of doing less with more money. Minimalism: The process of slowly removing everything the client asked for. Minimalism: Taking an inordinate amount of time to do incredibly little. Minimalism: Obsure concepts, Transparent materials. Minimalism: More space, less furniture Minimalism: Easier to clean, you know because of the no furniture. Minimalism: Open plan, Open stairs, screw handrails. Minimalism: … Read More

Creativity and Depression

I woke today wondering if architecture causes depression. I’ve had a challenging month. My depression has come back once every ten days or so. My meds have been overwhelmed by the incessant rain and gloom of late winter in the south. I’ve avoided sounds, and lights, and people. I’ve slept a lot. But today I woke up looking for something … Read More

It’s exhausting really

It’s exhausting really. Always being the smartest person in the room. Always the most talented. Am I the only one in this ballroom that finds the carpeting derivative? Am I the only one who’s seen those light fixtures before? i think they were used in a fast food restaurant that my competition designed. They’re not bad fixtures, but they don’t … Read More

This is a safe place

No one will judge you here. You’re free to share you architect confessions here with no judgment from anyone. I’ll start. I have exploded a hatch in autocad I’ve told a client that something was required by code, but really I just didn’t want to change it. I told the client that it would be finished by the end of … Read More