. 1. Architects broke it It’s probably our fault to begin with. I don’t really know the exact numbers, but buildings use more fossil fuels than cars, construction debris makes up the highest percentage of our landfills, building roofs and parking lots account for the majority of storm water run-out issues, and Market driven greed for greater and greater … Read More
An Architect’s Dress Code
An Architect’s Dress code (Revised 9-12-11) Employees contribute to the culture and reputation of the SVEHN JØSSANG ATELJE in the way they present themselves. An Architectural appearance is essential to a favorable impression with clients, and company shareholders (ie. Svehn). Good grooming and appropriate dress should reflect an employee’s confidence in his/her aesthetic convictions and inspire others to realize that … Read More
A few things that make Architecture difficult if not impossible
A few things that make Architecture difficult if not impossible: An overwhelming lack of interest in you and/or your work. After working all day on the same detail, you suddenly realize you forgot that they turned off the power this morning, plus, you haven’t eaten, and you’re homeless. Your client is a giant baby. (not metaphorically – actually a giant … Read More
How to get Architecture at a discount
. Architecture doesn’t have to be expensive, if you know the secret: Make sure they know the project will only take 2 weeks (the project will actually take 36-72 weeks) Tell them that their competitor has already given you a quote for 1/2 that amount. However, if the Architectural firm has a Barcelona chair in the lobby you may assume … Read More
Rorschach test for Architects
. I am an Architect. Well that’s what I would have you believe. But am I? really? Ok, sure, I wear black.I have minimal hair. And I’m pretty sure I’ve has used the word “hierarchy” to describe my breakfast cereal. And, yes, I look tired. But, is this enough to claim the esteemed moniker of “Architect”? Do we really want to live … Read More
A brief guide for recently hired interns
A brief guide to recently hired Architectural interns at Svehn-Björner-Rödskägg Design Collective: If you take the last cup of coffee, make a new pot, and return your key-card to Anneka. She will escort you out of the building. Remove shoes prior to entering the contemplation gallery. Do NOT place shoes on the stainless steel bench outside the glass doors. All … Read More
I need an Architectural pep talk
It’s official. I have angsted myself into a corner. I am in need of some inspiration. It doesn’t need to be Architectural inspiration, because that can be a little…. (what’s a nice way to say self indulgent?) nevermind. I’m drained. Maybe it’s the consistent blaring of sirens coming from the stock market. Maybe my arms are getting sore from digging … Read More
The ideal site
The ideal site for my latest masterpiece will be: Isolated yet scenic Rugged, aged, craggy, but pure, and full of primal longing. Sheltered from the day to day monotony of who we’re expected to be. Accessible only by skiffs, or sculls, rowed skillfully, by young and handsome men. Covered in a thick layer of moss and denial. Visited annually, with … Read More
Things you may not have known about Le Corbusier
It’s been a while since I went into the vault here at Coffee with an Architect. Yes, the stainless steel fur-lined vault of Architectural secrets I keep behind the portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright holding a pear. Frankly, I’ve been hesitant to reopen it since the last time (HERE). Some things are better left in the dark aren’t they? … Read More
An Architect in 140 characters or less
Maybe these could be my new Twitter bio. Or, we could just think of it as an elevator speech… for the lonely. . I’m just an Architect, standing in front of an ideology, asking it to love me; Also, can I have a dollar? I’m an Architect, like Howard Roark from the Fountainhead, only fatter, and underemployed. I’m an Architect, … Read More
Cats do not care about Modern Architecture
. Has it been 12 hours? Really? I spent all day by the floor to ceiling glass wall and watched a sparrow build a nest in the River Oak by the pond. Then I threw up a white hair-ball on the terrazzo floor. Yes, I heard what you said about “servant” and “served” spaces. I understand that my litter box … Read More
Dear Svehn
Dear Svehn, We need to talk. I’ve been working as your intern architect for 5 weeks now and I’ve been noticing this very disturbing trend. You see, the longer I work for you, the more I feel like things are… off. I’ve been asking around to my other friends and they inform me that things are not normal. 1. … Read More