Most projects experience a budget crisis at one point or another. However, no self-respecting architect would ever shut down the project over a simple disagreement over the proper allocation of the clients finances. No. Architects do not let a small obstacle like money stand in the way of creativity. No. In fact, most of us would see this as a … Read More
Design like you are nine years old
Do you remember when design was fun? When the thought of resolving the intricate puzzle of a building was exhilarating? Me either. But, I need to find that place again. That place where I stand with the wide-eyed wonder of a child before the possibilities, instead of slouching into the office with the weight of someone else’s world on my … Read More
Evil Lairs
New plan. From now on I will ONLY design evil lairs. Because all the best architecture is designed for the evil. My work will have moats, and concrete, and glass and steel. I will design 16-story one-bedroom homes, with helipads, and lots of electronics. There will be a retractable roof, maybe lasers. I will completely ignore the building code, … Read More
Design means doing what I say
Occasionally I read an article that I completely agree with. I nod my head, check an imaginary box somewhere in my cerebellum that’s labeled “see what I mean” and retweet that article. This article actually: “Great design = getting people to do what you want.”, by Seth Godin Then I go to bed. At 2:32 am, I wake up and … Read More
Who’s an Architect? Doctor Who
I’m going to step right out on a limb and just go ahead and say what we’ve all been thinking. Doctor Who… is TOTALLY an Architect.
Don’t believe me? Well, I’ve been reviewing the evidence (mostly on Netflix, but somewhat on BBC America) and I think I’m on pretty solid ground with this theory. Although I’m still on season 7, so…maybe things will change in season 8. Maybe they’ll replace the current Doctor with a gruff melancholy overly thin and haggard white guy with an accent and visions of grandeur and a chip on his shoulder, which, actually, would also be a very Architect-y thing to do. Does Peter Capaldi have male pattern baldness? No… well… maybe he’ll ditch the bowtie for black-rimmed round glasses. *fingers-crossed*
Either way,
DOCTOR WHO? TOTALLY an Architect.
Well, I can come up with at least 9 examples of the similarities:
I may have misunderstood what Mies van der Rohe was saying
Mies van der Rohe comes to me at night and yells at me. I think it’s Mies van der Rohe. Although, he does look a little like my grandfather, and he smells like steel and optimism. Anyway, this is what he yells at me. At least I think it is, but, I may have misunderstood him, possibly. I wasn’t really … Read More
I’ve had this conversation more than once
Me: Hi. I’m returning your call. I understand you’re looking for some help on your project? Them: Oh, yeah. I’m looking for an architect to do the drawings for the building I’m going to build. Are you the one who does the drawings? Me: Um, sure…. um, I’d love to help. Tell me a little about what you have in … Read More
We, the architects
We the architects,
in order to form a more perfect union of rectilinear forms and orderly plans, do, on this day, collectively (and sometimes individually) declare our independence from the scourge of thoughtless design.
Today, we, the tired few…
Shit Architects Say (part 5)
Because architects have a way with words, and it’s an angsty way with words. (you can jump back to Part 1 <HERE> and Part 2 <HERE> and part 3 <HERE> and part 4 <HERE> if you missed them) . . . . . . . It probably doesn’t. . All photos are from Chad Magiera’s photostream on FLICKR and have been used under the creative commons … Read More
Snippets of Angst
If you follow me on Twitter, then you should completely ignore this. Because you’ve probably read this before. Because, I assume that everyone who follows me on Twitter voraciously hangs on my every tweet. I also imagine myself as being taller on twitter. Furthermore, I like to imagine myself as a Nordic god, standing on the edge of a … Read More
The people who don’t hire me don’t trust me
I started my own firm in 2009. I think I mentioned that didn’t I? Anyway…. 2009 was not the best year to start a business, or to invest in real estate, or to buy groceries for your kids. But, I started my company anyway, mainly because of the “lack of anywhere else to work” thing, and because I’m awesome, mostly … Read More