Architectural Quotes
Architecture is frozen music. Frederic von Schelling: Philosophie der Kunst This is part of a personal collection of what others have said about architecture. Profound, cynical or silly, it is relevant to me; perhaps it will be for you as well. It is in no particular order and I will share from time to time. […]
Clients & Customers
I feel my clients hire me to look after their building project in the same way that a patient hires a doctor to care for their health…
Joining the AI…ehhhh
Image: Vintage Drafting tools, copyright Adobe Stock/Grigory I am a loyal, frustrated, enthusiastic, passive member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). I watch it commit tactical errors, abandon initiatives, be fleeced by corporate sponsors (full disclosure: I was one such sponsor in a past career), and generally spend too much time looking in the […]
Petaluma Pastoral
Our Petaluma Pastoral project by is an ongoing multi-phased endeavor for a happy client. Set on 4.5 acres of picturesque rolling farmland, two buildings have been completed so far, and a third is in the design phase. As visitors arrive at the site, they are greeted by an amazing rural modern “structure.” In fact, the […]
The Building Is Alive!
Mark Twain said of his Connecticut home: “To us, our house was not insentient matter — it had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace […]
What is Architecture? A Collection of Quotations, Part I
From time to time, I add to a personal collection of what others have said about architecture. Profound, cynical or silly, it is relevant to me; perhaps it will be for you as well. -David Marlatt, AIA Architecture is life, or at least it is life itself taking form and therefore it is the truest […]
Architect Lexicon: Challenge
CHALLENGE. OPPORTUNITY. OBSTACLE. We often say that we don’t like problems, but, in fact, we can’t live without them. More precisely, we can’t make a living without them. Problems are so important, that architects (most professions, actually) have three words for them. Challenge: Any problem before it has been analyzed. “Well, Ms Jones, razing a […]
The Value of an Architect
Through education, training and experience, an architect is the one professional person who is equipped to guide you through the design, permitting and construction of a building or renovation project. Unlike other specialized professionals (that may also be needed) such as structural engineers, mechanical engineers, geotechnical engineers, an architect is trained to be a generalist, […]
Distinguishing Profession From Business
Recently, I was reminded of a good article by Richard Farson, a former AIA Public Director, from arcCA, the journal of the AIA California Council. The paragraph that resonated most with me – and should with any professional – is (emphasis is mine): “(The AIA) has to make a distinction as to whether architecture is […]
Architecture That Resonates
If your home can’t do this, maybe it is time to consider a new home or remodel! First, we define our spaces. Then, our spaces define us!