My Thoughts
Usually called a blog, this is where I like to get the thoughts in my head out into the world. While this site is under construction, all my posts are here, in one place.
Disclaimer
I have no intent to offend anyone. My thoughts are my personal expressions. If you are hurt by something I say, I am genuinely sorry.
Thoughts on Style
As an architect, I frequently get asked the question; "what architectural style do you design?" Well, that's a loaded question and people are usually surprised by the answer. If they asked; "what is your favorite style of architecture?" they would likely get a shorter...
What is an Artist (or Architect)?
I know that this blog is billed somewhat as a critique of architecture and specifically that of residential planning and design. However, an article appeared in the last issue of Architecture MN that I want to comment on. The title of the article is "Is An Architect...
Patterns of Life
Have you ever considered your patterns of life? Have you ever arrived at work with little recollection of what you did before you got there? If you think about your average day, from day to day, you will discover that very distinct patters. Patterns in the way...
Musing on the Mother Art
Frank Lloyd Wright said “The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.” It’s an interesting quote. When I was in design school I used that quote in an argument with my industrial design professor as to...
Value of Design
Some time ago I was part of a local business networking group in Brainerd, Minnesota. It was a group that met once a week and gave professionals an opportunity to mingle with other professionals in the area and build better business relationships. I was a member of...
Sometimes, Great Design Just Happens!
Some great design just happens! In design school, I once had a professor say that "designers make great use out of accidents." Hard to believe that you are hearing a designer say this, but some of the greatest things I have ever seen weren't planned by anyone. They...
Spirit of Place
Originally posted on www.designmyhome.com It wasn't until I walked into the Utah Veteran's Memorial when I was in my twenties that I became conscious of the Spirit of Place. I vaguely remember the feeling being somewhat familiar suggesting that while this was the...
“What Do You Think of My House”
Have you ever asked your architect friend "what do you think of my house?" Don’t. Or at least don’t if you don’t want them to have to lie to you. Most architects I know have what one might call a "discerning palette." They are pickier than my 5 year old at dinner time...
Ride the Red
I got home today from my new morning ritual involving red dirt and saw a link on facebook to a radio interview with a friend of mine talking specifically about an event coming up called the Cayuna Lakes Klunker Ride and Scrap Metal Jamboree and in general about his...
A Thank You to My Mentor
Originally posted on ohdesignpc.com ... An unsolicited shout out to Kevin Scholz, Architect There are certain people in your life who help provide direction, education and passion. As I look back on my life it's easy to recognize those people. There are some I didn't...
Strong Towns and New Urbanism
I had never heard of Strong Towns before last year. In graduate school, while I was preparing to become a licensed architect, I learned of New Urbanism during a site planning class. I summarily rejected it for reasons rooted in my governing principles. I am a liberty...
Trifecta
There has been some discussion on this web site and others about the cost associated with well designed homes. In my post entitled McPeople I posited that home owners in general are willing to accept inferior design in the name of blandness and resale. A commenter...
Comment on the Nature of Architecture
Originally posted on www.designmyhome.com While reviewing our google analytics, I noticed that someone made it to our page using the search “architecture is not sculpture”. This is an interesting place to start a discussion. By itself, the statement “architecture is...