Over the years, as I’ve progressed and matured in the practice of architecture, I’ve come across quotations from a variety of sources that have become my moral compass. I thought I’d share these. Maybe they’ll inspire you, guide you, or reaffirm your values. Enjoy:

Values

“Maintaining strong values is the key to success in any field, chief among them is a solid work ethic.” – Cal Ripken Jr.

“Self-Discipline – Having purity of thought, being true to your values” – Source unknown

“Doing the right thing pays off.” – Source unknown

“The success of an organization is best measured by the quality of the people and organizations which it serves.” – Source Unknown

Passion Read the rest of this entry »

DLA Partner Steve Wright usually keeps a busy schedule, but this week he’s taking some time to get away from the office and get his hands dirty.

He and his daughter have hit the road to New Orleans. This is their second trip to help rebuild the Lower 9th Ward which was inundated with 12 feet of water after the levees broke during Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. He helped rebuild 2 homes three years ago and this year they are working to complete a church in time for Easter this spring.

Believe it or not, after 6+ years there is still a great deal of work to do down there.  When he was last in the area, there was literally nothing left except foundations and a few homes that had been constructed by Brad Pitt. It will be interesting to see how much progress has been made in the last three years.

For those interested, there will be daily progress updates posted on the website www.restoretrinity.org  and the log for the mission trip he’s on is at http://www.restoretrinity.org/january-2012-mission-trips/jan-8-14-daily-log/.

When he returns, he’ll update the DLA Architects team on an overview of where things stand to date in NOLA and what progress has been made since he was last there.

We thought we’d share some of the tunes that have been playing here around the office lately. Enjoy!

When you’re working on a project, what is your favorite part of the process?

Seeing the finished product!

Are you inspired by the work of another graphic designer or artist? If so, who?

Ansel Adams really inspires my photography.  A wonderful example composition and light. The most important thing in photography is light and they way he captures it is beautiful.

Why did you choose a career in graphic design? Why for an architecture firm?  Read the rest of this entry »

When you’re working on a project, what is your favorite part of the process?

The construction process during any project is always fascinating; witnessing two-dimensional drawings take life is quite exciting.  Having several different trades coordinate and work together to create something you envisioned is incredible.

Are you inspired by the work of another architect or artist?

I would be remiss if I did not mention Mies Van der Rohe.  His philosophy on architecture and his overall obsession with details has been very significant in my view of buildings, structure and material selection.  I also love the work of artist Dan Flavin.  His light installations are remarkable.  It is amazing how a careful arrangement of fluorescent light fixtures can become a poetic piece of art.

Why did you choose a career in architecture? Read the rest of this entry »

When you’re working on a project, what is your favorite part of the process?  

My favorite part of the process is the visioning. Listening to and understanding an administrator or board member’s overall vision of a learning environment and demonstrating how partnering with DLA can shepherd the ethereal to the concrete.  

If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be?  

I’d love to dine with competitive eating champion Kobayashi  

Do you have any pets? Read the rest of this entry »

Why did you choose a career in architecture?

Some part of me always loved buildings and the art of putting them together. When I was a kid I, of course, played with building blocks and Legos. I did a project on architecture in third grade and at the end declared, “When I grow up I want to be an architect.” Sometimes Read the rest of this entry »

Are you inspired by the work of another architect or artist? If so, who?
I love modern and contemporary art. One of my favorite things is stop to by the MCA in Chicago and see what’s new. While I really enjoy Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons, my absolute favorite is Jenny Holzer. Her work is really challenging and it makes you think on many levels, from the composition of her installations and how they relate to their environment to the messages she puts across. I like that she pushes buttons. I suppose that since most of her work is large scale and about juxtaposing meaning with public space, it does have a tie-in to architecture. Thinking about it, I guess I really enjoy work that is confrontational and a little disturbing, but still has a sense of humor (or irony).

Where did you go to high school? Read the rest of this entry »

When you’re working on a project, what is your favorite part of the process?

This is a split between two parts of the process:

1. Working with the client to understand and develop architectural responses to their specific needs and desires.
2. Seeing the final built realization of this response.

Are you inspired by the work of another architect or artist? If so, who?

Norman Foster

Why did you choose a career in architecture?

To be able to have a positive influence, no matter how small, on people’s lives through built forms and spaces.

Where did you go to high school? Read the rest of this entry »