“Designers should define their role broadly as agents of good in the world, and limit their work to ‘legitimate’ products: those that are needed, and those that can be made without damage to nature or — through the unethical actions of manufacturers and investors — damage to people.”

Industrial designer Phillipe Starck, on the purpose of design
via Treehugger

“The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”

“To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.”

“The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.”

“What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for others.”

“Each decision we make, each action we take, is born out of an intention.”

If you’ve been through the design and construction process, you know there are many, many decisions to be made, from where the buildng will site to what finish the drawer pulls will have.

One challenge we as designers accept, is to maintain continuity of the design intent from start to finish. From our first conversations about the project to occupancy, we define and develop the core project’s core concepts. Often, we are called upon to protect those concepts. For example, unforseen conditions, sudden unavailability of materials, a construction mistake, or a change of mind can trigger opportunities for the design intent to be sacrificed.

So what’s the big deal? Architecture is an art of relationships. Relationships between needs, wants, spaces, materials, proportions and systems make a building what it is. One choice can destroy the relationship between a myriad of relationships, which in turn can turn harmony into turmoil. Or, that same choice can accomodate the needs of the project and gracefully complete the whole.

What is your intention for your space? VIVUS can help make it a reality.

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.”

Gore Vidal

This quote caught my eye, given my recent interview with Cameron Sinclair of Architecture for Humanity ( who recently published “Design like you Give A Damn“.)

It’s a really thought provoking quote for me because of the many definitions of style in architecture. Initially, I disagreed, since I see historical architectural styles being parodied in modern residential construction. Then, after more thought, it became clear that Vidal is talking about personal style not just any style. That brought me back to the primary lesson (among many) of the Master’s Thesis: to design sustainably, I have to know my values, for they guide my choices both consciously and subconsciously. Or, in Vidal’s words, I’ve got to know who I am. “What I want to say” relates to the expression of the values and the importance of those values relative to that expression. Example from practice: balancing north-facing windows with heat loss. Not giving a damn means being commited to your values and expression. I’m a convert. The definition works for personal style.

I’m not ready to apply it to architecture, but I open to discussion on the matter. Let me hear your thoughts through the comments!