30
Apr

Interview with Michael Graves

“Even though I was one of the originators of Postmodernism, I don’t think in terms of style at all. I never have. I was simply trying to humanize Modernism. I was simply trying to find a way to make an architecture that didn’t leave me cold.”

Michael Graves for Architect Magazine

Some days ago I had the pleasure of talking with US architect Michael Graves. Michael Graves is often credited with moving American architectural thought from abstract modernism to post-modernism. His works range from grand projects (Humana Building in Louisville, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Steigenberger Hotel in Egypt, Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore) to designs for furniture, artifacts, jewelry and household items. Michael Graves has designed 350 buildings worldwide and planned more than 2.000 products, from hardware and lighting to teakettles. Identified as one of The New York Five, he taught at Princeton University in New Jersey for almost 40 years and has received countless honors for his architecture including the 2001 Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects, and the 2010 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education. In December Michael Graves was named the winner of the 2012 Driehaus Prize, which celebrates architects who advance classicism in their work. He has 4 children, loves Rome, art books, Biedermeier Furniture and Tagliatelle Bugatti pasta.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

What was the moment when you knew you would be an architect?

I tell a story that as a young boy, the thing that I could do best was draw. My mother was very nervous that I would try to become a fine artist. She knew it would be difficult to make a living as an artist. Therefore, she encouraged me to find a career path that incorporated drawing, and she suggested engineering or architecture. I asked her what an engineer did, and after she told me, I decided that I would be an architect, because I knew I didn’t want to do engineering. I was probably eight years old.

Is there something that connects all your projects?

Humanism is probably the thing that connects all of our projects. Whether planning a city, designing a building, designing a piece of furniture or designing a toaster, first and foremost I think about how people will interact with the design. I embraced this philosophy while studying in Rome, and it is the most important filter that I include in all of our projects, and it is the greatest thing I have instilled in our office. The terms have become almost cliché, but function drives form in good design at every scale.

Teakettle and peppermill by Michael Graves for Alessi

Looking back at your first project what design knowledge do you wish you had back then?

While I’m sure I would make certain design decisions differently today than I did on my first projects, I believe that every experience informs ones perspective, so I can’t say I wish I had any of today’s design knowledge when I designed my first project. Architecture is an experiential proposition for architects. You are always building on the last experience. Therefore, every experience is important.

What have been the rewards of practicing architecture?

Practicing architecture has been a real gift. I have traveled the world. I have met incredible people. Clients have become friends. Colleagues have become family. I believe we have made a real contribution. Teaching architecture has been equally rewarding. My students have had so much success, and I am proud to have contributed to their understanding of and approach to architecture and design.

Humana Building, Louisville, Kentucky

You have designed everything from skyscrapers to home products and have been honored with numerous awards. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

It is hard for me answer a question like that about myself, but the magazine Fast Company once said that my greatest design is my firm. I think that might be true. I am fortunate to have built an office full of the greatest designers in the world. From my partners who have been with me for decades to our most recent hire, everyone in our office is completely committed to design excellence, and works extremely hard to develop unique design solutions for our clients.

Your favorite books?

I love books. Naming favorites is almost like naming favorite children or favorite designs. However, currently I have just finished reading Nicholas Fox Weber’s Le Corbusier: A Life. I have just started reading Robert Hughes.

Resorts World Sentosa, eco-resort on an island off the coast of Singapore

What’s your advice to upcoming architects?

The advice that I always give to young architects is to read EVERYTHING.

My signature question – what are the most important design elements?

Humanism.

photos: Michael Graves & Associates

23
Apr

Tom Ford on Happiness

Designer, quotes

“I am happier at my ranch in the middle of nowhere watching a bug carry leaves across the grass, listening to silence, riding my horse, and being in open space. So I have some sort of security that if I lost everything in my life, I would be very happy with the simple things because they are the ones that are important…. I learned that happiness for all of us is a switch that you flick in your brain. It doesn’t have anything to do with getting a new house, a new car, a new girlfriend, or a new pair of shoes. Our culture is very much about that; we are never happy with what we have today. We always think that we need something else to be happy… When I am on my deathbed, I don’t think I will be thinking about a nice pair of shoes I had or my beautiful house. I am going to be thinking about an evening I spent with somebody when I was twenty where I felt that I was just absolutely connected to them.”

Tom Ford for The Talks

photo: SGP Italia srl/WireImag

6
Apr

Interview with Trip Haenisch

Designer, Interviews

I am a huge fan of Los Angeles interior designer Trip Haenisch. His work is like no one else’s, sophisticated, eclectic, and comfortable. The interview with Trip is my Easter present for you… Happy Easter weekend!

How would you describe your own style?

I would describe it as fun, curated and most importantly comfortable.

What inspired you to get into design?

I have always had a love of beautiful things. I started an accessories shop and my cliental grew to include designers from all over the world, and from there history was made.

Looking back at your first project what decorating knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?

I had done a lot of freelance work for various people as well as friends and family so I some experience already, but my first real business project was for Cheryl Tiegs. It was an exciting venture and I’ll never forget it. I was able to work with some great people and it was exhilarating to be able to put my design ideas into play.

Is there a designer that has influenced you?

The French Designer Jacques Grange. He has a unique sense of style, effortlessly combining chic elegance with casual comfort.

Some designers believe that the first piece for any room is the rug or a painting that sets up the colors palette. What is your first source of inspiration?

My first source of inspiration comes from the client. I find out what their personality is like and what kind of lifestyles they lead.

How do you achieve a good scale? Scale is a really interesting and difficult topic.

Scale is critical in any space and it’s really something that comes with experience. You can make a small room feel large or a large room intimate and cozy depending on size.

What’s your one best piece of advice on lighting?

Light your art. There’s nothing better than highlighting great artwork. Using wall washers also helps create interesting contrast and even prevents eye fatigue.

What do you love to do when you are not designing?

There’s no clear line between an outside life and my work. Designers often create long lasting relationships with their clients and ultimately become friends so I have a very full social life. But in my personal time I’ll find myself cooking for my son and friends, reading, meditating and doing yoga – I love to exercise both mind and body.

Who are your favorite artists?

John Baldessari, John Currin and Barbara Kruger. I love these artists because they use diverse mediums and there is such an abstract beauty to their work… seemingly simple but so complex.

Your favorite books?

Right now I’m reading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson and House of Merth, by Edith Wharton.

What does success mean to you?

Success mean a lot of things to me, most importantly to love and be loved. I’m successful when I’m happy and can influence others in a positive way.

My signature Design Elements question – what are the most important design elements?

My strongest design elements come in the form of soft furnishings combined with interesting collected pieces. I love casual and comfortable pieces, it always feels ‘right’.

photos: Simon Upton for Elle Decor, Trip Haenisch and Associates

26
Mrz

Interview with Yabu Pushelberg

Designer, Interviews

I’m crushin’ on the work of George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg in a big way. They push the boundaries of interior design and create spaces that are simply amazing. Yabu Pushelberg has been honored with the Platinum Circle Award, for their exceptional achievement in the hospitality industry, as well as, the James Beard Foundation award for excellence in Restaurant design. They were named Designer of the Year by Contract magazine, and have been inducted into the Interior Design magazine Hall of Fame. Recently I had the great pleasure to have a cyber sit down with George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg. Enjoy the conversation. I sure did!

George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg’s West Village apartment

How would you describe your own style?

In many ways our style has become much more discretionary. As we mature as designers we have applied that mindset to our work and have become wiser editors because of it. At the same time we have also become more open to ideas we would have never considered before. Much of the vision comes from the location of the project and recent experiences which open your eyes to trying new things.

Looking back at your first project what knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?

We naively started the firm on our own without a real model for working. We made things up as we went on. We were a little young in that we thought we didn’t need a mentor per se. We were very ambitious as designers but we were bad business people for a long time! In time we learned to get inspiration from really smart clients and to properly manage the business side of things. As time passed we learned to do better things we gradually got better clients and better projects – we saw that one begat the other.

Le Printemps Paris

What is your first source of inspiration?

As we spend much of our time traveling we find inspiration everywhere. We are inspired by other people, beautiful things; inspiration can be found in the simplest to most complex forms.

What do you love to do when you are not designing?

We live such hectic lives that when we are not designing it is imperative for us to make time to enjoy the simple moments in life. We both love exploring what is happening beyond our immediate worlds – whether that involves a walk on the beach or reading to learn about different topics like advancements in science and technology.

Shibuya Las Vegas

Your favourite places?

Our favorite cities are New York and Tokyo but destinations like South America, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Sydney are becoming favorites too.

The treasures you find there?

We find treasure everywhere we travel – recently we met the owners of an old bodega and were very intrigued by the craftsmanship of the store.

Trump Hollywood

What does success mean to you?

Success means having a faithful and philanthropic life.

My signature Design Elements question – what are the most important design elements?

In any design it is important to tap into the emotional element of the space. The design team has really incorporated the approach of decorators rather than strictly designers. Where a designer puts plans on paper and builds the project, a decorator collects furniture and design pieces to create a visually and emotionally appealing space. The end result becomes more interesting when the introduction of local artifacts and colors or patterns of those furnishings.

photos: Richard Powers, Yabu Pushelberg

12
Mrz

Interview with Patrick Printy

Designer, Interviews

It is my pleasure to welcome Patrick Printy – talented US interior designer and art director. Enjoy the interview. I sure did!

How would you describe your own style?

I think my style is constantly evolving. It changes with each client and each home. I am so influenced by the client’s lifestyle and the architecture of the structure that each project is truly unique for me. I have a few guiding principles. I certainly always mix styles/periods. I don’t take it too seriously, I never want a space feel too precious or over-designed. And I always want my rooms to have character and feel comfortable.

What inspired you to get into design?

My grandmother. She had the most amazing style in both fashion and interiors. I never realized how much she influenced me until I was an adult. I still get inspired by rooms in her homes that I remember from when I was young.

Looking back at your first project what decorating knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?

A global approach to design. Even if you are working on only one room make sure it feels connected to the rest of the house through architectural details, colors and styling.

Is there a designer that has influenced you?

Not personally, but I think Steven Gambrel is just amazing.

Some designers believe that the first piece for any room is the rug or a painting that sets up the colors palette. What is your first source of inspiration?

It really can be anything. I try to let it come from the client, I don’t have any specific processes or rules for designing.

How do you achieve a good scale? Scale is a really interesting and difficult topic.

It’s all about balance and that can be achieved in so many different ways. I think it’s almost a sixth sense, something that you either have or you don’t.

What’s your one best piece of advice on lighting?

Do not used recessed ceiling fixtures.

What is the biggest mistake people make when they decide to decorate their own homes without the guidance of a designer?

Only using pieces of a certain style or period which makes a space feel very one-dimensional.

What do you love to do when you are not designing?

I always seem to be fixing something around the house, re-landscaping the yard, or spending time with friends and our dogs.

What are your favorite books?

The Fountainhead, To Kill A Mockingbird, anything by JM Coetzee.

What does success mean to you?

The ability to work only with people I like.

My signature question – what are the most important design elements?

In all areas of design I think the most important element is texture. In fabric, wood, furniture, accessories – the layers of texture are what truly make a space come to life and feel personal.

photos: Laura Resen for Elle Decor

28
Feb

Interview with Cara Cummins

Designer, Interviews

Cara Cummins with her architect husband Jose Tavel and their rescue dogs

It is my pleasure to introduce Cara Cummins - principal in TaC Studios, architect, designer and the first J. Neel Reid Prize winner. Cara’s home is one of my favorite homes ever featured in Metropolitan Home. Enjoy the interview and the photos of Cara and Jose’s beautiful Atlanta home!

How would you describe your own style?

I am driven by function and purpose, utility is my style.

Looking back at your first project what decorating knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?

Have no fear, and avoid perfect.

Is there a designer that has influenced you?

Ray Eames, Clodagh, John Pawson, Anne Fougeron, Charles-Édouard Jeannere aka Le Corbusier, Eileen Grey.

Some designers believe that the first piece for any room is the rug or a painting that sets up the colors palette. What is your first source of inspiration?

Typically I am inspired by the purpose of the space, the view, the quality of light, or when working with a client they may have an existing object. Color is always abstract until placed in the context of the space and it’s light .

How do you achieve a good scale? Scale is a really interesting and difficult topic.

Scale is always coupled with proportion. Often we will change the ceiling height in the space to better define that space, to break it away from the whole. The feeling of compressed space at an entry, coupled with the relief of that space can create a transition that breaks away from the life outside the entry.

What do you love to do when you are not designing?

Making that design come to life, entertaining or being entertained.

Who are your favorite artists?

Currently Louise Bourgeois, she was so honest and brave in her work.

Your favorite books?

Anything by Anis Nin, Umberto Eco, Italo Calvino, the list is too long.

What does success mean to you?

Always having something that must be done.

My signature Design Elements question – what are the most important design elements?

Light, understanding the how, the why, and the when.

photos: Mali Azima for Metropolitan Home via Elle Decor

20
Feb

Interview with Vicente Wolf

Designer, Interviews

“The loft is my retreat. I have done exactly what I wanted to the space and filled it with objects I love in the casual way I want to live. You, too, can take your space into your own hands. I am not suggesting you copy what I’ve done, because the point is not to mimic anyone but to follow your own muse, whether you choose a designer or design yourself. What I am offering is a template – a few strategies to adopt or discard to get you started – because once you have really learned to see, you will find what you like and go your own way. Designing anything is a process and you should continue to add and subtract. Change is what keeps a space, and an individual, alive. How do you want to feel when you walk into a room? Comfortable? Tranquil? Energized? Once you know what makes you feel good, you can create a room that reflects your own emotions and sensibility. Designing is all about getting in touch with yourself.”

Vicente Wolf, “Learning to See”

I’m a huge fan of Vicente Wolf – designer extraordinaire with a definite point of view; with passion for design guided by simplicity and integrity; master of combining different styles in a way that feels effortless; extremely talented and a natural at what he does; superb photographer, passionate art collector and intrepid world traveler. Vicente Wolf has been at the top of the design industry for over 35 years. Architectural Digest included him in their “AD 100“ and he was also named one of the top 100 designers by Metropolitan Home’s “Design 100”. House Beautiful named Vicente Wolf one of the 10 most influential designers in the United States and Interior Design Magazine inducted him in its “Designer Hall of Fame”. He has received the Pantone Color Award and was named one of the “Top 20 Designers of the past 20 Years”. Vicente Wolf has published 3 books - “Learning to See” 2002, “Crossing Boundaries: A Global Vision of Design” 2006 and “Lifting the Curtain on Design” 2010 – all favorites of mine! I’ve posted quotes from them here and here. I’m running out of superlatives. So here is the interview. Enjoy. I sure did!

How would you describe your own style?

Spaces that are comfortable, elegant, but still relaxed with accents of different cultures and periods. The architecture shines through with clean and sharp lines.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be an interior designer?

In my early 20s.

Looking back at your first project what decorating knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?

The conviction of my vision to not use pattern. Even though the pattern was used everywhere in my first project, which neutralized it, but now I wouldn’t use pattern.

Is there a designer that has influenced you?

Yes, David Hicks.

Some designers believe that the first piece for any room is the rug or a painting that sets up the color palette. What is your first source of inspiration?

The requirements of the client, the pros and cons of the space, and my imagination.

How do you find connections between disparate things?

It is instinctual to me, and I see if they play well against each other.

How do you achieve this simplicity in your interiors?

By not using pattern, dealing with the architecture of the backgrounds in a balanced, clean way.

How do you achieve a sense of warmth and unity?

Warmth is a subliminal message that gets conveyed by a balance of shapes, tones, and a strong sense of humanity in the space.

How do you achieve a sense of good scale?

Born with it.

Please finish the sentence: The best moments of any project are:

Beginning and the end.

What do you find fascinating?

Being in places outside of my comfort zone that allow my imagination to come up with new ideas and visions.

You visited the tallest sand dunes in the world in Namibia, tribes in Papua New Guinea that were still living in complete isolation, you heard the temple bells in Bhutan… What surprised you the most?

How lost we are here in NY, and how we’ve lost the sense of what’s really important.

The treasures that you found…

I bring to my showroom, VW Home. I have the pleasure of finding them and the freedom to let them go.

Your top travel tip…

By an around-the-world ticket. It gives you the opportunity to travel to many places at a low cost.

What are for you the keys to a happy and meaningful life?

Nice clients, time off to explore, a meaningful relationship, and the freedom to eliminate the things that work against these things.

photos: Vicente Wolf

p.s.: A note by me

Some years ago I have no idea of interior design. A few months before my bar exam my husband gave me a wonderful book – it was “Learning to See”. This book has changed the way I view things. I began learning to see… It is not enough to be passionate about design. We have to stand for something. Vicente’s way inspires and reminds me of my favorite movie scene. In “Indecent Proposal” an architect (Woody Harrelson as David Murphy) stands in front of his students talking about architecture and great architects. His words: “the great ones are impossible to deal with… because they know that if they do their jobs properly… if they just this once get it right… they can actually lift the human spirit… take it to a higher place.”

Thank you, Vicente, for doing your job properly, continually inspiring us, sharing your knowledge, taking us to a higher place…

15
Feb

Interview with David Hicks

Designer, Interviews

It is my pleasure to introduce David Hicks – one of Australia’s leading interior designers. Enjoy the conversation and David’s extraordinary creations.

How would you describe your own style?

I describe my style as modern luxury. I am heavily influenced by the modernists for my architectural work and detailing and love a bit of luxury. So I often combine the two in my work. My architectural style is very minimal and streamlined with using a currated palette of finishes, I then layer onto this the decorative. My decorative style is very eclectic yet considered. I use pieces from different periods and cultures and love to mix and match. This is a contrast to the architectural bones of my spaces but I make it work in harmony.

What inspired you to get into design?

Ever since I was a young child I loved design. I used to make little houses in the garden out of sticks and landscape around them, driving my toy cars into the minaiture properties. I loved James Bond movies and the sets they used to design. I think it was just in my blood really. I always wanted to be an architect but decided on interiors due to the quicker change over on projects. I think I would get too bored working on a building for years and years.

Looking back at your first project what decorating knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?

My first project was very minimal. It was all white and black and very modernist. Some would consider it not to be decorative but I did. I was decorative in the sheer expanse of simple materials used. The materials became the decoration and the precisely placed modern furniture. I suppose if I had more of an insight, as I do now, into decoration the space may have been a bit softer, but having said that it is one of my favourite projects.

Is there a designer that has influenced you?

I am going to say what most architects say, Mies van der Rohe. I love his work. I am also influenced by Lautner and Neutra and the Los Angeles modernism. I am influenced by people in fashion such as Tom Ford and from movies. As mentioned before I have been hugely influenced by the sets of the old James Bond movies.

Some designers believe that the first piece for any room is the rug or a painting that sets up the colors palette. What is your first source of inspiration?

This changes from project to project. I generally do not start with any one thing. The palette seems to just build up by itself. I am primarily more concerned with the bones of a space. This then allows for beautiful decoration. Once the materials of the space have been defined I then look at the decorative. This usually starts with a loose theme and is built up from there. Paintings, rugs, furniture upholstery and furniture itself are really layered to create a whole. I do not start with just one thing.

How do you achieve a good scale? Scale is a really interesting and difficult topic.

Scale is very important in design. It is what we as human beings relate to in a space. It is also what can make a space feel comfortable or uncomfortable. I often play with scale to create a bit of personality to a space. This come naturally to me and works most times. I do not labour over the size of things, rather trust my instincts and just go with it.

What do you love to do when you are not designing?

I love travelling. This is what really inspires me and feeds me. I like food, good wine and googling anything and everything on the Internet. Google is such an amazing thing. I can spend hours and hours on google.

Who are your favorite artists?

My favourite artists would have to be Meadmore, Australian working in America, for his amazing bronze sculptures; Dale Frank, Australian, for his amazing use of color; Curtis Jere, an American artist, for his now vintage creations and Charles Hollis Jones, another American for his work in lucite.

Your favorite books?

You know it’s terrible, I do not tend to read much. I am a visual person and love picture books. I do not really have a favourite as I love most picture based books. If I had to say I really like books on Helmut Newton photography and Mies van der Rohe architecture.

What does success mean to you?

Success is what you make it. I am always striving for success. I think most designers are subconsciously. It is the art of trying to be better and better and better. This is what drives me, the desire to perfect my craft. To make money doing this is success.

My signature Design Elements question – what are the most important design elements?

The most important design elements are space and materials. If the architectural space is not beautiful then the decoration will not be successful. Detail and how the space is put together is very important to me.

photos: David Hicks

1
Feb

Interview with Kelly Behun

Designer, Interviews

Kelly Behun is a New York-based interior designer whose work I’ve been drawn to from the first moment I saw it in Vogue and Desire to Inspire. Although Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania she decided to follow her heart and moved into the world of design. I’m always impressed by people who made the choice to follow their passions. Meanwhile Kelly’s fabulous work has been published in many magazines globally, including House Beautiful, House and Garden, Vogue, Elle, Bo Bedre, Elle Decor Italy, New York Magazine, Architectural Digest Germany, Marie Claire Maison. I hope you’ll enjoy the interview as much as I did!

How would you describe your own style?

I am always reluctant to describe my style too specifically as it is always evolving….but others have called it “warm modern.” I am naturally drawn to modern interiors but always with an organic element, as well as something with a bit of “kook,” that is, something a bit off, surreal, or so-wrong-it’s-right.

You attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where you received a Bachelor of Science in Economics. What inspired you to get into design?

The realization that I would be a lousy investment banker. My mind tended to wander in class to more interesting issues, such as how could I redesign this room to make it more conducive to learning? Why is this lighting so unflattering and what would I do to fix it? Those were the early signs……

Looking back at your first project what decorating knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?

I guess I wish I’d taken more risks back then, not played it quite so safe, but for me that is something that has come with experience and confidence. My risks tend to pay off now, I can only imagine what they would’ve looked like back then. I see some of the fashion risks I took and I shudder.

Is there a designer that has influenced you?

I tend to be more influenced by architects: the elegance of Paul Rudolph’s Sarasota houses, the restraint of John Pawson, the sensualness of Marcio Kogan, the audacity of Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes.

Some designers believe that the first piece for any room is the rug or a painting that sets up the colors palette. What is your first source of inspiration?

The first source is the client. I love the collaborative process and where the push & pull of it can lead.

Your white rooms are incredible! How do you achieve this?

The funny thing about white is that people get scared of it, but when you have enough white in a room an interesting thing happens optically…not only can it be incredibly calming and soothing, but it tends to suppress the eye’s desire to pick up little imperfections, like a scuff here or a stain there. And that is the paradox of the all-white interior – it is rather forgiving!

How do you achieve a good scale? Scale is a really interesting and difficult topic.

I was fortunate in starting out to work for Ian Schrager’s design team and in doing so got to work on several projects with Philippe Starck who is a master at playing with scale in a space…it is all about balance: knowing when to respect it and when to subvert it.

What do you love to do when you are not designing?

Just hanging out with my 2 boys, and with my husband. The 3 of them are funny and sweet and make me laugh.

Who are your favorite artists?

Michael Heizer, James Turrell, Louise Bourgeois, Frank Stella, Agnes Martin, Francis Alys, Tauba Auerbach, Marlo Pascual, Elad Lassry. I could go on…..

Your favorite books?

All-time favorite: The Great Gatsby.

You have 2 children and a successful interior design business. How do you balance work and family life?

I think most working moms would agree, the balance is not always easy to achieve but somehow things always fall into place. My kids are my priority but working makes me happy and my children know that. And when I’m happy I’m a better mom.

What does success mean to you?

For me a successful interior is one that captures the essence of the client, and that beautifully expresses the original intention of the room, whether it be to restore, transform, calm, excite, inspire. Professional success means happy clients, and actually becoming friends with my clients after the project ends – that was something I never expected when I got into this business but it has come to mean a lot to me.

My signature Design Elements question – what are the most important design elements?

Good lighting, and knowing when to stop! I don’t like a space that has been over-designed…i prefer a bit of “negative space” where the eye can pause and rest. I’ve found it to be a powerful tool to achieving a beautiful environment…..

photos: Kelly Behun Studio

17
Jan

Interview with Tom Kundig

Architecture, Designer, Interviews

“For me, the site is sacred. I like to spend time walking the site and getting to know it. The goal for the architecture is to help reveal and unfold the site, to frame the site and its aspect…I find inspiration in a lot of things but am particularly influenced by nature and how people to respond to it. I think small structures in big landscapes remind us of our place in the natural order of things…that we are part of a larger system. Small buildings encourage their users to engage with the world at large.“

Tom Kundig for Architects + Artisans

Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architecs is one of the most recognized architects in the world. His houses have left an indelible mark on the residential design becoming modern-day classics. Tom Kundig has been awarded a total of thirty-seven AIA awards, and over seventy awards total. He loves mountaineering, rock climbing and sees his work as frame for nature. Enjoy the beautiful frames below and the interview…I sure did.

What was the moment when you knew you would be an architect?

I was raised in a culture of architecture and art. My father was an architect and a close family friend was artist Harold Balazs. As a kid, I worked for Harold in his studio and his approach to work, art and life continues to inspire me today. I didn’t originally want to be an architect. In college, I studied earth sciences and geophysics; I was also interested in art. It was during college that I realized that architecture was the perfect union of science and art…what Glenn Murcutt describes as the intersection of the rational and the poetic.

Is there something that connects all your projects?

I am a firm believer that everything you do…your life experiences…informs what you will do, and so forth.

Looking back at your first project what design knowledge do you wish you had back then?

When you start out as an architect, you don’t know what you don’t know.

What have been the rewards of practicing architecture?

Getting the chance to meet interesting people and work on interesting projects and sites. It helps, too, to have talented teams of people to work with and we are fortunate to have that. Ultimately, the success of our work is determined by those we design for, and whether what we do now holds up over time…that’s true sustainability.

How do you think the role of the architect will change over the next years?

No doubt it will change. I think the role of the architect will become more connected to the craft of building.

To date, you have been awarded a total of thirty-seven AIA awards, and over seventy awards total. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Having clients tell me years after a project was completed that they continue to enjoy their house, and that it is a source of continual discovery, is a huge thrill.

Your favorite books?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig

In Praise of Shadows, by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki

The Wisdom of Insecurity, by Alan Watts

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey

A River Runs Through It, by Norman MacLean

What’s your advice to upcoming architects?

Have patience. The practice of architecture is complicated…there is so much to learn.

My signature question – what are the most important design elements?

Aside from the client’s program, the site is super important…the first time I walk a site is the most important…those first impressions inform everything that comes after. I think it is important to make the interaction with architecture meaningful…that can be achieved through the use of materials, by shifts in scale or function, and through the experience of space.