Personality in Architecture

Design is personal.  The objects and environments that shape our environment shape us.

For designers and architects, the people at the front end of the design process who make the decisions that shape these objects and environments, the process is somewhat reversed.  In the same way that every artist’s work could be considered a self-portrait, the final constructions of architects bear the identity of the designer’s hand.  A Wright house will not look like a Johnson house. A Meyer museum will have a different personality than a Gehry museum.  A Foster skyscraper will be totally different than a Nouvel.

But this is an illusory image, idealistic and fantastic.  The idea that a larger than life design personality simply arrives in town to build structures which bear their signature identity like little gifts given out of some magical workshop far, far away, that these gifts are given only on seldom occasions and are in fact unwrapped with ribbon cuttings prior to opening reminds me of a much deeper cultural belief in fantasy. 

 

Our first Vision class discussed the topic of legacy and leadership in Architecture.  Firm leaders presented what they believed about the profession and the candidates presented what inspires them to pursue design.  What struck me most about these presentations was the deeply personal motivation shared by all for pursuing architecture as a profession.  No one is doing it for the money, because there isn’t any.  No one is doing it for the fame, because it doesn’t exist. They are doing it because they care, they want to give, and they have the talents to do it.

I made some notes during our conversation and wanted to consider the following statements as it relates to personality in architecture.

“Be true to yourself. Don’t wear a mask.”

It’s easy for Peter Zumthor to be true to himself. He has a practice that is established, a history of successful, beautiful buildings, and the unique privilege of not having to pursue clients – they pursue him.  But how do you be true to yourself as you are still learning and trying to grow your expertise?  How do you not wear a mask but still pull a rabbit out of your hat?

“Know thyself. Sell Thyself”

Every project is unique.  This is exciting and challenging and what makes design so interesting.  But how can you know that you’ve never done something before and still sell the service?  How can you both promise quality and performance and at the same time own mistakes and shortcomings, knowing that design and construction will be messy and mistakes will happen?

“It’s not the grades you make, but the hands you shake”

Architecture is a service business and as such is based in people.  It is not a remote profession (although technology allows us to practice this way more and more and I would argue that remote design has the same effects as remote wars on the mental health of the professionals and outcomes of a particular problem).  You have to be there, to listen, to see, and to shake the hands and look in the eyes of the people for whom you are designing.

In the end, architecture is for people and architecture is for life.  And life is messy, full of joy and sadness.  What we offer as architects is not signature design, but a personality and process, a way of thinking through design problems and finding the best solution from our personal experience.  We can’t promise trophies, but we can guarantee that we will lead the process to the best of our abilities and that we will do it with joy, hard work, and personality.  In return, we don't need fame and fortune, just the opportunity to create and give. Of course some milk and cookies would be nice too.