We asked our few members of our staff to discuss those architects that inspired them throughout their professional life. Let’s take a look at how their design inspiration evolved from college to career.
Eva Read-Warden, AIA:
What architects did you study or familiarize yourself with before going to school?
When I was a new student to architecture, I thought that architects only designed new buildings….a very American and naïve perception! But as my knowledge expanded I realized that architects could also impact places by renovation. I then discovered Carlo Scarpa, an Italian architect who is best known for his renovations in historic buildings. Scarpa’s brilliant designs carefully balanced the existing historic architecture with his artful new interventions. Studying Scarpa taught me that subtly can be as powerful as new construction. Check out his work for Olivetti, located in Venice: https://www.archdaily.com/155074/ad-classics-olivetti-showroom-carlos-scarpa
Joshua Pisors, Architectural Intern:
What were your favorite ones to study while in school?
Richard Meier was an inspiration during the first half of my undergrad, largely amplified by visiting the Getty museums in Los Angeles and getting lost within. Shigeru Ban is an inspiration for me right now, what with his paper tube structures plus the current, and very important, issue of climate change and our sustainable future.
Brooke Whitehurst, Associate AIA:
What architects did you study or familiarize yourself with before going to school?
Honestly before going to school, I didn’t familiarize myself with any specific architects. I vaguely knew about Frank Lloyd Wright, but that’s about as far as it went. I know there is great value in imitating, admiring, and learning from successful people in your industry, but before college I was still figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. What drew me to architecture wasn’t really a person, so much as learning about the concept of architecture as a tool to express art and help others.
What were your favorite ones to study while in school?
As a student I really enjoyed learning about the diversity of architectural styles as whole, so when my attention was caught by an individual, I was drawn to the one-of-a-kind. I had fun studying the bold, curving motion of Zaha Hadid, the whimsical, loud imagery of Antoni Gaudi, and the yes even the controversial deconstructivism of Frank Gehry.
Which ones inspire you now that you are out in the workplace?
Now that I’m in the workplace, I still can’t say that I follow any specific architects, but I am developing a deeper appreciation for the more personal ways that our industry touches people.
Two of the projects that have stuck with me, when it comes to collaborative, humanitarian efforts, are the Maggie’s Center’s for cancer patients, and the revitalization of the struggling Rwinkwavu Hospital in Rwanda. Both using teams of people to provide healing spaces for people in need.
Photo Credit: dRMM
Photo Credi: Iwan Baan
Cover Photo Credit: Al Janoub Stadium by Zaha Hadid – Hufton + Crow
Contributions from Eva Read-Warden, AIA, Brooke Whitehurst, Associate AIA & Joshua Pisors
