As a way to cleverly get to know our Foley Design Employees, we have come up with our own series called "Humans of Foley Design", inspired by the photoblog called "Humans of New York". Each month or so, we will feature 1 employee and they will answer the following questions in hopes of getting to know their own design perspectives. Our first feature is with Laser Dave as he is leaving us for the Windy City, Chicago, and we wanted to get to show case his architectural background before his last day, so enjoy;
1. When/why did you decide you wanted to pursue architecture/design as a career?
I was a research associate in the neurobiology department at a university in Pittsburgh and felt like I wanted to do something more creative. I took a couple architecture classes and decided to make the switch from science to architecture.
2. Knowing what you now know about architecture/design and the world of architecture/design, what's the one piece of advice you’d offer to a large group of undergrad/grad students who have only just begun their journey?
School is not even half of your education in architecture. At least for me, school taught me how to think about design (problem-solving), and the profession is much more nuts and bolts and practicality. Both are necessary! And a bonus piece of advice: architecture can spoil your experience of the world around you...You become aware of all sorts of things that may or may not bother or confuse you. Be prepared!
3. What have you found to be the most challenging set of circumstances and/or your greatest professional struggle?
Balancing work/life, also stated as estimating how long it will take to accomplish something.
4. How has architecture transformed your awareness of the world at large?
It changes everything! You think about the design (or non-design) of everything at all scales. You can even pick up a pencil and think, wow this pencil is so well designed! (I'm looking at a pencil right now and thinking that.)
5. While I definitely know there's an arc to the architectural career path, is there an art to the type of architecture/design you currently create?
I try to stick to the mantra from a studio guest reviewer: Architecture should be like Hemingway. Think about that.
6. With the constant barrage of regulations, redevelopments, resets, and just, general BS, how do you look beyond what is and envision what could be?
Another inspiration I learned from architecture school: Creativity is always there, it should flow freely. You can always come up with a solution to a design challenge. Don't allow yourself to get stuck!
7. What’s been the happiest moment of your architecture/design life? What’s been the saddest moment of your architecture/design life?
The answer to both was the condo combination my partner and I undertook. We made it exactly the way we wanted but made the difficult decision to sell it.
8. Generally speaking, who are the architects, designers, and artists that inspire, challenge, and propel you forward?
Alvar Aalto, Peter Zumthor, Gerhard Richter, Paul Cezanne, Walt Whitman, also nature is incredibly inspiring
9. What’s the biggest misconception about both architecture/design and being an architect/designer?
Most of the public thinks you A. must be a math genius, and B. make lots of money. Both clearly misconceptions.