Design is about Getting Out There

Photos courtesy of build, llc

A really good post from the folks at build, an experiential architecture firm who I have high regard for. They host lots of cool events and have an amazing blog sharing their experiences and processes. They recently held an event where they allow students and fellow architects to come and tour some of their projects, ask questions, etc. They are open to new ideas, new approaches, etc. and in doing so I think they make not only their work more visible but it becomes an attractive recruiting tool for their practice. I truly think this is a new model for how to run your business. Let your friends, your colleagues and even, gasp! (your enemies or competitors in...) to have a completely transparent view into process, etc. At the end of the day if we are all offering similar services it is truly the brand of you, the experience of what you offer that creates distinction and niche in the marketplace. One more thing I'd like to add is that design is about getting out there. In many disciplines of design it is a truly solo or individual effort. The graphic designer or architect working along at their desk, etc. I think this is an important thing, a reality of the creative professions we embark on. However, inspiration rarely springs from these moments I find. It is when the pencil is down, the mouse is tucked away, the power switch clicks off and you venture outside in sometimes completely unrelated events to design that inspiration for design hits. It is a social experience. It is going to a museum or a show, wandering the aisles at a truly great bookstore that is not a national chain, having a great meal, hanging out with friends, taking a road trip, etc. It is difficult for business types (suits) to get the idea of why creatives need to spring from the lockdown of cubicle land to bring fresh ideas back in the building but I know for myself I always feels re-energized when I can take fellow designers out to see what's going on within and outside of our own discipline whether it be design or the specific business niche we are serving.