Engage Enthusiastically
The “E” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Engage Enthusiastically. Are you enthusiastically engaged and passionately sharing the work you are doing? If you’re not feeling fully engaged in your work, and you’re not enthusiastically…
Get Grounded
The “G” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Get Grounded. Riddle: What do electrical work and artistic painting have in common? Answer: They both require being grounded. Granted, they have very different grounding techniques, but the…
Knit together
The “K” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Knit Together. What does “Architecture” (with a capital A) have that transcends mere building? Architecture is the knitting together of people and ideas to create places of profound richness…
Leave Leavening
The “L” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Leave Leavening. Most times the best answers (and designs) are open-ended and invite further inquiry. Ever been in a conversation with a “know-it-all”? First, it’s not really a conversation if…
Own it. Share it.
The “O” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Own it. Share it. As it relates to design, ownership is about an emotional or intellectual relationship. It is incumbent upon designers to engage all project participants along the way,…
Practice Passionately
The “P” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Practice Passionately. When you are “in the zone” of your craft, you feel it, and others do too. Cultivate it. If you’re not engaged in what you’re doing, no one else will be either. If you’re…
Value others' space
The “V” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Value Others’ Space. Architects’ value in shaping space shouldn’t end with the physical environment. As designers our work is in creating meaningful relationships among things and people. An…
Woo Wonder
The “W” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Woo Wonder. Sometimes it’s best to turn off the amplifiers and simply listen. “Unplugging” is a wonderful tool. Not only does it reconnect you with who you are, it enables you to reconnect with…
X means here
The “X” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: X Means Here. While we all have memories and dreams, only here are we fully present. As an elemental form of signature, an “X” records a human presence. We have only the present and our…
Yearning isn't enough
The “Y” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Yearning Isn’t Enough. Yearning for the perfect design opportunity is like waiting for the perfect lover. A college education opens worlds of possibilities and inspires a yearning for realizing…