I was very happy to leave the Southwest. The lack of rain and big trees really didn’t suit me. That said, one thing I do miss about the SW is the stunning array of architecture. Yes, there’s stunning and unique architecture on just about every corner of the planet, but SW architecture has a certain quality, such as the ability to stand out from the landscape.
In the Pacific Northwest, many of the structures I love blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, while SW structures I like tend to stand out boldly. I adore both types of work, it’s just different. …read more

Today I was thinking, who am I to say which Offbeat Homes posts are the most classic. I like to do one classic post a week, but frankly I tend to dwell on which home I’d like to see again, which ones you’d all love to see again, and so fourth.
That said, I decided to go with random.
I closed my eyes, tried to navigate the categories and hit Commercial Structures. Actually that’s sort of a lie. Since my eyes were closed I clicked on two ads accidentally before catching a break, and actually snagging a category. I figured you didn’t …read more

I was looking for a different house when I came across this slice of unique; the Houses of Goa museum created by Panjim local architect Gerard da Cunha.
I guess its skinny nature would encourage you to stick to that New Years diet resolution.

A little tilting though. Sort of makes you dizzy.

There are many architect awards each year but the BusinessWeek & Architectural Record Awards actually awards not only form, design, and beauty but also awards based on contribution to business. The 10th year winners were recently announced. There were over 100 applicants this year from worldwide teams of architects and their business clients so the jury; a mix of editors from BusinessWeek and Architectural Record had a tough job I bet.
According to BusinessWeek, “The strategic impact of these designs can be seen in everything from higher ticket sales at the theater to improved employee retention, better brand awareness, and …read more

There’s been some nice happenings at Architectural Digest lately. They have a fun video up with their latest open auditions for architects and designers — sort of like a mini reality show but architect based. I thought the video was interesting. You can vote for your favorites. There’s also information on how to RSVP for their second open audition in South Florida in January.
The cool contest:
Currently AD is running a random drawing book give away for their newest book, Private Views: Inside the World’s Greatest Homes. 10 winners and an easy sign up. (No purchase or anything like that). I …read more

I recently found a cool new blog called Antidote to Burnout by a San Francisco architect who returns to construction in Vietnam — to avoid the burnout mentioned. It’s a great blog with some stunning and wacky architecture such as…
HCMC House 10

I’ve never seen something quite like this but it’s so great.
This post was brought to you by the number 3 and the letter S.

Technical status wise — things are much calmer today. That’s good news for us folks who like to proceed in a somewhat orderly fashion, (like me). Yesterday I brought you some Q&A with the very cool Bart Prince. Today I’ve got a little more of that and some more neat examples of his work. Plus some super keen links to check out.
Most creative folks like having their very own place to brainstorm and work. I write and my own little place is called the “one room office with desk.” And although I do have a spiffy chair as well, I’d …read more

First off, so sorry about the late posting today; technical difficulties way beyond my control. Hopefully it’s all good now.
This week there is an “Offbeat Hot” but there will be no “Offbeat Not,” because when Bart Prince is in the house how can you possibly complain?
My house is full of architectural books and magazines and discussions often turn towards home building and design. But frankly, although I enjoy this stuff, hearing about drywall, soffits, or PV modules for the umpteenth time isn’t that exciting. What’s exciting to me is to see unique design in structures; architectural pieces that …read more