My job is a game that I have been playing for 20 years but will never master. There is always more to learn and everything I learn makes the game more complex, challenging and interesting.
The goal is to create the project (the home and garden) within the rules of the game. Over time I keep adding more. The rules are basically a set of values that I apply to design that make my work incredibly meaningful to me (and hopefully to my clients). The alternate but standard path to design is a style or fashion based approach that addresses our most immediate and shallow concerns. There is no one right answer or approach to architecture but when I make decisions based on the values that I’ve been thinking about for years, it sure feels like the right approach.
How much life can it support
Maximize productivity with as few external inputs as possible.
Productive - for humans, plants, insects, birds, future generations...
Inputs - money, time, electricity, gas, water, chemicals, maintenance etc...
How stable can it be
How stable can it be when everyday life is disrupted during and after a hurricane, wildfire, drought, flooding, pandemic, civil unrest. How well does it work If supply chains are cut or you lose power, water, internet, delivery services, or when regular maintenance by others isn’t happening.
Make it beautiful
A beautiful house and garden is more likely to be valued and to still be around in 100 years.
It must age well
If the day it is finished is the best it will ever look and you are trying to maintain that state forever, something is wrong. A home and a garden should become more complex and interesting over time and it should be designed with longevity and the future in mind. Remember, a touch of grey kinda suits you anyway.
Honesty
Can the guts and bones be beautiful? Can you remove decorative finishes and ornamental elements? Keep it simple.
*Professionally-be open, generous and kind. Work with people who value these traits.
Be wary of new trends
“It looks cool” isn’t enough. Yes, it should look cool but not at the cost of performance, longevity etc. My job is to think critically about every aspect of a home or garden. At one point you thought MC Hammer's pants were cool so you should be skeptical of “cool”.
Show your work
Present and clearly explain your reasoning and let the clients choose. Remember that they don’t have the same experience as you and they can’t make a good decision if they don’t understand the ramifications of those choices. Slow down and explain it.
How many functions can each element serve
It is lazy to design big luxurious houses with every new feature and a room for every function. The urge to collect more things and have every creature comfort is short sighted. A thoughtful design creates more with less.
Maintain flexibility, priorities change
A home for a couple may become a home for an extended family. An addition, a home office, a gym space, solar panels or a pool may be necessities in the future. Design for individuals and make the design able to accommodate change.
Every project is an opportunity
Every project has the potential to improve a home, garden, neighborhood, habitat, and the lives of all that encounter it. The more work, thought and passion that I put into a project the greater the effect.
Honor Courage & Commitment
These core values serve me well as a Naval Officer and I try to apply them to all aspects of my life.
HONOR: I am accountable for my professional and personal behavior. I will be mindful of the privilege I have to serve my fellow Americans.
COURAGE: Courage is the value that gives me the moral and mental strength to do what is right, with confidence and resolution, even in the face of temptation or adversity.
COMMITMENT: The day-to-day duty of every man and woman in the Department of the Navy is to join together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people and ourselves.