YWA has been underway on a project with PGT for quite some time, and as we wrap up final construction, we reached out to Jake to work with us on a custom concrete staircase. We picked through sample colors and concrete techniques, brainstorming together how to achieve a common goal of excellence and functionality. (Follow along for updates regarding our custom stair design and the construction process!)
As architects, we take great pride in designing not only beautiful experiences, but structures that work. Of course we all enjoy elegant renderings of dreamed-up spaces, but when it comes to how something is going to be built in the real world, we take responsibility to research and find solutions ahead of time. Part of this crucial step is collaborating with other artists and creators. We are granted the honor of learning a “little bit about a lot of things” in this field, and are always eager to continue growing in this aspect. The knowledge acquired through a specialty in one project carries over into all future project ideas.
The majority of the architects’ work takes place in an office, either on paper or a screen, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy getting our hands dirty as well. I always find an odd sense of comfort in the disarray of well-loved workshops. With a background in ceramic sculpture, pottery, glass work and woodworking, I love finding the commonalities in tools and processes amongst various mediums. Every day we encounter countless “finished products” without needing to think of every little tool and technique that contributed to its’ completion. I find it so humbling to step back and experience this part of the process, and to see how each artist stores and cares for their tools differently.
It's always an honor to be welcomed into another artist’s space and share in their passion. One important topic we discussed with Jake is the notion that clients are typically far more willing to
“pay for products rather than service.” Our goal with exposing more backstories of those we work with will show the person behind the masterpiece, and help establish the appreciation and respect that creators deserve. I love that Jake finishes each of his pieces with an embedded metal signature, allowing him to take ownership of his work, making it impossible to separate the person from the product. Imagine a world where every item we use on the daily basis was signed by the person who brought it into existence!
Stay tuned for more insights to the lives of those we collaborate with! And in the meantime, I challenge you to look a little deeper into the background of the “art” surrounding you in your own life.
